In the most basic translation, aromatherapy is the art of healing through aromatic substances. Yet, in application, the art of scent treatment has a dual action. Through instinctual response, like that of an animal that is equally aware (and equally stimulated) by the scent of an approaching enemy or a potential mate, our sense of smell is connected to a whole array of inborn response mechanisms. Our gut reaction to this smell or that is a touch of the wonder and bounty of nature’s design.
In the case of the two-legged breed of animal, however, we have managed to open up an entirely new arena in the world of scent. We have, in addition to instinct, the reaction to the fragrances of experience. Ask yourself why one person may adore the scent of roses while another does not favor the smell. Perhaps one relates the scent to a first love, to a pleasant place, or to the memory of a beloved grandfather who spent endless hours tenderly caring for his precious rose garden.
The other may recall the scent as it relates to a nasty encounter with the thorns of the rose bush or the sting of the insects that concealed their nesting place among the fabulous crimson blooms.
It is widely accepted that the physiological body has the ability to heal itself of any number of ailments. In fact, many medical doctors approach viral infection by relieving the symptoms of the illness and letting the virus run its course. In other words, we as doctors can do little in this case, so let’s make the patient as comfortable as possible while the immune system does its work.
With this precept as a foundation, it is easy to see that the mental/emotional state of the patient is inescapably tied to the physical healing process. For this reason, it is difficult to reasonably consider the physical and emotional processes as independent of one another. However, there are specific physical workings that are at work. For the purpose of greater understanding, we will set out to separate these inseparable workings.
Consider the inhaler devices that are in constant reach of those who suffer from serious problems with asthma, or nasal sprays in common usage by cold sufferers. While the medications utilize the mucous membranes as entryways for the remedy’s introduction to the body, it should be remembered that these are the same membranes that serve to accept fragrance for transmittal to the brain. And what exactly is fragrance but airborne trace particles of its host?
Consider, also, some of the methods used in the application of aromatherapy treatments. It is important to see how they operate physiologically—for example, let’s take a closer look at two of the methods of enacting aromatherapy remedies: massage and the aromatic bath.
Massage is direct application of an essential oil or oil blend to the body. (Warning: Not all oils can or should be applied directly to the skin. Check with your supplier.) This takes advantage of the virtues of massage therapy as well as aromatherapy. And while the scent may well act as a catalyst to spur on the immune system to its full strength in the combat of a particular ailment, it should be remembered that the essential oil is, by application directly to the skin, being absorbed into the body through the pores.
It may be noted that many prefer to use heated oils in massage. Not only is this more comfortable for the recipient of the therapy, but heat acts to open up the pores and make them more receptive to the essential blend.
The use of the aromatic bath is similar. Baths are generally warm, again opening the pores to be more receptive to the essential oils used. Also, as in massage, there is direct physical contact with the body. Although the full potency of the essential is diluted by the volume of bath water, it is a direct physical application of the aromatherapy remedy.
It is in this particular function that aromatherapy is easily related to the practice of homeopathy. In homeopathic practice, in order to strengthen a remedy, it is further diluted. So it is in aromatherapy that a diluted application of an essential fragrance can serve as a very potent remedy. And, through the physical workings of the art, the effectiveness of the therapy is multiplied in that it attacks an ailment on multiple levels.
Upon the design of a new oil blend, the next task is in deciding how to deliver the fragrance to the client. Which method is used is often dictated by the particulars of the situation to be remedied, or the comfort of the individual undergoing the therapy, or the preference of the aroma therapist. Ideally, the chosen application is a result of all of these considerations.
There are a number of ways to accomplish this. Some are exclusive to the therapeutic expressions of the art; others are more in keeping with the magical aspects of aromatherapy. Although there are variations of the different application procedures of the aroma therapist, in general terms, the virtues of fragrance are transmitted through the mediums of inhalation, direct external contact, or some combination of both methods.
Note: Whether the intention of the fragrance artist is therapeutic or magical, there are general guidelines that might be followed. These are clarified in the following pages, along with the appropriate general formulas for their preparation. Now that we have covered the why, it is time to get on to the how. In addressing the direct application of aromatic oils to the body, it is important to emphasize the importance of knowing the physical properties of the essentials as well as their virtues for use in aromatherapy.
Keep in mind that there are many oils that act as irritants to the skin. Some of the more common of these to safeguard against are: anise, bergamot, camphor, cassia, chili pepper, cinnamon, clove, citronella, lemon verbena, melissa, oakmoss, orange, peppermint, rosemary, wintergreen.
While some may not be sensitive to these essentials, others will react extremely negatively to contact. At times, an extreme dilution into a low scent, user-friendly carrier oil will allay any discomfort. However, this is not a guaranteed way of circumventing the problem. It is also important to keep in mind that, in addition to the irritant properties of some essentials and blends, there are individual allergies to be considered.
What might be a pleasing, beneficial remedy to one individual may initiate a severe allergic reaction in another. These cautions appear in more than one place in this volume, as the importance of responsibly considering these dangers cannot be understated.
Further to the gravity of the responsibility of the practicing aroma therapist is a word of advice. Be aware. Expect the improbable. Several years ago, there was an individual who had an allergic reaction to a very mild, normally universally pleasing scent. Of course, the first action taken was to immediately discontinue the use of the fragrance. But on closer investigation, it appears that there never was an allergic response to the essential. The allergy was to the carrier oil in which it had been diluted. Carrier oils are specifically chosen for their low fragrance and universal acceptability.
However, though we can easily register what works for most, each individual comes complete with their own set of personal reactions, allergies, sensitivities, and tolerances. Each individual is, after all, an individual. Be aware! Some of the formulae call for dilution of the essential blend in a carrier oil. For a complete listing of oils that make suitable carriers, refer to the appendix pages. For now, it is only important to emphasize the criteria by which carriers are chosen. When selecting a carrier, it should be one that does not interfere with the properties of the active essential.
Generally, low-scent or no-scent oils are chosen so that the remedy will have its full effect and not be modified by the introduction of an alien aroma (i.e., that of the carrier oil). We want an oil that is fairly medium consistency. Too heavy or too light may not be conducive to a well mixed, evenly distributed blend, or may be difficult to administer. Not all aroma therapists favor the use of carrier oils.
Whenever possible, some tend to use a lesser amount of the essential blend full strength, particularly in producing aromatic baths. However, the inclusion of carrier oils is made here. The newer practitioners of the art may find that using the carrier solution will make the remedy easier to produce and easier to apply.
So, to begin, we have the general formulae. These will become important as the comfort level and the degree of knowledge that an individual practitioner has develops and increases. At that point, it is likely that the gifted mind of the artisan will emerge, and there will be a desire to improve upon, experiment with, embellish, and re-invent the basic remedies listed in this site.