Understanding True Aromatherapy

By Lorraine Rimando, RN, BSN, RA

Current healthcare trends are focusing on self-awareness, preventative health and self-care healing modalities. Health information availability via the Internet, web and media has contributed greatly towards this current healthcare trend. Complementary and alternative health practices are a part of modern healthcare trends. It is important to be aware of current trends that are out there and the best way to approach these trends when incorporating them into your own lives.

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that has increased in popularity in the Western world over the past decade. The English word “aromatherapy” is derived from the French word aromatherapie, which was first coined in the 1930's by the French chemist Gattefosse. Gattefosse created a system based on modern scientific thought and experimentation in developing aromatherapy. He used pure essential oils to develop aromatherapy as a medically based therapy. He understood aromatherapy as a classic allopathic therapy within the framework of conventional medicine in which the essential oils are used to treat disease.

Today, aromatherapy is used as a complementary and alternative holistic therapy. Aromatherapy addresses the physical body, mind and soul of each person as a unique individual. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy not only to treat the presenting symptom of the individual, but also to address the possible underlying cause of the symptom, contributing factors and factors that may interfere with the body's natural healing abilities or healing process.

True aromatherapy is a healing art that involves a range of principles. At one end, essential oils are used for their pharmacological action, and at the other end is the psychotherapeutic nature of the treatment. The integrity of the essential oils used determines the effectiveness of the aromatherapy treatment and the possible side effects that may emerge with its' use. True aromatherapy does not use essential oils that have been adulterated, stretched, or diluted in any way. Organic ingredients make the best treatments. Also, understanding the chemistry and energetic nature of the essential oils makes a world of a difference in each blend.

There are many forms of treatment aromatherapy comes in. Aromatherapy can be in a body cream form, massage oil treatment, inhalation treatment, bath or foot soak and so much more. The practitioner determines the form of treatment based on the client's needs and preferences. Aromatherapy has been used as a complementary treatment with other alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, or even with modern day medicine, such as with chemotherapy or prescription medications. Whichever way aromatherapy is used, it is always a holistic treatment that encourages self-care and optimal health. True aromatherapy basically uses ancient ingredients and combines it with modern day practices.