What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the art and science of using plant aromatics (essential oils and hydrosols) for the holistic healing of mind, body, and spirit. What are essential oils? Essential oils are concentrated aromatic plant extracts obtained by steam distillation. These pure plant extracts, the fragrant 'life-blood' of plants, act as nature's messengers, attracting or repelling insects and animals. Aromatherapists also use essences extracted by expression of fruit peel (orange, bergamot, grapefruit etc.) and absolutes obtained by enfleurage and solvent extraction. ( Rose and jasmine absolutes are used in the aromatherap.ie Passion Bath & Massage Oil). Hydrolats or hydrosols are the fragrant water produced during oil distillation, for example orange-flower water and lavender water. The following is a list of our most popular aromatherapy blends and the types of essential oils that comprise each blend: · Relaxation-Lavender, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Geranium. · Energy-Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary and Bergamot. · Congestion-Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Camphor, Lavender and Marjoram. · Slimming-Fennel, Patchouli, Melissa, Rosemary, Juniper and Geranium. · Romance-Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Jasmine. · Menstrual Pain and Tension-Chamomile, Cypress, Jasmine, Marjoram, Juniper and Melissa. · Headache-Peppermint, Cedar, Rosemary, Chamomile, Marjoram and Lavender.

How does aromatherapy work? Research indicates that brain wave patterns are affected when aromatic vapours are inhaled, even at such low concentrations that subjects are not consciously able to smell the substances inhaled. This reveals the subtle power of fragrance and the sensitivity of our sense of smell. Aromatic substances enter the bloodstream through the nasal membranes and to a certain extent through the skin, particularly in localised application. They influence the brain and emotions via the olfactory nerve pathways. In this way, they can inhibit the brain's interference with the body's natural ability to heal itself. Used in massage, essential oils augment the value of therapeutic touch. On a more subtle level, they balance and clear the human energy field. Usually several essential oils are combined synergistically to achieve the desired effect. With synergy, the properties of each individual oil are amplified by the other oils so that together, they work far more powerfully than any one individual oil.

How did aromatherapy develop? For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been used for ritual and healing purposes in cultures throughout the world. Their use is recorded in documents dating back to 2800 BC from ancient Egypt, China, Greece, and India. The distillation of the first essential oils (and floral waters) is ascribed to the Persian physician Avicenna, 1,000 years ago. Mediaeval references cite the use of aromatic waters and infused oils; by the 16th century, herbal medicine was flourishing in Europe. In other parts of the world, including India and China, aromatic herbs have enjoyed an unbroken tradition that still continues to the present day. In the 19th and early 20th centuries scientists began investigating the properties of essential oils, and it was in 1928 that French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term 'aromathérapie' after lavender oil miraculously healed his hand when it was severely burned in a laboratory accident. To-day, aromatherapy is the fastest growing area of complementary medicine, and is practised in several different approaches, including the 'English' style focusing on external application, the French medical paradigm, and the development of esoteric and subtle branches of healing.

How do aromas affect the body and mind? Despite tremendous scientific advances, the sense of smell - one of the most basic human functions - still remains something of a mystery. This elusive sense is extremely rich and complex; human beings are able to distinguish around 10, 000 different smells. The olfactory nerve is the only nerve in the body that directly connects the external environment with the brain. Thus the sense of smell is immediate and powerful, and odours can affect us even when we're not conscious of them. As you take a breath, aroma molecules connect with receptor cells in the cilia (fine filaments) extending from the two olfactory bulbs. The olfactory bulb then transfers this chemo-sensory information to other relevant parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus and limbic system. The hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of body temperature and appetite as well as the activities of the endocrine system governing secretion of hormones affecting growth, sex, and metabolism. It also influences the autonomic nervous system which controls such unconscious activities as digestion, rate of breathing and heartbeat. In the limbic centre, the oldest, most primitive part of the brain, past memories associated with fragrance are immediately evoked, prompting innate and learned reactions.Odour stimuli provoke the release of neurochemicals influencing emotions, memories, creativity, attraction, and repulsion, desires, appetites. Thus, even at a biochemical level, fragrance is information and communication. Odour perception is subject to the phenomena of tiring and fading. Fading occurs when one is constantly exposed to one aroma and becomes no longer able to perceive it. This happens, for instance, when a cook cannot smell the aromas of the meal she's preparing, so deliciously fragrant to someone entering the kitchen. Tiring occurs when one is exposed to several different smells and is no longer able to distinguish between them. When smelling many different substances, then, it is necessary to take frequent breaks to allow the nose to be refreshed - or take a tip from the professionals and sniff coffee beans to 'recharge' your sense of smell!

How can I use essential oils? Within certain guidelines, the use of essential oils is limited only by your imagination. The principle methods of using oils include inhalation, vaporisation, massage, bathing, compresses. INHALATION Simple inhalation is the most basic, rapid and portable way of using essential oils. Put a few drops of your chosen oil onto a tissue or handkerchief and take three good breaths. For colds and coughs, add a two drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water (just like your grandmother did) and inhale the healing vapours - the towel over your head is an optional accessory! VAPORISATION Vaporisation is particularly useful for emotional and mental healing as well as for space clearing and for refreshing and cleansing any environment. Just about any essential oil can be used in a vaporiser. You can use individual oils according to your needs, formulate your own blends or use a premixed combination of oils. Four to five drops of a single oil or combination of oils are sufficient. There are many kinds of vaporiser on the market, including traditional nightlight burners (available in our online shop) and electric diffusers. If using a night-light vaporiser, ensure that the water does not completely evaporate and never leave a vaporiser unattended. Electric diffusers are safer if you have small children around. If you don't have a vaporiser, you can achieve a similar effect by placing a few drops of essential oil in a saucer of water balanced on a radiator. Whatever type of diffuser you choose, make sure that you use pure essential oils, not diluted in a carrier oil. MASSAGE We all love to be touched and stroked. It's a natural instinct to touch a wound or bruise, to 'rub it better.' Massage is profoundly healing in its own right; with essential oils, it's doubly beneficial. One of the pleasures of aromatherapy massage is that it combines touch and scent - the two most overlooked senses in our 'civilised' world, yet the two that speak to us most profoundly. Massage is an ancient therapy - its acknowledged benefits include improved circulation of lymph and blood, accelerated elimination of toxins, unknotted muscles, improved skin and muscle tone; and mental and physical relaxation, promoting overall well-being. For massage, use essential oils diluted in carriers as for baths or choose pre-blended oils, such as the aromatherap.ie bath & Massage Oils. With a few simple guidelines, anyone can give a good basic massage. To set the scene, play gentle, relaxing music; light candles or use soft lamps; ensure the room is a comfortable temperature (body heat often drops as you relax); gather warmed towels or blankets; prepare your massage blend, and fragrance the atmosphere with essential oils. Before starting wash and warm your hands, ensure you are comfortable and can move easily, centre yourself with a few deep breaths, and focus your intent. Begin the massage using long flowing strokes, letting your hands mould to the shape of your friend's body. Concentrate on soft, muscular areas rather than bony parts and maintain continuity with at least one hand always in contact with your friend. As you work, keep a steady rhythm, using the weight of your body rather than forced tension in your hands or arms. Always massage towards the heart - using pressure as you move in the direction of the heart and then gliding your hands back. You can incorporate some kneading strokes, but begin and end work on any part of the body with long smooth strokes. The back is the obvious place to start, but also try massaging legs, arms, hands, feet, and head. Use your intuition and listen to your friend, allowing their response to guide your hands. Remember you're engaging in a subtle yet powerful dialogue. There are certain times when massage should be avoided: Just after a heavy meal; when under the influence of drugs or alcohol; if using strong medication; or if the recipient is seriously ill or has a high temperature (although in this case, gentle foot or hand massage can be OK). When massaging, avoid areas of broken skin or recent fractures or scar tissue. COMPRESSES Compresses are useful for many conditions, including period or abdominal pain, muscular pain, insect bites, arthritic joints, fevers, headaches etc. Specific oils are recommended on the 'Remedy Chest' page - some oils are not suitable to be used in this way and can severely irritate the skin, so please check with the safety data or reputable aromatherapy book before trying. Use hot or ice cold water, according to your purpose - hot for muscular or rheumatic aches and pains, cold for inflammation or a high temperature. Add two to three drops of essential oil to a small bowl of water. Swish the water vigorously to disperse the oil (it will not dissolve in water) and then use a clean natural fibre cloth to soak up the water and oil. Squeeze out any excess water and apply the compress to the affected area. Re-soak the compress when it returns to body temperature, or use ice packs or warm towels to help retain the cold or heat.