Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the systematic use of volatile plant oils known as essential oils for the treatment or prevention of disease. It is a form of complementary therapy designed to treat the whole person and not just the symptom or disease by assisting the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself.

Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed via the skin, and whilst breathing they enter the lungs. These therapeutic constituents next enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body where they can deliver their beneficial healing powers. Because they are highly concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results. When using good quality essential oils correctly, the soothing combination of beautiful aromas, massage, aromatic baths and other treatments all work to regulate, balance, heal and maintain your entire being by working with nature, and not against it.

The word aromatherapy actually means the use of essential oils (many of which have magnificent aromas) found in various plant parts like flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, bark or wood in a curative manner. Aroma or essence is found everywhere and it influences our mood in a wide variety of ways. Aromas of some spices like cinnamon and cardamom in the kitchen water the mouth while lavender scented candles around the tub soothe the nervous system. Rose petals in bathing water improve the skin texture, dried citrus fruits freshen the indoor air and sandalwood powder alleviates stress. Aroma of ginger in tea eases cold symptoms and meditating with the use of incense in a dimly lit room and a restful environment calms the mind and sets the mood.

The term aromatherapy was coined only recently when it has been practiced in the fareast for centuries. The method of oil extraction from the specific plant parts though is extensive labor demanding with plentiful knowledge and expertise, it is highly rewarding. Only a few drops of coconut oil is needed to massage the head for headache relief while brushing with just a little twig of neem every morning is enough to make your teeth sparkle for the entire day.

Practitioners use ayurvedic aromatherapy to protect the vital force, life or prana, improve respiration and blood circulation, regulate digestion and metabolic activities, deflect diseases and increase resistance and tolerance, skin care, mood enhancement and most importantly boost longevity. Massaging with essential oil alone or in combination has been known to act on the ‘vata’ ‘dosha’ which takes its toll on the body as we age resulting in dry, wrinkled skin, imbalances in body and mind.