Aromatherapy

When first confronted with the word Aromatherapy, one can be forgiven for thinking that this form of healing is exclusive to the sense of smell, and therefore only works on the emotional level. This is not the case as each oils combination of constituents has the ability to interact directly with the body's chemistry, which in turn affects certain organs or systems as a whole.

When used in massage, the oils are absorbed into the blood stream through the skin and are transported throughout the body. This can be demonstrated by rubbing garlic onto the soles of the feet. The volatile oil content is taken into the blood stream and the odour will appear on the breath a short time later. Each oil varies in absorption time.

When inhaled, odour signals are passed directly into the limbic system. This evokes an immediate emotional or instinctive response. The odour molecules then pass into the lungs and are absorbed into the blood stream via the alveoli.

The blood containing these molecules is then passed through the heart and transported throughout the body via the circulatory system. As each oil has an affinity with a specific part of the body, eg. spices particularly affect the digestion, the molecules of the oil being used will pass to its own relevant part of the body. Waste and toxins are then processed by the liver and kidneys and eliminated mainly by the lungs but also by the urine and sweat.

There are three main ways that oil interrelates with the human body: pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically. It is essential that these three modes of action are recognised.

The pharmacological effect is concerned with the chemical changes which take place when the essential oil enters the bloodstream and reacts with the hormones and enzymes.

The physiological mode is how the oil affects the system of the body. ie. sedative, stimulant, relaxing etc.

Finally, the psychological mode affects the emotional level ie. the individuals' response to the odour when inhaled. On the pharmacological and physiological levels, aromatherapy has much in common with traditional herbalism or phytotherapy. The reaction between the body and the oils are mainly chemical and therefore physical changes are induced.

It is important to use high quality oils, as any that are not absolute will have a lessened therapeutic value. Many oils, such as lavender, tea tree and the citrus oils are inexpensive to buy, but others, such as rose and melissa can be very expensive. Always invest in the quality brands that are 100%. This will be reflected in the price.

I highly recommend Young Living Essential oils which are organic and 100% pure therapeutic grade.

Essential oils are amazing and there is a whole world out there to be explored. Have fun!

For further information on specific oils, please visit my other site Essentially Young . To order therapeutic grade essential oils, essential oil products, for personal and wholesale use, or to even to become a Young Living essential oils independent distributor, please visit Young Living