Aromatherapy
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How can aromatherapy nourish you?
Aromatherapy is a holistic practice which involves using plant oils in carefully blended combinations to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing[1]. The essential oils may be evaporated in an oil burner, added to bath water, or diluted in a carrier oil[2] and massaged onto the skin.
It is believed that the practice of using aromatic plant oils to support healing and wellbeing was based on the discovery of ancient Egyptian artefacts[3] thought to have been used for extracting essential oils. In its modern form, aromatherapy dates back to the work of a French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, who coined the term in the early 20th century[4]. Gattefossé used lavender essential oil to successfully treat severe burns he sustained in a laboratory explosion.
The aromatic compounds that give essential oils their characteristic fragrances can also have physiological and emotional effects[5]. It is very important to remember that even though they come from plants, these aromatic oils contain potent chemicals that can be toxic if ingested and can cause burns or irritation if they come in contact with the skin in their pure form[6]. Aromatherapy oils must be diluted in a suitable carrier oil if used for massage, and combined with a dispersant[7] if added to your bath. It is also recommended to never consume essential oils by mouth[8], even in a diluted form.
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Practitioners offering Aromatherapy
Benefits of aromatherapy
At the sensory level, aromatherapy is believed to affect the limbic system of the brain, which may stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that make you feel relaxed and peaceful, or energised and motivated[9], depending on what oils are used. Research indicates that aromatherapy may significantly promote calmness and reduce agitation in elderly people[10] with severe dementia.
There is evidence to suggest aromatherapy massage may help alleviate anxiety and depression in cancer patients[11] for up to two weeks after treatment. Aromatherapy may also have beneficial effects on sleep quality in people with advanced cancer[12].
The results of a study comparing the application tea-tree oil with a synthetic acne treatment suggested that while both formulations may be effective in treating acne[13], there were less side effects associated with using the essential oil. There is evidence to suggest aromatherapy may have significant benefits for pain reduction, especially related to surgical procedures or childbirth[14].
Aromatherapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to:
What to expect from an aromatherapy session
Your aromatherapist will start by asking you about the condition you wish to treat, as well as enquiring about your medical history[15] and any known allergies that you may suffer from. The practitioner will then choose a combination of essential oils that are believed to have beneficial effects[16] for your health concern.
A practitioner who combines massage with aromatherapy oils uses a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil[17] to dilute the purified extract to a safe concentration. Your aromatherapist will then massage the fragrant oil into your skin, and possibly also provide you with a personally customised blend[18] that you can take home and use in an oil burner or diffuser.
As long as essential oils are treated with respect and used with care, the main risk associated with aromatherapy involves the possibility of an allergic reaction[19]. If you are self-administering aromatherapy, for example by using an oil burner, always keep essential oils out of reach of children to minimise the risk of poisoning[20].
As with any exercise or wellness program, please consult your medical professional before commencing aromatherapy. If you have an injury or other health issue, particularly if you have any known allergies, it is important to inform your aromatherapist. Your practitioner will be happy to address your concerns and customise the treatment to your individual requirements.
References
1. Russell T, Howard A. The 10 Best Essential Oils for Stress in 2022. PsychCentral; 2022.
2. Cronkleton E. Aromatherapy Uses and Possible Benefits. Healthline; 2024.
3. Müller U. The history of aromatherapy – then and now. Stadler Form; 2020.
4. The Real Story of René-Maurice Gattefossé – Essential Oils During the Past Century Part II. OilWellEssentials4Health; 2016.
5. Aromatherapy. Better Health Channel; 2024.
6. Essential oils – Health warning. HealthyWA; [cited on 2024 Dec 4].
7. Bath Safety: how to use essential oils safely in the bath. Tisserand Institute; 2024.
8. Is it safe to use essential oils? Choice; 2024.
9. Aromatherapy. Good Therapy; 2024.
10. Ballard CG, O’Brien JT, Reichelt K, Perry EK. Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry; 2002.
11. Wilkinson SM, Love SB, Westcombe AM, Gambles MA, Burgess CC, Cargill A, et al. Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in the management of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology; 2007.
12. Russell T, Howard A. The 10 Best Essential Oils for Stress in 2022. PsychCentral; 2022.
13. Bassett IB, St C Barnetson R, Pannowitz DL. A comparative study of tea‐tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. The Medical Journal of Australia; 1990.
14. Kuriyama H, Watanabe S, Nakaya T, Shigemori I, Kita M, Yoshida N, et al. mmunological and psychological benefits of aromatherapy massage. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; 2005.
15. Szilagyi C. Aromatherapy: What you need to know. Medical News Today; 2024.
16. Aromatherapy. Breastcancer.org; 2024.
17. Lane J. Why Use Fractionated Coconut Oil With Essential Oils? Loving Essential Oils; 2024.
18. White. What are the main types of complementary therapy? Bupa; 2024.
19. Irritation and allergic reactions. Tisserand Institute; 2024.
20. Lee KA, Harnett JE, Cairns R. Essential oil exposures in Australia: analysis of cases reported to the NSW Poisons Information Centre. The Medical Journal of Australia; 2019.
Frequently asked questions
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