Professional Women's Alliance of Connecticut

by Karen Goldstein,  RN

Clinical Aromatherapy is an art as well as a science utilizing essential oils for their therapeutic effects on the body, mind, and spirit.  Aromatic plant oils have been used for thousands of years by ancient civilizations for beauty and their therapeutic effects.  The earliest use of aromatic plants was discovered in the 1970’s, where concentrated extracts of these plants were found near a Neanderthal skeleton dating back 60,000 years, some of which are still used today.

What Are Essential Oils:
An essential oil is the “life & soul” of the plant or flower; it is it’s essence.  The molecules of essential oils carry healing nutrients, and with their use can effect healing emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  They carry the energy of the sun, the nutrients they obtained from the earth, and the regenerating, oxygenating immune defense of the plant.  With this in mind, I prefer to use only organic or wild grown essential oils to avoid exposure to pesticides.  Essential oils are obtained from aromatic plants and flowers most commonly through steam distillation.  Different parts of the plant are used and this differs from plant to plant.  The parts that may be used are the petals, stems, root, seeds, bark, leaves, fruit peel, & needles.  The oils are stored in the hairs, cells, or gland ducts. It takes 60,000 roses to make 1 ounce of essential oil.  Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate very rapidly into the air.  Their consistency is not a true oil but watery, however they do not blend well with water.  Each essential oil has it’s own characteristic aroma, and it’s own emotional & physical effects.  When a blend is combined, they work together in a synergistic manner, enhancing their effects.

How does Aromatherpy Work?
Aromatherapy works through inhalation and by percutaneous absorption through the skin.  With inhalation, the effect is through olfactory stimulation on the limbic system of the brain, and can be easily administered by inhalers.  This effects mood, emotions, & decreases stress levels.  The limbic system of the brain influences how we express our emotions, & our feeling of wellness & harmony & is the oldest part of our brain.  The molecules of the essential oils carry messages to this part of the brain, where they are analyzed.  Impulses are then sent out to effect pain levels, mood, or emotions.  They also effect the body’s organs, hormonal, nervous & immune systems.  Essential oils can also be blended in seed or vegetable oils to be applied externally, massaged or rubbed into the skin for a more direct effect on specific body areas to influence organs, promote healing of injuries or decreasing muscle spasm/pain.  Other methods of application are by compresses, baths, and foot baths.   Those that have anosmia, or no sense of smell, can still benefit by aromas provided the olfactory nerve is still intact, or through topical application.  Some physical benefits of aromatherapy are: improved circulation, support of all organs & their functions, pain management, strengthened immune system, prevention/fighting infection, and hormonal balance.  Emotionally & Spiritually, aromatherapy can address grief, fear, pain, irritability, sadness, depression, stress, fatigue, insomnia, and issues relating to chronic or terminal illness.

The part of our brain associated with our sense of smell also plays a role with learning and memory.  Learned memory is the reaction to a smell that has been learned through experience, and is very powerful.  When the odor or aroma is smelt again after a good or bad experience, all of the feelings, emotions, or even fear associated with that experience is triggered.  Aromatherapy is very personal & the best effects are achieved when the aromas are enjoyed and considered pleasant.

When combined with Reiki, Mind / Body Imagery, Meditation, or in Stress Management, the effects can be very profound as well as an extremely self-empowering experience.