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Aromatherapy is the art and science of using the essential oils of plants and herbs for health and beauty. All the early civilizations – Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Indian – made use of aromatic plant materials in religious ritual, to eliminate dis- ease, and to promote health and well-being in body, mind and spirit. Long a branch of traditional herbal medicine, the name 'aromatherapy' was not coined until the 1930's by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse. True aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of plant-derived essential oils via skin application or inhalation, must be distinguished from ‘aroma- chology', a separate science which utilizes man-made, synthetic, aroma- chemical ‘fragrance oils' and scents. |
True aromatherapy derives its power to heal from essential oils themselves. Essential oils (which are volatile, and not 'oily') are extracted from the leaves, bark, twigs, roots, fruits and flowers of specific plants, including spices and many varieties of citrus. These special essential-oil-bearing plants are identified by aromatherapy professionals by their botanical name, or ‘Latin binomial,' which should be listed on any product containing them. The quality of essential oils varies, determined by place of origin, plant type, cultivation, climate and method of distillation or extraction. Thera- peutic-grade essential oils are never rectified, reconstituted, decolorized or chemically altered, nor diluted with fatty oils, alcohol or additives. |
The spa industry has spearheaded the
current revolution in aromatherapy. Treatments and products have been
designed for face, body, hair and nails,
and all claim aromatherapy benefits.
It is important that spa products used
be authentic and contain therapeutic-
grade essential oils. Spas and holistic
medical centers provide the perfect
environment to heal and regenerate.
If your plans include offering aroma- therapy, let Essence be your guide. |