It’s the Therapy
April 26, 2009 – 11:33 amWhat is it about aromatherapy that it evokes so much emotion? I am not talking about when you use it – I am talking about when you don’t. Aromatherapy is not only about smell. Let’s say that again– AROMATHERAPY is NOT only about SMELL. Let me tell you why…..
First off, what is about smell? Our sense of smell is the only one of our senses that is not interpreted by local receptors for processing by the brain. Smell goes directly into the limbic part of the brain where emotions are stored.
Second, what about application on the body? There are patches that people use for pain, contraception control and deep heat. How does application work and what is it’s role in aromaTHERAPY?
For a massage therapist your tools are your hands. When you include aromatherapy your tools are the essential oils. The term aromatherapy was created to encompass two aspects of essential oils – aroma – which is emotionally based and - therapy – which is body based. Therefore, essential oils – the tools used in aromatherapy - work on the psychosomatic network; a network that encompasses emotional and physical.
I am a teacher for The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education. I teach from a French aromatherapy perspective and my students are always enpowerd by the knowledge that essential oils are tools used to facilitate healing as the client calls their healing to them. Essential oils are tools – the therapist is the educator and facilitator.
The most important part of a tool is the tool itself. Are the oils pure? A way to check is that oils that should be ingestible, such as lavender, lemon and peppermint are ingestible on the label. Second, know your supplier. Email them, call them, ask them how are the oils made? Are they distilled slowly with low pressure? Are they grown with intention and purity; no pesticides, pure water, pure air?
Start out with yourself. Try different blends – I use one called PanAway that is wonderful for any deep joint pain. Try different combinations – I love using Lemongrass and Idaho Balsam Fir together for ligaments and sprains. But please, try something. You will open yourself up to a wonderful healing world that is so simple to do yet so rewarding.
Warmly,
Maria