What is Aromatherapy?

The art of aromatherapy has been developed and refined for centuries. Once banned as sorcery, the power of aroma awakens our instincts and subconscious responses. Of our five human senses, our sense of smell is the one sense that most triggers memory. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to note the effect of smell on the unconscious mind.
Essential oils are fatty solubles, capable of penetrating cell walls, even if particular cell walls have hardened due to oxygen deficiency. These oils can affect every cell of the body within twenty minutes and are metabolized like other nutrients. They are powerful antioxidants that create an unfriendly environment for damaging free radicals. Essential oils prevent all mutations; work as free radical scavengers; prevent fungus; and prevent oxidation in the cells.
Essential oils are incredibly health promoting. They are anti-bacterial, anti- fungal, anti-infectious, anti-microbial, anti-tumoral, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and antiseptic. They have been shown to destroy all tested bacteria and viruses while simultaneously restoring physiological balance to the body. Essential oils, therefore, have the ability to detoxify cells and blood in the human body and promote healing.
Essential oils are aromatic and when diffused, provide purification in a number of ways. They remove metallic particles and toxins from the air thereby increasing atmospheric oxygen. They increase ozone and negative ions in the immediate area which inhibits bacterial growth. They eliminate odors from mold, cigarettes and animals, filling the air with a fresh, aromatic scent. This scent promotes emotional, physical and spiritual well being. Aromatherapy uses the powerful properties of essential oils to balance and enhance one’s mood.
How does this work? Since our sense of smell is so much more sensitive than our other senses, the invisible world of scent surrounds us with powerful influences. Unlike synthetic fragrances, pure essential oils are natural compounds derived from plants. Their biochemical composition stimulates our brains, affecting mood and well being. Since essential oils have a bio-electrical frequency several times greater than the frequency of herbs, food and even the human body, research has shown essential oils can quickly raise the frequency of the human body, restoring it to its normal, healthy level. Aromatherapy can be used to recharge, rejuvenate, relax and soothe one’s whole being. However, the use of essential oils – aromatherapy – is not without precautions. Due to their ability to penetrate cell walls, essential oils should not be used by pregnant women, people with high blood pressure and those with a history of epilepsy. Never ingest essential oils and do not use undiluted oils on your skin.
Various oils, either by themselves or in combination with other essential oils, can be used to achieve a distinct result. Try sweet orange in a lamp ring in the afternoon for a refreshing pick-me-up. Use geranium essential oil to balance the mind, body and spirit. If you need to clear your head during stressful moments of the day, a combination of peppermint, spearmint, lavender and lemon essential oils will provide a quick fix. And after the emotional stress of the day, a few drops of lavender added to a diffuser at bedtime, will help you sleep soundly and peacefully.