Aromatherapy and your creativity!
From right to left, I waived the brown, one half-ounce bottle underneath my nose. The aroma that I so greatly ingested transported me back to my childhood home. I was suddenly coming into consciousness while stretching my arms up to the heavens and breathing in the fresh July air. I stood on my family’s front porch looking out across the many acres of lush hay fields that my parents owned. While I was still entering into my morning, I was surrounded by the amazing aromas of fresh cut grass and blooming geraniums. The robins and blue jays that swooped through the sparkling blue sky sang their familiar song. All the wonderful signs of nature invited me into my day to dance among the flowers and wrap myself in the sun’s warm blanket. From the first time that I experienced the overwhelming scent of pure geranium oil captured in a stout, glass bottle, I was hooked on what the ancient Egyptians knew to be beneficial thousands of years ago. I started to explore the ancient Art of Aromatherapy only a few months ago. Yet, I knew what I had found to be true about Aromatherapy stretches far beyond my initial expectations. Aromatherapy may invoke different specific responses in each individual. However, the art ultimately engages one’s mind, body and spirit by acting on the body’s nerves bringing harmony, well-being, and balance to one’s life.
Aromatherapy is the art of utilizing pure plant essential oils to heal mental and physical ailments. These oils are extracted from plants, herbs, trees, roots, and flowers by primarily distillation or expression. These organic oils that are used in Aromatherapy are sometimes referred to as "Life Force" oils because the oils are essential to its plant’s biological process. Each essential oil is made up of 150 to 300 natural chemicals that provide the oil with the soothing and healing properties.
Humans, dating back 6000 years, have recognized the healing properties of essential oils. The ancient Egyptians began using the oils in their mummification process only to realize the oils have many other uses. People of 15th Century Europe used essential oils to mask body odor and guard against illness. Yet, it was not until the 1920’s when a French chemist Dr. Rene-Maurice Gattefossè coined the term "Aromatherapy" and is now considered the father of the modern practice. Today, people around the world use essentials oils to heal ailments, comfort emotions, relieve anxiety, enhance moods, and recapture balance throughout the body.
Essential oils have a wide variety of actual uses. One of the most common oils is Geranium. This oil is used to ease stress, to balance emotions and hormones, and to relieve fatigue. The most useful and versatile oil is Lavender. Lavender has calming and antibacterial properties, relieves headaches and heals skin after burns. Peppermint is another essential oil that brightens moods, enhances memory, and improves mental clarity. Another common essential oil is Rosemary. Rosemary is specifically used to energize. Rosemary coupled with Peppermint is a great alternative to a caffeine boost. Tea tree is an essential oil that helps build immunity against bacteria. This oil is used by many women who suffer from frequent yeast infections or Candidas. Lastly, Ylang Ylang is an essential oil which is not as common, yet it reduces anger, aids in sleep, and balances overall mind, body, and spirit. These six essential oils are just a few of the array of plant oils that are used in Aromatherapy. Also, these specific uses are only a few that apply. Ultimately, Aromatherapy is an act of exploration and the one who explores that most will uncover wonderful uses specific to their individual needs.
So, I discover myself amongst eleven other souls passing around strips of white paper that have been dabbed with a variety of essential oils. We had all gathered for an informational workshop about Aromatherapy. At the beginning of the workshop, we introduced ourselves to each other and identified the reason that we were attending. Even though we had all conjugated to learn about the ancient art, we all had different needs and motivations that brought us together. Attentively, we listened to the professor who is an expert in Aromatherapy and methods of Alternative Medicine. We were eager to learn how Aromatherapy worked and how it would satisfy our own personal needs.
Aromatherapy works by activating the sense of smell. The sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than any other sense. Therefore when the aromas of the essential oils are inhaled, the body’s olfactory nerves, which run from the inside of thenose to the brain, are instantly affected. Aromatherapy can be practiced through several different methods. The most common methods are diffusion, massage, in baths, and inhalation. Diffusing essential oils into the air requires a diluted solution of oil and distilled water. Diffusion can be done through a fan diffuser, vaporizer or through a candle burning device. For massage, all essential oils must be used in a carrier oil such as almond or avocado oil which allows for better distribution across the skin. Another calming method of Aromatherapy is placing a diluted solution of oil in a bath either in the morning or before bed. Lastly, the method of inhalation requires a diluted solution of oils to be placed in boiling water. For inhalation, a towel is placed over the head and the face is lowered over the top of the steaming water to breath in the vapors. These four methods are most common and present the best results.
Since essential oils act upon the body’s sense of smell, the act of Aromatherapy will differ for each individual. Therefore, scent preferences and past experiences related to smell have to be considered when suggesting to use certain essential oils. Therefore even though certain oils are recommended for particular uses, openness is required to create a mixture of oils that is suitable for the individual. Each individual must explore a variety of essential oils to determine what is best for his/her needs. The scope of Aromatherapy is quite vast and having an imagination is imperative to create the most satisfying experience.
Therefore as the end of the workshop approached, I returned to my original questions of the Art of Aromatherapy. How will this method of alternative medicine satisfy my needs and how will this benefit my life? To answer these questions, I reflected back over the previous three hours of the workshop. I remembered being transformed into years past when I was an adolescent and experiencing the scents of life for the first time and smiling in liberating joy. I remembered thoughts of taking my newly gained knowledge and incorporating it into my personal relationships for fresh, new opportunities. I remembered breathing in geranium and instantly craving a sudsy bubble bath with candles lining the bathtub and soaking my entire body in the steamy water. So, I had my answer. Aromatherapy will take me back to comfortable safe places from my childhood, inspire me to be creative with my adventures in life, bring me to a level of deeper consciousness of myself, and soothe my body, mind, and spirit after a stressful day. After being introduced to Aromatherapy, I have incorporated the art into my life as a tool to open up a door to myself that tends to be sealed shut during the crazy routine of my daily life.
I hope that my knowledge and experiences of the Art of Aromatherapy inspire all to try and create a new way to take time for yourself and uncover the mysteries and brilliant ideas that lie within you.
Although these methods of Aromatherapy seem simple, I do not claim to be an expert on them. Therefore be sure to please look into and abide by all safety precautions that accompany the use of essential oils. These simple methods of Aromatherapy can revitalize but make sure to use the
utmost precaution.
