Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
Introduction
History
Modes of Application
Clinical Aromatherapy
Examples of Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Safety Concerns
Practical Safety Concerns
Carrier Oils
Introduction
Aroma
Therapy
Treatment
The use of essential oils in holistic healing to improve health and emotional well-being and
in restoring balance to the body is known as aromatherapy.
Used to alter ones:
Mood
Cognitive
Psychological well-being
History
Tittle aromatherapy was first coined by French Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1928, when he
accidentally used lavender oil for his burned Hand
French Army Surgeon, Jean Volnet pioneered the use of aromatherapy. He applied it cure the
wounds of soldiers during World War II
The use of aroma oil is known to be as old as 6000 years
In 4500 B.C., Egyptians used cedar wood oil to preserve the dead bodies
Hippocrates recommended regular aromatherapy bath for health improvement
Romans utilized essential oils for pleasure and to cure pain
Modes of Application
Inhalation
Topical Application
Inhalation
Simplest and effective method
Inhaled through lungs via nose
Beneficial for respiratory problems, sinus congestion, flu, cough, colds, catarrh and sore
throat
Facial Steam
Atomizers
Nebulizers
Direct Inhalation
Modes of Application
Topical Application
Essential oils are applied over the skin
Due to lipophilic nature, they penetrate through the skin surface
Absorbed into lymph and then circulatory system
May be done through:
Bath
Foot Bath
Compresses
Massage
Clinical Aromatherapy
VIA SKIN
Due to lipophilic nature of essential oils, they easily penetrate the skin surface and
absorbed into blood via lymph
Essential oil
Sub-Cutaneous Layer
Lymph Vessels
Lymph
Vein
Sub-Cutaneous Layer
Lymph Vessels
Systemic Circulation
Clinical Aromatherapy
VIA NOSE
Aroma
Impulse
Nose
Cilia
Olfactory lobe
Receptors in Cilia
Limbic system
Impulse
Generate response
Safety Concerns
They should never be used directly because some oils may irritate sensitive skin or cause
photosensitivity
They should be blended in adequate proportion with the carrier oils
They should be stored in a cool place in darkened bottles to avoid photo-oxidation of components
Take out a patch test before applying
Must not be taken orally as they irritate mucous membrane
Due to concentrated and potency of pure essential oils, dilution in a carrier oils is recommended
Carrier Oils
o These are vegetable oils or base oils
o Used to retain properties of the aroma oil
o They do not mask its aroma
o For Example, soya oil and wheat germ oil
End