Essentially, Aromatherapy Works

The Editors at Integrative Healthcare

April 21st, 2004

This next article gives quite a bit of credibility to aromatherapy in a very simple and straightforward way. The orangutan story is particularly telling. Please note that the article references NAHA (The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy). This association is the most highly regarded for healthcare professionals in the aromatherapy realm. Incidentally, the Institute’s distance learning Aromatherapy Essentials program was designed specifically for massage therapists and is approved by NAHA.

Essentially, aromatherapy works

By Lisa Ryckman, Rocky Mountain News

Using odors to treat illness spans time and culture, dating back more than 5,000 years to Ancient Egypt. The modern version of aromatherapy has a holistic focus that uses highly concentrated natural plant essences called essential oils to promote emotional and physical health.

“The emotional benefits come from inhalation,” says Laraine Kyle, director of the Institute of Integrative Aromatherapy in Boulder. “For physical problems, more often the application is topical.” Certain oils have specific effects on emotional and physical health, aromatherapists say, because they help release neurochemicals in the brain that reduce pain and promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Neurologist-psychiatrist Alan Hirsch says that any smell a person likes will make them feel good, whether it’s an all-natural essential oil or a $3 bottle of shampoo. “There’s reasonable evidence odors can have effect on all sorts of different conditions,” he says. “But what works for you might be different than what works for me.” Or what works for the orangutan next door. The Denver Zoo uses essential oils to calm their great apes, and several aromatherapy practices specialize in animals.

Kyle says certain oils help in specific ways; floral and citrus scents, for example, are known for mood elevation and stabilizing.”Of course we involve the client in selecting the fragrance they prefer, because it’s meant to be something enjoyable and something someone really prefers to use,” Kyle says. “Often we blend several different oils together to make a composite blend.”

People often make the mistake of using essential oils full-strength when they might actually be more effective if diluted, Kyle says. ” For psychological benefit, such as insomnia, anxiety, agitation or depression, we use a very mild concentration,” says Kyle, who recommends a ratio of six drops of essential oil to one ounce of lotion or massage oil.

Here are the top 10 essential oils and their uses from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy:

Eucalyptus: Helpful in treating respiratory problems; helps boost the immune system; relieves muscle tension.
Ylang Ylang: Aids relaxation; reduces muscle tension. Good antidepressant.
Geranium: Helps to balance hormones in women; good for balancing the skin. Can be both relaxing and uplifting.
Peppermint: Useful in treating headaches, muscle aches and digestive disorders.
Lavender: Relaxing; also useful in skin care and treating wounds and burns.
Lemon: Very uplifting yet relaxing. Helpful in treating wounds and infections; useful as house cleaner and deodorizer.
Clary Sage: Natural painkiller; helpful in treating muscular aches and pains. Very relaxing; can help with insomnia. Also helps balance hormones.
Tea Tree: A natural anti-fungal oil. Also helps boost the immune system.
Roman Chamomile: Very relaxing; can help with sleeplessness and anxiety. Also good for muscle aches and tension. Useful in treating wounds and infection.
Rosemary: Very stimulating and uplifting; aids mental acuity and helps stimulate the immune and digestive systems. Very good for muscle aches and tension.

Ryckmanl@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2736