True Aromatherapy is a holistic health modality that utilizes therapeutic plant extracts called essential oils to evoke the body’s own intrinsic healing power. Essential oils support the body in achieving what it does naturally – seeking homeostasis and balance. Aromatherapy health is a vastly different concept than the current commercial idea of “recreational” aromatherapy comprised of scented candles, bubble bath, perfume oils, fragrance plug-ins, etc.
Surprisingly, Aromatherapy is not chiefly about aroma, but rather the processes that occur in the body after its application. Using extracts of aromatic medicinal plants called essential oils Aromatherapy facilitates the body’s own healing power at the cellular level allowing the body’s systems to balance, repair and restore health. Research has established that essential oils are highly unique substances and that they may address some of the unmet challenges of today’s healthcare. Scientific studies confirm that aromatherapy oils may calm, energize, balance, rejuvenate, repair, and purify the mind and body. Other aromatherapy health benefits include reducing pain and inflammation, easing stress, boosting the immune system, acting as quick intervention for colds and flu, combating mold and airborne germs and neutralizing toxins. In addition, studies confirm that essential oils actually discriminate between normal and abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). What does this mean? It means that essential oils can be a lethal weapon for abnormal cells and pathogens, but harmless (and actually beneficial) to normal cells and tissues. Amazing!!! Aromatherapy offers fantastic options for our health care!
We have just recently recognized the true effects of Aromatherapy here in the States and its use is growing rapidly. Dr. Andrew Weil, the “king” of integrative medicine, says Aromatherapy is “the most exciting of all the complementary healthcare modalities”. But in Europe and Australia, Aromatherapy health practices have been accepted as part of customary healthcare for decades, both preventive and curative. There, essential oils are used not only to maintain health but also to correct serious medical problems. Aromatherapy protocols have saved lives when all other conventional medical practices failed.
There are several application methods in which essential oils may be used in Aromatherapy. The three basic methods are: inhalation, topical applications of diluted essential oils and internal methods. Depending on your personal needs and objectives, these three methods may be combined and used together for optimum aromatherapy health. All approaches are practical and straightforward, but guidance from a clinically trained aromatherapist like myself is highly recommended for internal methods of use.
There are a myriad of ways to take charge of your own health with the holistic system of Aromatherapy. Unfortunately, however, many of the essential oils widely sold today are not appropriate for health care. Many are not derived from medicinal plants at all, but are artificial substances synthesized in a laboratory without healing properties. Even “natural” and “genuine” essential oils are commonly adulterated. To fully experience the effects of Aromatherapy, I suggest you step into the arena of Aromatherapy by first educating yourself. Schedule an Aromatherapy consultation or attend/host an Essential Oils Class with me. Working with a professional Aromatherapist is the fast track to learning and reaping the rewards of essential oils. I can teach you which oils suit your individual needs most appropriately and provide you with high quality therapeutic grade oils. I can also identify contraindications and provide accurate safety guidelines for best use and benefit. Not only can you learn to address common or chronic complaints that you may already be treating at home, you may also learn methods to provide additional support for serious illnesses. Aromatherapy protocols with essential oils can be a very powerful adjunct to conventional medical treatments.
Now is the perfect time to become more open and aware of our healthcare options, including our mental health and wellbeing. Let’s admit it, Western allopathic medicine does not hold all of the solutions to our health and happiness. Medical mistakes are responsible for thousands of deaths in this country annually. Prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter drugs are riddled with side effects which can cause organ damage and/or claim lives even when used as directed. It’s actually unfair and unrealistic to expect our doctors to have all of the answers. We must take a greater role in our own welfare, educate ourselves and utilize of a combination of therapies for best effect.
So consider this – after 6,000 years of proven use, Aromatherapy may be more viable and valuable than ever as we face challenges without many affirmative, all-around allopathic answers. Aromatherapy addresses a multitude of issues within a completely natural, drug-free, holistic context. And when used as directed, there are no negative side effects.
I feel aromatherapy is the key to a fulfilling future. Its versatility is unlike anything else. It may affect your skin, your hair, your muscles, joints, respiratory system, nervous system, digestion and circulation. It can also improve your emotional state, focus and concentration, and more. The effects of aromatherapy are numerous. No other modality influences body, mind and spirit as completely as aromatherapy. No other therapeutic practice affects us so profoundly on every level of our humanity. For deep transformation and healing, aromatherapy holds a unique place in the field of medicine and integrative healthcare.