Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

ABC News On Aromatherapy

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

In a message dated 7/2/2003 10:13:00 AM Pacific Standard Time,

chrisziggy writes:

 

> The positive effects of aromatherapy have been known for thousands of

> years.

>

 

Again - says WHO?

 

Cheers!

Kathleen Petrides

The Woobey Queen

Woobeys: The Loving Touch Therapeutic Pillow

http://www.woobeyworld.com

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

In a message dated 7/2/2003 10:13:00 AM Pacific Standard Time,

chrisziggy writes:

 

> Information provided by: the American Council on Science and Health, the

> National Associatin for Holistic Aromatherapy, and the Pacific Institute of

> Aromatherapy.

>

 

And these BOTH say that the " positive effects of aromatherapy have been known

for thousands of years. " ??? Where does it say anywhere other than Young

living Garbage that Aromatherapy has been around for Thousands of Years?

 

Cheers!

Kathleen Petrides

The Woobey Queen

Woobeys: The Loving Touch Therapeutic Pillow

http://www.woobeyworld.com

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest guest

Just passing this article along ...

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

http://more.abcnews.go.com/sections/living/HealthyWoman/hwfeature_aromatherapy02\

0919.html

 

Science of Smell

Many Say Aromatherapy Works, But Questions Remain

 

By Alexa Pozniak

 

Sept. 19 — Whether you want to soothe your spirit, or protect your body, the

nose knows when it comes to aromatherapy.

 

The positive effects of aromatherapy have been known for thousands of years.

 

Using essential oils extracted from flowers, leaves, branches, or roots,

aromatherapy is used to treat everything from infections, insomnia, impotence,

arthritis and skin disorders, to stress and immune system deficiencies.

 

In fact, some aromatherapists even claim the oils have the power to heal

problems of the ovaries, kidney, and veins, among others.

 

However, successful aromatherapy treatments of these ailments have not been

scientifically proven, and the world of medicine has been slow to embrace this

alternative approach. Until now.

 

Researchers at the University of California-Davis have now released findings

that suggest some smells, such as basil, rosemary, and cinnamon can actually

protect the body against disease by acting as anti-oxidants — protective

agents often found in fruits and vegetables. It is believed that anti-oxidants

may reduce the risk of developing conditions such as cancer and heart disease by

helping destroy free radicals, which are known to damage a cell's DNA.

 

In addition, a report this summer from the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showed

that aromatherapy with lemon balm oil has a significant calming effect for

patients who are suffering from dementia. And though more research is needed,

scientists are optimistic that more reports will follow.

 

 

Understanding Scents

 

There are many theories as to how aromatherapy works.

 

Many advocates suggest that the scents trigger a " feel-good " effect in the

brain. Aroma molecules may enter the part of the brain that is responsible for

memory and emotion and induce emotional responses which can immediately calm or

energize the body.

 

Other proponents believe the scents stimulate certain glands to produce hormones

that fight pain and inflammation.

 

Whatever the case may be, aromatherapists assign specific oils to treat certain

conditions. Here are some of the more common claims:

 

Chamomile: Relieves stress; reduces swelling; treats allergic symptoms; relieves

insomnia; useful in treating digestive problems.

 

Lavender: Relieves depression, inflammation, spasms, headaches, respiratory

allergies, muscle aches, nausea, menstrual cramps; lowers blood pressure.

 

Rosemary: Decongests the chest; increases circulation, relieves pain,

indigestion, gas, and liver problems; lessens swelling; fights infection; helps

alleviate depression.

 

Lemon Balm: Relieves anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia, migraine,

nervous tension, shock and vertigo. Also may be helpful for asthma, bronchitis,

coughs and colds; quiets racing of the heart and slows an overactive thyroid.

 

Eucalyptus: Lowers fever; clears sinuses; has antibacterial and antiviral

properties; relieves coughs.

 

Peppermint: Alleviates digestive problems; cleans wounds; decongests the chest;

relieves headache, neuralgia, and muscle pain; useful for motion sickness.

 

Thyme: Relieves digestive problems; lessens laryngitis and coughs; fights

bladder and skin infections; relieves pain in the joints.

 

 

Inhale or Apply

 

In order to reap the benefits, experts say that you must inhale the scents or

apply them externally. Although many companies now manufacture candles and

potpourri as " aromatherapy, " more " genuine " treatments — given under the

supervision of a certified aromatherapist — are reportedly more effective. The

most standard approaches are as follows:

 

Inhalation: Try adding 6 to 12 drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming

water. Place a towel over your head, and deeply breathe the scented vapors.

 

Diffusion: Aromatherapists often suggest spraying oil-containing compounds into

the air. This technique is said to calm the nerves, enhance a feeling of

well-being, and even to improve respiratory conditions. Add 10 drops of an

essence to 7 tablespoonfuls of water.

 

Massage: Blend 5 drops of essential oil with a light base oil. A higher

concentration could irritate the skin. Bathing: Adding eight drops of oil to a

tubful of water is usually sufficient. If you shower, after washing yourself,

dip a wet sponge or cloth in an oil-water mixture and apply to your skin while

you are under the spray.

 

Hot and cold compresses: For muscle aches or pains, bruises, or headaches add 5

to 10 drops of oil to approximately 4 ounces of water. Soak a cloth in the

solution and apply to the sore area.

 

 

Warnings

 

Aromatherapy is not for everyone. Infants and young children, pregnant women,

and people with skin allergies may want to avoid it altogether. When using

aromatherapy, remember to keep your eyes closed when inhaling the scents, and

because oils are highly concentrated, never ingest them. This could lead to a

toxic overdose.

 

 

Information provided by: the American Council on Science and Health, the

National Associatin for Holistic Aromatherapy, and the Pacific Institute of

Aromatherapy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...