Aromatherapy

www.pain-and-depression.com

Always consult with your physician before embarking on
any course of treatment including natural remedies.

It is used for a variety of applications, including:
pain relief,

mood enhancement, and

increased cognitive function.

©2012 Chronic Pain and Depression All Rights Reserved. any course of treatment including natural remedies. ~2~

any course of treatment including natural remedies.

Little is known about the history of
aromatherapy, or where it originated
specifically, but the Egyptians are credited with
developing one of the first distillation machines
to extract oils from certain plants ─ cedar
wood, clove, cinnamon, to name a few ─ which
were used to embalm the dead.

The practice of using infused aromatic oils as a
mood enhancer, however, is thought to have
roots in China.


The Greeks also played a role in the history of
aromatherapy. Megallus, a Greek perfumer,
developed a fragrance he called megaleion, which
consisted of myrrh.

Greek mythology claims the gods were gifted
with the knowledge of perfume and fragrance.

The "father of medicine" Hippocrates is said to
have practiced aromatherapy (before it was so
named) for healing purposes.


The actual term ‘Aromatherapy’ first originated in
1937 when French chemist Rene-Maurice
Gattefosse invented the word after a burn incident
spurred his curiosity about the healing power of
aromatic oils.

On the heels of Gattefosse's ‘discovery’ that
lavender oil helped to cure his burns, French
surgeon Jean Valnet used aromatic oils to treat
soldiers' wounds in World War II, proving the
medicinal benefits of aromatherapy.


The inhaled aroma from these aromatic oils is
widely believed to stimulate brain function.

Aromatic oils can also be absorbed through the
skin where they travel through the bloodstream
and can help promote whole-body healing.

There are a wide number of these aromatic oils
available typically called ‘Essential Oils’, each
having its own healing properties.


Adding oils to your bath is an easy Probably the most popular method Since many aromatic oils are
way to cash in on their health of application is massage. thought to alleviate sinus or
benefits. Just add a few drops to Blending drops of oil with carrier respiratory issues, steam inhalation
your bath water and blend it before lotions can affect the body both is a very popular method. A rule of
submerging yourself. The aroma psychologically and physiologically thumb for many oils is to add 5
enhances your circulation and ─ depending on which oil you use. drops to steaming water and inhale
helps bring about physical balance. the aroma using a towel tent.

Add a few drops of aromatic oil to
your favorite carrier lotion, Add a few drops of your preferred
massage oil, or creams such as oil to a bowl of warm water. Dip a
cocoa butter, shea butter, or an washcloth into the blend and wring
unscented lotion base to create out. Using the washcloth as a
your own fragrant blend, which compress, apply it to areas of the
stimulates healing properties. body that need pain relief, such as
muscles, forehead or stomach.


Imagine that you’ve traveled back in time to
your childhood home. Now close your eyes
and picture yourself walking through the door.

Chances are, in addition to the familiar objects
you visualize, certain smells will also spark
your memory. Scents like your mother's +
perfume or the smell of her baking ─
aromatherapy has a remarkable ability to
influence your psyche by evoking moods and
memories.


Chemical changes take place as the body
reacts to the application of therapeutic oils.
European doctors who study phytotherapy
are trained to use herbs and aromatic oils
internally to supplement the body's health
systems.

Aromatic oils work in harmony with the body
in maintaining overall good health.


Oils applied externally take physiological action.
Rosemary is a Hypertensor
The action is more subtle than oral application (supports energy
and less likely to cause undesired effects. For boosting)
example, Rosemary and Peppermint
stimulate, while Roman Chamomile and Stimulating
Lavender both sedate.

Geranium is a Hypotensor This is one of the reasons aromatic oils should
not be used internally without qualified medical
(assists in advice. For those people with abnormalities
relaxation)
within their body systems, ingestion of an oil that
has a direct action of the affected system could
Sedating
cause their conditions to worsen.


For a quick burst of For around fifty dollars you
If you live in an apartment
fragrance take a small can buy an aromatherapy
or are interested in scenting
atomizer, fill it with water diffuser that disperses
a small room, add a few
and add your favorite micro-particles of the
drops of aromatherapy oil
aromatherapy oil. This works aromatherapy oil into the air.
to a bowl of hot water. The
especially well with gentle Diffusers are quite useful for
vapors will release the
floral oils. You can spray the respiratory conditions.
fragrance into the air.
air or spray onto skin.


Aromatherapy is based on the principle that
natural fragrances (aromatic oils), from certain
plants or flowers can affect our moods, and
consequently how we think or feel at any
given time.

In fact, practitioners of aromatherapy base
their entire belief system on the ideology that
aromatic oils have medicinal benefits ─
including antidepressant and antibacterial
properties, plus, a variety of others!


Certain aromatic oils can trigger physical
or emotional effects on their own. For
instance, lavender is a widely known
calming agent, whereas peppermint is a
mood lifter.

Other oils are blended to achieve a desired
physiological or psychological effect.
Blending ylang-ylang with grapefruit
relieves stress.


Add a few drops of aromatic oils to a
diffuser, a pot of hot water, or simply to a
cotton ball* to achieve the desired effect.

*Do not apply drops directly to your skin; blend with carrier
oils or lotions before application.


Bergamot

Chamomile (Roman)

Clary Sage

Frankincense

Rose


Basil

Cypress

Lemon

Peppermint

Rosemary


Chamomile
Bergamot (Roman)
Lavender Lemon Orange Patchouli Vanilla Ylang-Ylang


 Bergamot
 Chamomile (Roman)
 Clary Sage
 Frankincense
 Grapefruit
 Jasmine
 Lavender
 Lemon
 Orange
 Rose
 Sandalwood
 Ylang-Ylang


Read instructions and warnings before use.
Keep oils away from children who may think they can
eat them because of how they smell.
Use only the recommended amount; misuse can
lead to headaches and/or nausea. If you suspect you
may have used too much, drink plenty of water and
get some air.
Keep aromatic oils away from your eyes. Should the
oil come in contact with your eyes, flush with large
quantities of warm water and seek immediate
medical advice.


Aromatherapy

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