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Aromatherapy
- isn't new, the theory and practice of using essential
oils and aromatic scents for therapy and wisdom has
been with us for thousands of years. The Egyptians
were probably the first make use of aromatherapy and
aromatic herbs. Indeed they used essences for religion,
medicine and cosmetics. There is no reason disbelieve
that Egyptians used a form of aromatherapy candle
to burn essential oils and evoke the spirits of those
who were being prepared for mummification. Certainly
aromatic essences and resins were used in the embalming
process.
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With the
ancient Greeks we can take aromatherapy back to the
most famous physician of that time - Hippocrates (c.460
- 377 BC) he was also a firm believer in treating
the patient holistically and included aromatherapy
massage as a treatment. During the Arabian empire
a Persian physician named, Avicenna (980 - 1,037 AD)
is recorded with perfecting the distillation process
of essential oils.
Scented
candles can be traced back to Colonial America when
settlers discovered that boiling the distinctive grayish
green berries of the bayberry bush produced a sweet-smelling
wax that burned clean. However, the process of extracting
the wax from the bayberries was extremely time consuming.
As a result, the popularity of bayberry candles soon
extinguished. (pun intended)
Today aromatherapy
candles are used to set the ambiance of any room and
can be changed for seasons and reasons. Aromatherapy
candles can be used in business as well as domestic
situations.
So aromatherapy
isn't new but the name is, relatively speaking, it
was was first coined in 1937 by the French chemist
and perfumer Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Although not
a believer of natural health he was interested in
the properties that essential oils exhibited. An accident
changed his mind when in 1910 he badly burnt his hand
in agony he used the nearest coolant and unwittingly
treated his badly burnt hand with pure undiluted lavender
oil, not only did it immediately ease the pain, but
helped heal his hand without any sign of a scar or
indeed infection. He also discovered that minute amounts
of essential oils are absorbed by the body and work
with the body chemistry as part of the healing process.
[ Never use neat oils on the skin; if using oils for
massage always dilute the oils in a carrier oil (e.g.
almond, grapeseed or jojoba) according to the manufacturer's
instructions.]
Here in
the UK aromatherapy was re-introduced by Robert Tisserand
in 1969; he began the first aromatherapy training
institute in the early 1970s, and has written several
books on the subject, he wrote his first book in 1977.
The Art of Aromatherapy is now published in ten languages.
The benefits
of burning aromatherapy candles can be experienced
when fragrances from essential oils are inhaled. These
fragrances trigger a host of chemical actions within
our body, these actions include the release of specific
chemicals. Enkephalin reduces pain and creates a feeling
of well-being. Our body's 'morphine', Endorphins also
reduce pain and can induce sexual feelings. Serotonin
helps us relax and be calm. Essential oils contain
antibacterial properties and also may contain antibiotic,
antiviral, and other therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy
is holistic therapy for our mind, body, and spirit.
Because
the olfactory nerves are a direct extension of the
brain's limbic system, reaction to smell is relayed
immediately. Essential oils act on the olfactory nerves,
these nerves are located within the nasal cavity and
respond to particular aromas. They send the information
to the part of the brain where memory and emotions
lie. This area is connected to another part of the
brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) which governs
the hormonal systems.
Each essential
oil has distinct therapeutic properties that affect
the body's natural functioning. These essential oils
possess an variety of stimulant, anti-infectious,
anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties. In the
practice of aromatherapy by professionals, essential
oils are applied in a variety of ways including massage,
ointments, lotions, baths and inhalations. Their professional
holistic application is applied for the needs of the
individual 'patient'. Professional aromatherapists
are trained to recognize that each individual requires
a unique blend of essences.
Before
we look at specific smells reminiscent of Christmas
or childhood, let's take a look at how commonly known
fragrances can help us, such as Eucalyptus: This is
considered to be a powerful antiviral, antibacterial
and decongestant. Helpful in alleviating colds and
is a great air purifier. Geranium is considered to
be relaxing but also it is mentally stimulating. Geranium
in aromatherapy helps relieve nervous tension, PMS,
post natal depression, and stress related ailments.
Lavender has a distinctive fragrance and this essential
oil is considered soothing and relaxing and said to
help relieve stress, depression and anxiety. Orange
is stimulating and rejuvenating. It is helpful in
creating clean-smelling atmospheric well-being. Known
to counter depression, hysteria, shock and nervous
tension. A touch of clove adds a light spicy Christmas
note. Rosewood offers a pleasant fragrance which is
helpful in creating a soothing atmosphere and general
well-being.
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Aromatherapy
candles in the office: Anyone who works in an office
or other commercial environment will be acutely aware
of how easily one can become stressed. A blend of
lavender creates a calm and tranquil atmosphere and
grapefruit clears stale air and also helps concentration.
Geranium is considered to be relaxing and yet mentally
stimulating. Orange revitalises circulation and nervous
system and encourages positive thinking. Lemon also
stimulates circulation, reduces high blood pressure
and makes themind alert and clear. Pine stimulates
and refreshes it combats pessimism and fatigue.
Aromatherapy
candles in the home: If you have problems sleeping
then light a Sandalwood candle for mind calming and
anti-insomnia properties and a Lavender candle for
relaxation properties. Do you want an aromatherapy
solution to smelly feet? Citronella has deodorant
and stimulating qualities which are excellent for
tired, sweaty feet! -also a great insect repellent.
Cedar too, is an insect repellent it also calms anxiety
and fear. Still on smelly things, eucalyptus purifies
the air and clears blocked noses, it brings down fever.Lavendar
eases headache and migraine it educes anxiety, exhaustion
and helps relaxation.
Aromatheapy
candles for love and sex: To spice up your love life
burn some Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine for their aphrodisiac
aromatherapy properties.Ylang ylang has aphrodisiac
qualities it has a relaxing and uplifting effect and
relieves frustration, anxiety and depression. Jasmine
has aphrodisiac qualities and encourages optimism
and self-confidence it helps relax and stave off depression.
Rose reduces depression, shock and anger and honeysuckle
has a relaxing scent of warm summer days.
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