The art and science of aromatherapy is often found
confusing due to the advertising industries persis-
tence in using the term loosely to market their bath,
body, or cleaning products. Let me start by offering
you my definition of aromatherapy, “the holistic use
of essential oils from volatile or aromatic plant material
to initiate healing and promote wellness in people
and animals.” According to Bob Harris, editor of the
International Journal of Aromatherapy, “The
popularization, trivialization and sometimes sensationalism created by
the need to promote the therapy as a commercial product have masked and
harmed the true therapeutic potential of aromatherapy."
In my practice as a registered aromatherapist I custom blend essential oils
chosen for both their chemical constituents and known clinical actions to suit the
individual needs of my clients. The carrier oils and essential oils used in
aromatherapy are applied either through inhalation, hydrotherapy, massage,
compress, or other skin applications. Several things are taken into consideration
when assessing the client’s needs: physical health, emotional health, lifestyle,
medications, allergies, age, and desired results. It is a common misconception
that aromatherapy is only used for psychological reasons to calm those who are
stressed.
There are three basic types of aromatherapy:
Most people are familiar with aesthic aromatherapy, but trained professionals are
more likely to practice therapeutic or psycho-aromatherapy.
My own client base consists of 75% therapeutic clients, 20% psycho-
aromatherapy clients, and 5% aesthic clients. However, most clients usually have
more than one issue that is being addressed. In the classes I teach at Parkland
College we study all three types of aromatherapy but most of my workshops focus
more on the therapeutic applications of essential oils.
Essential oils are adaptable and all of them can be used to help more than one
health concern. Let’s take peppermint as an example: physically it is helpful for
digestive and congestion complaints while emotionally it helps with focusing and is
generally uplifting. All essential oils have the ability to address multiple health
concerns. They are also more effective when you blend 2-3 oils together because
you create a synergy where the total effect is greater than any single oil. An
example of a synergistic blend that I might use for a digestive problem would be:
essential oils of peppermint, ginger and lemon. The number of drops used would
depend on who we were using it on and the method of application. For example
you could use one ounce of carrier oil (grape seed, apricot kernel, jojoba, etc.)
and for a healthy adult add a total of 12-15 drops of essential oil. It could be
equally divided into 4 drops of each essential oil for a total of 12 drops (less is
more). Additional factors that need to be considered are individual preference,
skin integrity, patch test results, heart health (peppermint can be a problem for
those with certain heart conditions), and use of UV light (lemon and other citrus
oils can cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight or any type of UV light).
Method of use for the above blend would probably be massage over the affected
area. If an inhalation treatment is desired, place the essential oils in a fan
diffuser. Simply apply a few drops of the blend to the diffuser pad and let it
circulate. You can also apply it to a tissue, cotton ball or handkerchief bringing it
to your nose for inhalation if a diffuser is not available.
Using essential oils on a daily basis is part of my passion. Sharing their precious
scents the oils enhance my health and quality of life. They provide an accessible
and convenient method for every individual to address their own health and
wellness. The goal of this article is to shed some light on aromatherapy and its
many uses. I hope you have found the examples and information helpful. Any
readers who have specific questions should feel free to contact me at
botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com or SHolmes@parkland.edu.
confusing due to the advertising industries persis-
tence in using the term loosely to market their bath,
body, or cleaning products. Let me start by offering
you my definition of aromatherapy, “the holistic use
of essential oils from volatile or aromatic plant material
to initiate healing and promote wellness in people
and animals.” According to Bob Harris, editor of the
International Journal of Aromatherapy, “The
popularization, trivialization and sometimes sensationalism created by
the need to promote the therapy as a commercial product have masked and
harmed the true therapeutic potential of aromatherapy."
In my practice as a registered aromatherapist I custom blend essential oils
chosen for both their chemical constituents and known clinical actions to suit the
individual needs of my clients. The carrier oils and essential oils used in
aromatherapy are applied either through inhalation, hydrotherapy, massage,
compress, or other skin applications. Several things are taken into consideration
when assessing the client’s needs: physical health, emotional health, lifestyle,
medications, allergies, age, and desired results. It is a common misconception
that aromatherapy is only used for psychological reasons to calm those who are
stressed.
There are three basic types of aromatherapy:
- Therapeutic aromatherapy which involves the treatment of physical
ailments (chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, etc.), - Psycho-aromatherapy which is used to address emotional issues
(depression, anxiety, etc.), and - Aesthic aromatherapy (acne, aging skin, etc.) which uses essential oils for
beauty purposes.
Most people are familiar with aesthic aromatherapy, but trained professionals are
more likely to practice therapeutic or psycho-aromatherapy.
My own client base consists of 75% therapeutic clients, 20% psycho-
aromatherapy clients, and 5% aesthic clients. However, most clients usually have
more than one issue that is being addressed. In the classes I teach at Parkland
College we study all three types of aromatherapy but most of my workshops focus
more on the therapeutic applications of essential oils.
Essential oils are adaptable and all of them can be used to help more than one
health concern. Let’s take peppermint as an example: physically it is helpful for
digestive and congestion complaints while emotionally it helps with focusing and is
generally uplifting. All essential oils have the ability to address multiple health
concerns. They are also more effective when you blend 2-3 oils together because
you create a synergy where the total effect is greater than any single oil. An
example of a synergistic blend that I might use for a digestive problem would be:
essential oils of peppermint, ginger and lemon. The number of drops used would
depend on who we were using it on and the method of application. For example
you could use one ounce of carrier oil (grape seed, apricot kernel, jojoba, etc.)
and for a healthy adult add a total of 12-15 drops of essential oil. It could be
equally divided into 4 drops of each essential oil for a total of 12 drops (less is
more). Additional factors that need to be considered are individual preference,
skin integrity, patch test results, heart health (peppermint can be a problem for
those with certain heart conditions), and use of UV light (lemon and other citrus
oils can cause photosensitivity if exposed to sunlight or any type of UV light).
Method of use for the above blend would probably be massage over the affected
area. If an inhalation treatment is desired, place the essential oils in a fan
diffuser. Simply apply a few drops of the blend to the diffuser pad and let it
circulate. You can also apply it to a tissue, cotton ball or handkerchief bringing it
to your nose for inhalation if a diffuser is not available.
Using essential oils on a daily basis is part of my passion. Sharing their precious
scents the oils enhance my health and quality of life. They provide an accessible
and convenient method for every individual to address their own health and
wellness. The goal of this article is to shed some light on aromatherapy and its
many uses. I hope you have found the examples and information helpful. Any
readers who have specific questions should feel free to contact me at
botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com or SHolmes@parkland.edu.
Sara Holmes, B.S. (Greenville College), a Registered Aromatherapist, is
a Lecturer at Parkland College and a columnist for The NAHA Journal.
She studied under Sylla Sheppard Hanger, principal of the International
Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Program at Purdue University. To find out
what classes she is currently teaching, contact her at
botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com.
a Lecturer at Parkland College and a columnist for The NAHA Journal.
She studied under Sylla Sheppard Hanger, principal of the International
Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Program at Purdue University. To find out
what classes she is currently teaching, contact her at
botanicalhealingarts@hotmail.com.
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Aromatherapy: Scents that make Sense
by Sara Holmes
by Sara Holmes