Aromatherapy
The Therapy That Makes Scents
by Corinne Friedman
<--Back to listThe pure essences distilled from aromatic plants have been prized for their health-giving qualities for thousands of years. Using the beneficial properties of oils, you can treat common ailments, promote good health and emotional well-being, and enhance every aspect of your life. These potent, volatile essences are nature's gift to mind, body, and spirit.
Essential oils can evoke smell imagery; sometimes the smell of a certain aroma can instantly bring back memories of a childhood scene. Some scents can make us feel relaxed while others can make us feel energized and alive--this is the power of aroma.
For centuries it has been common knowledge that scents produce mental and physical responses. Using plant, flower, and spice essences for beauty treatments (and to help with physical ailments) is common and has been practiced since ancient times.Today, aromatherapy is moving out of the "health alternatives" and into the mainstream, such as in the workplace (to improve productivity, especially in the afternoon, when companies release lemon or peppermint through vent ducts - a great "pick-me-up"!). Airlines and hotels are also looking at aromatherapy as a jet-lag cure.
Some believe that essential oils contain the vital force of plants, hormones, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and the consciousness of the plant. They provide a therapeutic effect by elevating or suppressing action within the body. The oils enhance brain wave functions and improve psychic and spiritual awareness, working directly with the sensory motor system, and thus bringing balance to the body.
The chemical components of the oils, after analysis, show that they have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic qualities. Many of the oils also support the function of the immune system by acting as an antiseptic and healing agent. Additionally, some oils can affect the hormonal system, while others can stimulate an opening to emotional blocks.
I have witnessed the profound effects of essential oils, creating mental, emotional, and physical shifts. People report feeling more joyful, happier, and uplifted. I like applying lemongrass on the pulse points, such as the temples, wrists, and ankles to enhance emotional expression. In addition, rubbing lavender on the feet aids in relaxation and promotes balance.
Essential oils have a tremendous affect on our bodies, and will continue to play a major role in our health preservation during these times of increasing disease and stress. Sometimes the quality of essential oils can vary greatly. Because essential oils carry specific vibratory frequency, they must be of excellent quality.
Corinne Friedman began working with the holistic model in 1980 and has been practicing Aromatherapy since 1990. She practices Aromatherapy at her company: Renewal, located in Palo Alto, California
