Aromatherapy
Explore Aromatherapy
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy or essential oil therapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to heal the body, mind and spirit. Derived from flowers, leaves, bark, peels, petals, roots, and other parts of plants, they have been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for centuries. The cells that give a plant its fragrant smell are its "essence." When an essence is extracted from a plant, it becomes an essential oil. Aromatherapy is considered to be both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the scientific aspects of the plants and oils and combines it with the art of producing a beneficial blend. Inhaling essential oils leads to scent molecules traveling from the olfactory nerves to the brain, impacting the amygdala (brain’s nerve center), hypothalamus and limbic system and sending messages through the nervous system causing a positive response by increasing serotonin and other feel-good chemicals. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, with application of certain oils providing for decreased stress and increased relaxation. Applying essential oils to the body in a bath or through massage helps to loosen and relax muscles and soothe joints.
WHERE DID AROMATHERAPY ORIGINATE?
Aromatherapy in the form of infused oils, extracts and distilled oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years for cosmetic purposes as well as improving a person’s spiritual, physical and emotional health. The ancient cultures in India, Egypt and, China incorporated aromatic plant components in resins, balms, and oils for use as a cosmetic, medicine, and as part of religious practices for physical and psychological benefits. Today the practice of aromatherapy continues in the practice of holistic healing by returning the body to a state of equilibrium. Extracts have been proven to have various degrees of antimicrobial activity as well as antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties.
WHY PRACTICE AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is generally safe with little or no side effects and is increasing in popularity as a holistic healing modality. Once considered exotic, essential oils are now widely available, relatively inexpensive and can be found in health food stores, online or through distributors. They can be incorporated in lotions, candles, bath products or used on their own to promote health, relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, eliminate headaches, balance hormones, fight infection and improve sleep. While more research is needed, preliminary studies have found that aromatherapy can alter brain waves and behavior in a positive way and when lavender was used on babies, there was a notable decrease in agitation and crying. In addition to the pleasing scent, when used in conjunction with massage, the relief and positive feelings lasted longer than massage alone. When used in conjunction with meditation, it can provide a focal point, increase receptors and offer stress relief allowing for deeper connection.
HOW IS AROMATHERAPY PRACTICED?
Many people use essential oils in aromatherapy and holistic medicine in a variety of activities such as massage, baths and meditation to promote and improve human health. Specific essential oils and delivery methods are prescribed to treat particular symptoms. They can be used in body lotions, shampoos, soaps, ingested or diffused in a room. Some of the benefits include pain management, stress reduction, sleep and digestion improvement, increased immunity as well as to fight fungus, virus and bacterial infections. Some of the prescribed oils and their benefits include:
Basil for increased concentration, headache relief and depression
Bergamont for digestive and urinary tract issues
Black Pepper for stimulating circulation, treating bruises and muscle aches/pain
Chamomile for skin issues like eczema
Clove for toothaches, nausea and vomiting
Eucalyptus for respiratory issues
Jasmine for increased libido
Lavender enhances relaxation and improves sleep
Lemon for stress and depression
Rosemary for increased memory and better circulation
Tea Tree for acne, wound healing and insect bites
Thyme for stress, anxiety and nervousness
Aromatherapy Resources
Aromatherapy Podcasts
Aromatherapy Videos
Aromatherapy Books
Valerie Ann Worwood | A necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing and lifestyle. This new edition contains more than 800 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments from Valerie Ann Worwood, a consultant and expert on the clinical uses of essential oils internationally. Explore the multitude of benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy: In her clear and positive voice, Worwood provides tools to address a variety of health issues, including specific advice for children, women, men, and seniors. This book also covers self-defense against microbes and contaminants, emotional challenges, care for the home and workplace, and applications for athletes, dancers, travelers, cooks, gardeners, and animal lovers.
Eric Zielinski, D.C. | Aromatic plants and their extracted oils have been used medicinally and in religious traditions for thousands of years; they represent nature in its most concentrated form. Through modern distillation processes, essential oils offer natural treatments for a host of health conditions, from anxiety and depression to hormonal imbalance, digestive distress, candida, sleep disorders, and even autoimmune disease. This book includes DIY recipes and formulations for all of these health needs and more—all backed by extensive scientific research and the trusted guidance of public health researcher and aromatherapist Eric Zielinski, D.C.
Dr. Josh Axe, Jordan Rubin and Ty Bollinger | Instead of relying on prescription medications with numerous dangerous side effects, what if you could opt for a safer, natural alternative to address your health concerns? And instead of using common household cleaners and personal care products that contain toxic ingredients, what if you had access to superior alternatives that could achieve the same—or even better—results without the risk of damaging your body? In the quest to help people around the world achieve health and vibrant living, health experts and bestselling authors Dr. Josh Axe, Jordan Rubin, and Ty Bollinger have joined forces to share this important message: Essential oils are one of the most powerful forms of plant-based medicine in the world, and they may be the crucial missing piece of your wellness program.
Dr Scott A. Johnson | This highly regarded, evidence-based reference sets the standard for the clinical use of essential oils. Unmatched in scientific evidence, this book provides the most comprehensive and accurate guidance to enjoy the multiple benefits of essential oils. Written by one of the world's leading experts in the clinical use of essential oils, Dr. Scott A. Johnson, Medicinal Essential Oils represents the next generation in the evolving field of essential oils. Featuring practical, proven, and easy to follow guidance, this ultimate reference provides everything needed to empower clinicians and individuals to use essential oils safely and effectively. This clinical reference provides vital information, supported by more than 5,000 references, to keep you on the cutting-edge of integrative medicine.
Aromatherapy Classes & Learning
Become a Certified Aromatherapist with Aromahead Institute
Are you interested in becoming professionally qualified in the therapeutic uses of essential oils? Do you want the credibility + increased confidence that comes with being a Certified Aromatherapist? Start here.
Free Online Introduction to Aromatherapy | School for Aromatic Studies
Like any relationship, it takes time to cultivate and there are many ways to cultivate your relationship with aromatherapy. You just have to be open to experiencing aromatherapy and to integrating the use of essential oils into your life to support your health and wellness. This course has been designed to build a foundation from which you may continue your journey into and through the world of aromatherapy.
IFPA Online Clinical Aromatherapy Courses | The Well School
The Well School is dedicated and committed to the fascinating world of essential oils and the natural health benefits that we can bring about in balancing the mind and body. Not only do we offer a fully comprehensive aromatherapy course but we have a focus on wellbeing of the therapist.
Aromatherapy Certification Kit | Aromatics International
This kit includes the essential oils, carriers, and supplies to make nearly all of the blends on your path to Aromatherapy Certification. Ground your education in real experience with hands-on blending, developing vital skills. You can also use these products to make your Case Study blends. Every essential oil in this kit has an up-to-date GC/MS report (on our site) so you can clearly see its component analysis. All of the products are sustainable, certified organic (or organically crafted), or wildcrafted.
Learn aromatherapy for personal health and to help others as a confident aromatherapy leader! Being certified with our aromatherapy program gives you the confidence and credibility to deliver more value to your clients through your aromatherapy services. All while gaining personal development in the process and having fun. It’s not just an ordinary education, it is a life-enriching aromatic experience.
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