What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of treatment that uses aromatic volatile liquids, or essential oils, distilled from shrubs, flowers, roots, seeds and trees. The father of aromatherapy is Rene-Maurice Gattefosse a French cosmetic chemist who cured himself from a serious burn by using lavender essential oil. He was able to save the lives of many soldiers suffering battlefield injuries during World War II.

According to Gary Young, one of the pioneers researching and distilling essential oils in North America, essential oils are reemerging as a key solution to the challenges facing modern lifestyles. The oils made from aromatic compounds from plants are some of the oldest and most powerful therapeutic agents known and have been used in healing and annointing religious rituals for thousands of years. Clinically the essential oils have an influence in the central nervous system helping to reduce pain and release muscle tension. The chemical structure of the oils can penetrate the cell membranes and travels throughout the blood stream oxygenating the cells.

The use of essential oils bring positive benefits to the body and mind stimulating immune function, regenerating damaged tissue and helping overcome anxiety and hyperactivity. They can be taken internally or applied onto the skin as well as used in inhalation treatment. The effect of the fragrance on the sense of smell can increase oxygenation in the brain, specially on the hypothalamus. Essential oils may also combat infectious disease by killing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.