Origins of Alternative Medicine
An Interview about the Emergence of Alternative Med. with a Practitioner of:
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Aromatherapy is the alternative system of health care which utilizes essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to be inhaled, and/or externally or internally applied. The modern practice of aromatherapy now flourishes in France, where it originated. The essential oils which power this medical field are used abundantly in Europe, and are slowly catching on in the U.S.A. |
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| Description:
Essential oils may be extracted from a variety of different parts of a plant, including the flower, bark, roots, leaves, wood, resin, seeds, or the rind (in the case of citrus fruits). They may be used for their physical or psychological benefits. The application of essential oils for skin care is an aromatherapy mainstay. However, few oils can actually be used directly on the skin. Most should be diluted in another "carrier" oil to be applied to the skin. The essential oils used in aromatherapy have very few side effects because they are composed of many natural, organic compounds, and therefore the body's immune system does not treat them as a foreign invader. Hence, they rarely evoke an allergic response in the body. Surprisingly, conventional drugs such as aspirin, digitalis, and the contraceptive pill are derived from plants and contain many of the same organic compound as do some essential oils. Despite their dermatologic healing proficiency, essential oils can cure a myriad of debilitating disorders and conditions (see Common Cures section). Yet, even with their proven healing capabilities, few physicians are willing to use them in conjunction with conventional treatments. Just like yoga is a specific form of mind/body medicine, aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine. Because of their therapeutic value, many essential oils are used to modify immune responses, treat a wide range of infections, and to stabilize moods and emotions. The reason why the fragrance molecules associated with essential oils are able to affect one's emotions, is because they enter the human olfactory system through the nasal cavity and eventually reach the limbic system, the portion of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. Because the limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, scientists have learned that oil fragrances may be one of the fastest ways to galvanize, or bring about, physiological or psychological effects. John Steele, Ph.D., of Sherman Oaks, California, and Robert Tisserand, of London, England, top aromatherapy researchers, have studied the effects on brain wave patterns when essential oils are inhaled or smelled. They found that oils such as orange, jasmine, and rose have a sedative, tranquilizing effect and function by altering the brain waves into a rhythm that produces calmness. Furthermore, stimulating oils-basil, black pepper, rosemary, and cardamom-work by producing a heightened energy response. It is essential that there be a strict separation between therapeutic aromatherapy and fragrance/pleasure/hygienic aromatherapy. The aromatherapy that this site is concerned with is the one that has a healing, therapeutic value to mankind, not the one that focuses on beauty and cosmetic products, and pheromones. This is the type of aromatherapy that can alleviate pain and a number of other conditions. One of the drawbacks to aromatherapy becoming more mainstream and losing its image as a "fringe" medicine is that companies are mass-producing aromatherapy products as only a mere fragrancing device. Moreover, many synthetic chemicals are being advertised as organic essential oils; the deception by commercial exploiters in false-advertising oil imposters as genuine essential oils is without a doubt helping to ruin aromatherapy to some degree. As a consequence, consumers must be very careful when they buy essential oils to make sure that what they are getting is authentic. The history of aromatherapy dates back to ancient times. Essential oils have been used therapeutically in Egypt, Italy, India, and China among others. The term aromatherapy was coined by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1937. He was the man who researched the curative powers of lavender and other essential oils. His research was instigated by an experience with lavender oil decreasing the inflammation and redness he had on his hand from a burn. |
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| Spotlight on important essential oils: | ||
| thyme oil | ||
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highly antiseptic properties are not irritating.
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| neroli oil | ||
| Its rejuvenating properties produce an effect similar to hormones. Neroli is also utilized to prevent stretch marks. | ||
| rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) | ||
| Known to regenerate cells and improve metabolic activity in the inner layer of the skin. There are a number of varieties of rosemary oil which have different chemical compositions. The most expensive type is rosemary verbenon, which is used in aromatherapy skin care. | ||
| everlast (Helichrysum italicum) | ||
| Possibly the most efective anti-inflammatory agent in aromatherapy. It has tissue-regenerating abilities on scars. It can prevent herorrhaging and swelling after sports injuries or bruising when applied topically. In addition, it contains ketone (an organic chemical derived by oxidation of alcohol) and therefore should be used in minute rations (less that 2 percent). | ||
| carrot seed oil | ||
| An effective tissue revitalizer excellent for use on the face. | ||
| eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata) | ||
| Also known as Eucalyptus australiana. Commonly used to regulate overproductive sebaceous glands-which help to retain body heat and prevent sweat evaporation. It is an antiviral and expectorant agent. It is best used through a diffusor, or topically as a chest rub. | ||
| geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) | ||
| A fragrant oil with antifungal and antiviral properties. It is often applied gently on the skin. | ||
| lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | ||
| The popular, classic oil of aromatherapy. It can be used undiluted on burns, small injuries, and insect bites. It also has a calming effect (high ester content). In fact, the discovery of lavender's astonishing effects on severe burns led to the emergence of aromatherapy as an alternative therapy. This discovery caused many health care specialists to pay closer attention to the healing power of many essential oils. | ||
| mandarin (Citrus reticulata) | ||
| Has calming properties and a pleasing fragrance. It is a top choice to relieve anxiety. It typically permeates a room when used with a diffusor (to be dispersed). | ||
| niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) | ||
| Calms respiratory allergies, is a vitalizing, balancing agent for overactive and oily skin, and helps with hemorrhoids (in the nonacute stage). | ||
| palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) | ||
| Has a pleasing fragrance and is an excellent antiseptic/antiviral agent for skin care and in the treatment of herpes. | ||
| peppermint (Mentha piperita) | ||
| A drop on the tongue of this oil provides excellent relief for nausea and travel sickness. It is also effective for irritable bowel syndrome and as a stimulant for the liver during convalescence (this fact has been studied in France, where peppermint oil is given frequently to patients). | ||
| roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) | ||
| A drop rubbed on the solar plexus can bring rapid relief of mental or physical stress. It can calm an anguished mind or body. | ||
| spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) | ||
| This oil is from the root of a plant from the Himalayan mountains. It is believed to have a never ending life span and a complex, misunderstood life cycle. It is often used to benefit the psyche rather than the skin (as most essential oils tend to benefit the skin instead of the mind). | ||
| tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) | ||
| A nonirritating antiseptic, tea tree has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Applied topically, it is useful in healing pus-filled wounds and for treating many types of mild or chronic infections. | ||
| lemon | ||
| This essential oil has strong antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can prevent infectious diseases, treat cold, bronchitis, fever, insect bites, sore throat, varicose veins, and heartburn. Lemon purifies the air, strengthens, energizes, and refreshes. It helps to stimulate the body's immune system, aiding in the production of white blood cells. | ||
| bergamot | ||
| Bergamot essential oil has strong antiseptic properties. It is useful in the treatment of digestive disorders, lost appetite, gingivitis, cystitis, sore throat, vaginal infections, fever, and flatulence. This oil is used psychologically to balance and normalize emotions. It is effective in treating anxiety, stress, depression, and nervous tension. | ||
| Method: | ||
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The results of aromatherapy really depend on the individual using the scents, oils, and fragrances. Different people are affected by the same oil in different ways. Sometimes, even the same person may have a different reaction to the same oil depending on the time of day that he or she uses the oil and the person's mental and physical states. Aromatherapy used to be unique in that it was one of the few alternative medicine techniques that relied on the individual to prescribe his or her own essential oils at home. Now, however, aromatherapists are much more common. Aromatherapists have a scientific knowledge of the chemical components of most, if not all, essential oils. There job is, using their knowledge of the chemistry of oils, to blend and mix oils together to find out what mixtures cure common illnesses and/or produce feelings of overall well-being. There is a lot about the chemical make-up of essential oils that still remains a mystery (or under debate) to modern scientists. An individual may delve into either massage aromatherapy The results of aromatherapy really depend on the individual using the scents, oils, and fragrances. Different people are affected by the same oil in different ways. Sometimes, even the same person may have a different reaction to the same oil depending on the time of day that he or she uses the oil and the person's mental and physical states. Aromatherapy used to be unique in that it was one of the few alternative medicine techniques that relied on the individual to prescribe his or her own essential oils at home. Now, however, aromatherapists are much more common. Aromatherapists have a scientific knowledge of the chemical components of most, if not all, essential oils. There job is, using their knowledge of the chemistry of oils, to blend and mix oils together to find out what mixtures cure common illnesses and/or produce feelings of overall well-being. There is a lot about the chemical make-up of essential oils that still remains a mystery (or under debate) to modern scientists. An individual may delve into either massage aromatherapy or olfactory aromatherapy. In massage therapy, an individual has essential oils (which must first be applied to a vegetable carrier oil) rubbed onto his or her body while he or she receives a massage at the same time. Olfactory aromatherapy involves the individual directly inhaling different essential oils or diffusing (a diffusor disperses microparticles of essential oils into the air) them into a room. The scent of the oils can rejuventate the body and relieve stress. The use of aromatherapy is prevalent in many American spas and botanical gardens, especially in the Shangri-La Valley of Ojai, California. This is often the case because spas feature abundant plant life in a very natural setting. Essential oils are sprayed liberally in these places to soothe peoples' minds, bodies, and souls. Floral waters (containing essential oils) are sometimes sprayed into the air or sprayed on the skin. For the most part, oils are typically used externally. Convenient applications are baths, massages, hot and cold compresses, or a simple topical application of diluted oils. Not all oils are used to calm the body. Some, such as rosemary in the bath, can be used to stimulate the body according to Debra Nuzzi St. Claire, M.H., an aromatherapist and herbalist from Boulder, Colorado. These oils tend to stimulate certain dermal chemicals (quite possibly enzymes or hormones) to eliminate toxins through the skin. For certain conditions (such as organ dysfunction/disorder), however, it is advantageous to take oils internally via ingestion. This rarely occurs in the United States, though, because it is difficult to receive medical sanction or approval to take oils internally. olfactory aromatherapy. In massage therapy, an individual has essential oils (which must first be applied to a vegetable carrier oil) rubbed onto his or her body while he or she receives a massage at the same time. Olfactory aromatherapy involves the individual directly inhaling different essential oils or diffusing (a diffusor disperses microparticles of essential oils into the air) them into a room. The scent of the oils can rejuventate the body and relieve stress. The use of aromatherapy is prevalent in many American spas and botanical gardens, especially in the Shangri-La Valley of Ojai, California. This is often the case because spas feature abundant plant life in a very natural setting. Essential oils are sprayed liberally in these places to soothe peoples' minds, bodies, and souls. Floral waters (containing essential oils) are sometimes sprayed into the air or sprayed on the skin. For the most part, oils are typically used externally. Convenient applications are baths, massages, hot and cold compresses, or a simple topical application of diluted oils. Not all oils are used to calm the body. Some, such as rosemary in the bath, can be used to stimulate the body according to Debra Nuzzi St. Claire, M.H., an aromatherapist and herbalist from Boulder, Colorado. These oils tend to stimulate certain dermal chemicals (quite possibly enzymes or hormones) to eliminate toxins through the skin. For certain conditions (such as organ dysfunction/disorder), however, it is advantageous to take oils internally via ingestion. This rarely occurs in the United States, though, because it is difficult to receive medical sanction or approval to take oils internally. |
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| Common cures: | ||
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The one other alternative therapy that people who use aromatherapy will often demand is massage. It is clearly beneficial for essential oils to applied externally along with a deep massage. The combination of aromatherapy and massage therapy eases tension, calms the mind, relaxes the body, and helps the individual regain strength that was lacking. Hospital nursing staffs in England administer essential oil massage to relieve pain, and to induce sleep if necessary. Aromatic treatment follows some of the energetic principles discussed in oriental medicine. For instance, aromatherapists use palpitations involving qi (sometimes referred to as "chi" or life energy/force) to treat blood deficiencies and heart disease. They attempt to strengthen the heart muscle by monitoring and adjusting the yang energy of the kidneys and spleen. Ayurvedic medicine and herbal medicine also share a close bond with aromatherapy because all three alternative therapies use plant products to heal patients. Also, these three therapies all stress the importance of the natural environment and its ability to heal. |
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Modern medicine's perspective: The popularity of aromatherapy has grown rapidly over the last ten years in the United States due to the growing demand for nontoxic and nonthreatening curative agents. |
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| Links & Resources: | ||
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1. The Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy P.O. Box 6842 San Rafael, California 94903 (415) 479-9121 2. Aromatherapy Seminars 3379 S. Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90034 (800) 677-2368 (310) 838-6122 3. National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy P.O. Box 17622 Boulder, Colorado 80308-0622 (303) 258-3791 4. Lotus Light P.O. Box 1008 Wilmot, Wisconsin 53170 (414) 889-8501 NOTE: Lotus Light provides mail order distributon of aromatherapy videotapes, books, and materials.
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1. Absolute Aromas Limited (AQ) 2 Grove Park, Mill Lane, Alton, Hants GU34 2QG, UK Tel: (44) (0) 1420 549991; Fax: (44) (0) 1420 549992 E-Mail: oils@absolute-aromas.com 2. D'Oyles Nature's Aromatic Energy 5 Jarratt Street, Kingston Square, Hull, East Yorkshire HU1 3HB. UK. Fax: 01482 581774; Tel: 01482 581776 3. The English Chamomile Company www.chamomile.co.uk e-mail: english.chamomile@dial.pipex.com 36 High Street Northwold Thetford Norfolk IP26 5LA Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1366 728922 4. Wilde & Co. "Growing and preparing fine natural oils from plants" The Olfactory 91 Front Street Soweby Thirsk YO7 1JP UK Phone/Fax: +44 (0) 1845 523452 e-mail: wildeandco@compuserve.com 5. Jeanne Rose Aromatherapy 219 Carl St., San Francisco, CA 94117, USA Tel: (00) 1 (415) 563 6785; Fax: (00) 1 (415) 564 6799 6. Bodytreats International Limited 15 Approach Road London SW20 8BA England tel: (+44) 0181 543 7633 fax: (+44) 0181 543 9600 e-mail: sales@bodytreats.com http://www.bodytreats.com 7. Quinnessence Aromatherapy Dept. AQ, Forest Court, Linden Way, Coalville, Leicester LE67 3JY. uk Telephone: (+44) (0) 1530 838358 Fax: (+44) (0) 1530 814171 E-Mail: enquiries@quinessence.demon.co.uk 8. Bunny Moon Enterprises, Inc. "Aroma systerms for the home and office" http://www.ultrascent.com Int'l (00) 1818 997 7880 9. http://www.AMYRIS.com e-mail: 101503.3241@compuserve.com 10. http://www.taosnet.com/essence e-mail: essence@taosnet.com 11. http://www.aromatherapy4u.com e-mail: essence@aromatherapy4u.com 12. Purple Flame Aromatherapy Tel: (44) (0) 1926 855980 Box 007, Clinton La, Kenilworth, Warks CV8 1AQ. UK 13. Amrita Professional Aromatherapy Phone: 800-410-9651 Int'l (00) 1 515-472-9136 Fax: (00) 1 515-472-8672 14. The Aromatherapy Database Published by Essential Oil Resource Consultants 2 ruelle du Tertre Butet St Germain le Guillaume 53240 France Tel & Fax: (33) 243 027728 e-mail: essentialorc@compuserve.com 15. http://www.holisticmed.com/www/aromatherapy.html 16. http://www.aroma.net/index.shtml
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| Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide | ||
| jCompiled by the Burton Goldberg Group Future Medicine Publishers, Inc. Puyallup, Washington copyright 1994 | ||
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