Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural healing art which utilizes essential oils extracted from aromatic plant materials to treat many conditions holistically. This includes physical, mental and emotional conditions. There are many uses for aromatherapy including: headache and migraine relief, muscle tension/pain release, immune stimulant, hormone balancing, dealing with grief and loss, stress relief, regulating digestion, treating infections/wounds and enhancing sensuality.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances having a complex chemical structure containing anywhere between 50 - 500 different chemicals (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, phenols, oxides and terpenes). They are extracted by a number of different methods. These include: enfleurage, cold expression, the use of solvents, carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam distillation. As essential oils are extremely concentrated, they should not be applied directly to the skin or taken internally. They are usually blended with a carrier oil (vegetable oil) when used in massage or diluted with water when used in baths or vaporizers. All essential oils are anti-bacterial and many of them are anti-viral or possess anti-fungal properties.

The word aromatherapy originates from the Greek word "aroma" meaning fragrance, and "therapy" meaning treatment; as such, aromatherapy is literally a treatment method utilizing fragrance or scent; a practice which dates back to 4500BC, Egypt. With the assistance and knowledge of a certified aromatherapy practitioner, aromatherapy can be used successfully to achieve restoration and balance of the entire body.

Aromatherapy is available and complementary to any other health care service(s) such as reflexology, massage, meditation, yoga or energy healing. Sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

By Casey Mulcaster, RTR, RA®, EOT®, Aromatherapy Instructor, Certified Reflexologist, Advanced Sekhem Practitioner. Visit: www.amarnaholistic.ca