A-RO-MA-THER-A-PY is the art and science of using pure essential oils extracted from natural botanicals, to calm, balance and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. It is an ancient treatment,a natural and nurturing approach to health,with the use of natural organic substances that are produced in various glands and sacs within aromatic plants. They are found in flowers(i.e. Rose), leaves (re: Lemon Balm), seeds (i.e.: Fennel) barks (i.e.:Cinnamon), roots (i.e.:Vetiver), fruits (i.e.: Nutmeg and Citrus), grasses (i.e.: Lemongrass) herbs (i.e.: Peppermint) woods (i.e.: Sandalwood) needles and twigs (i.e.: Pine). Through a process of distillation, the essential oil is collected, each with unique aroma and medicinal benefit.

Essential oils are old therapies, as revealed in ancient manuscripts, hieroglyphics and papyri from the Holy Land, Egypt, India, Greece, Italy and China. As far back as 4500 BC the Pharaohs in Egypt had perfumes for each aspect of life. Only the priests were allowed to make and use them. They used balsams, perfumed oils, scented barks, resins, spices and aromatic vinegars, pills, powders, medicinal cakes and purees, ointments and pastes. Embalmed mummies have been found to contain traces of Galbanum resin and spices such as Clove, Cinnamon and Nutmeg. The Greeks expanded their knowledge from the Egyptians. Soldiers carried into battle an ointment made of Myrrh which was used to counter infections. When the Romans conquered Greece, they made use of the many oils used . . . and the physicians.

One of these was Galen, who became physician to Marcus Aurelius the Roman emperor. Galen also invented the original"cold cream" which was the prototype of virtually all ointments in current use. Ali Ibnn Sina, (the Arab Avicenna who lived from 980-037 AD) discovered the method of distilling essential oils, and was the first to record this. Rene-Maurice Gattefosse a French chemist, who coined the term "aromatherapy" was experimenting in his lab of chemicals when his hands were badly burned in a small explosion. He instantly immersed them in the nearest tray of liquid (undiluted essential oil of Lavender). Much to his surprise he found the burn healed at a phenomenal rate, with no sign of infection and, leaving no scar. Dr. Jean Valnet during the Second World War, kept wounds from becoming gangrenous with applications of Lavender, Thyme, and Peppermint.

Most people think of Aromatherapy as fragrance (aroma) only. This is only part of the healing aspect of the story. To be most effective, essential oils need to enter the body in two ways: first, through the skin, second through the olfactory system (sense of smell). This can be achieved through massage, baths, steam inhalation and sprays.

At this time in France, air systems in hospitals are having Eucalyptus and Thyme mixed into them to keep the incidence of staph infections at a minimum. Surgery wounds are being hydrated with the same solutions. On the North American continent, aromatherapy comes under the heading of medical to esoteric extremes. Ultimately it is believed it will continue as it has over the last several thousand years, used to benefit a small number of people interested in feeling better in the least invasive, most holistic way. People like John Steele,son of an MD and archaeologist/aromatist, Michael Scholes, son of an MD,turned aromatherapist, Kurt Schnaubelt, chemist/aromatherapist,among many others,. . all have had a hand in the promotion to get aromatherapy recognized on this continent. Midwives, nurses and other health care practitioners have found things like Lavender, Orange and Benzoin, among other essential oils, very useful in the treatment of stress disorders. Jane Buckle, RN has a certification program for nurses (www.rjbuckle.com/aroma.html) and a book. In 1985 a group of practitioners formed the International Federation of Aromatherapy which publishes newsletters and research findings and methods

The oils are sold in many stores. PLEASE NOTE: there are really two qualities of them: therapeutic and retail. Even though they are available on the market (retail) to the general public, (all of them claiming to be pure) in order to keep the prices down they are adulterated, cut with other cheaper quality oils, some even synthetic, so they are without the multiple compounds (therapeutic quality) that are as pure as whole foods. Pure, unadulterated 100% grade A essential oils have a fragrance which is subtle and rich, full bodied and delicate. The synthetics may actually produce an immune response in your body, such as sneezing, headaches, rashes, nausea, and sinus congestion. The receptors can't process them.

Note how you feel walking around in stores that sell scented candles and soaps. Read the labels, and train your "nose" to pick up any scent of chemicals. Throw away your chemical-laden cremes, lotions, powders and gels, and nourish your skin and body with natural oils!! Watch out for such things as mineral oil. . . petroleum based substances do not penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin. And it is not nourishing.

Once the oils come in contact with the skin they are immediately absorbed into the circulatory system and carried throughout the body to various systems and organs. There is no blood/brain barrier with essential oils. Natural organic oils are full bodied, entering the olfactory nerve as electrical frequency impulses into the midbrain's Amygdala, which is responsible for storing and releasing emotional trauma, and then to the Limbic system, which holds the deepest untouched strong emotions, personal identity and memory. . . also they connect to. . . the Pituitary, Hypothalamus (master gland of the body) and Endocrine system (hormone levels, sleep, thirst etc. ) The brain releases neurochemicals which bring positive changes in the body. The interaction between the oils and the body best describe how and why Aromatherapy works. It changes your body's response to stress. Stress is an incredibly important feedback loop in the body,causing problems like sluggish digestion, congested sinus, headache, stiff shoulders, cellulite. More debilitating problems are arthritis, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraine headache, PMS, menopause, hi, low blood pressure, bronchitis, etc. All oil blends help liver function and lymph flow in deep muscles. Essential oils can have a profound physiological and psychological effect on all these systems. Neither Oriental or Western medicine really address this.

One other caution: for the untrained person, some oils have precautions for children, pregnant women, epilepsy and high blood pressure. So always consult a trained Aromatherapist before using the oils or purchasing them. Aromatherapy can promote and maintain health and vitality and is not meant to replace medical advise or care. It is a companion health care treatment.

Top of page

Essential oils are naturally antidepressant, antiseptic and antibacterial. Some contain antiviral and antifungal properties. When blended together, they have a mutually enhancing synergistic effect on each other. For instance, the essential oil of Ginger lessons the aroma of Peppermint and Eucalyptus, Patchouli is toned down with Lemon and Peppermint,Vertiver is softened with the addition of Orange, Grapefruit or Mandarin with Cypress, and Lavender is a great balancer of many of the oils in a mixture. The use of essential oils has a remarkable affect on cell regeneration and neuron regeneration. It improves nerve function and motor responses. Oils strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. They also stimulate the secretion of neurochemicals like endorphins for pain relief, or Seratonin for stress and insomnia.

The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands can be stimulated to help correct and balance the endocrine system. Essential oils penetrate the deepest layers of the skin accessing the circulatory and lymphatic system. Essential oils help fluid balance in the body. A goal of Aromatherapy is to interrupt and eliminate the cause of pain. In this way, the oils as natural diuretics and facilitate the elimination of toxins, old skin cells, and they encourage regeneration of new cells.

Aromatherapists use an effluerage method of applying oils onto the body, (long smooth strokes), which is particularly complimentary to the use of essential oils because it supports the body's ability to eliminate toxins by stimulating lymph flow. Specific oils are selected and blended to counteract stress according to the body's need as determined by you and the Aromatherapist. The method helps detox the lymph system, strengthen the immune system and speed up convalescence. It is a quick, effective means of relieving muscular tension, aches and pains. A major aim of Aromatherapy is to change the stress response.

As I approach my fifth decade, having lived an average life, I know I'm pretty lucky to have manifested no major health problems. I also know that continuing in my rather sedentary lifestyle without starting to be more concerned with my health would just be asking for trouble. Once past the age of forty, if one wants to "die young as old as possible", one better start doing something about it.

Thinking back over the years to when I really felt good, It was those spring mornings when the lilac tree outside my window was in flower and I'd
wake to that clean cool delicately scented air. In a way I count those as some of the best days of my life. . . from a simple fragrance. I decided that gentle aromatic stimulation was just what I needed to start me on my new life of optimum health. I would visit an aromatherapist. I anticipated getting a blend of scents that I could breathe in whenever I needed a little pick-me-up. I was wrong. I did get that, but I also got a whole lot more.

Sitting in the large pleasant living room the aromtherapist and I got to know each other for a few minutes. She took notes. As this was my initial visit, she inquired about my health history. . . past injuries, lifestyle, periods of stress, and how I react to stress, questions designed to help determine how MY body functions.

In this relatively new field it is important to have extensive documentation for future studies. She then explained to me the general workings of aromatherapy and that the main method she and many aromatherapists use in session is the effluerage technique, of long strokes with the hands over the body, similar to regular massage, stimulating the lymphatic system, which supports the body's ability to eliminate toxins. Differing from other massage techniques which focus on the musculature, it applies strokes in waves over the lymphatic vessels, moving the lymphatic fluid towards the heart. This fluid does not move of its own accord, it needs the action of surrounding muscle to move it. I was shown the location of the lymphatic nodes with beautiful illustrations from an anatomy book.

I was then asked what I wished to accomplish this visit, what my main body complaints were. For some of my concerns, the therapist recommended I see an MD, for others she supplied me with suggestions of other complementary practitioners. We decided to concentrate on my sinus congestion, occasional headaches, stiff muscles, and the ever-present kink in my neck, and my desire for more energy. These she cross referenced essential oils with my other two pages of information, and came up with a blend of four essential oils in an odorless vegetable protein carrier to use in our session.

In a warm room, I laid face up under a large towel on a "Somatron" acoustic massage table and listened to soothing music while the therapist mixed up the blend of essential oils. A Somatron table is a table with internal speakers, so that in addition to hearing the music with your ears, you actually feel it. I later learned that these tables are being used in children's hospitals and some research centers with very good soothing results.

When she returned, I received a total body massage that I can only describe as blissful floating. I could feel aches that were there but that I was unaware of. And as I became aware of them, it seemed like they traveled a short distance and then disappeared. She commented that our bodies are so remarkably adaptive that we learn to ignore a lot of suffering. When it was over I felt really good. According to my therapist, a major aid of aromatherapy is to relieve stress and the CHANGE the stress response. And one of its greatest benefits is to accelerate the elimination of old skin cells and encourage the regeneration of new, thereby facilitating the elimination of toxins, the skin being the largest organ of elimination in our bodies.

After I got dressed, the therapist showed me my updated chart, including skin condition, any bumps and bruises she noticed during the session. I left with a spray bottle contained a quick pick-me-up (it works) an ointment to rub twice a day on my skin over the sinuses, and the reminder that optimum health is an ongoing process (although many ailments are immediately relieved, including toothaches).

It is now three days later and I realize I haven't noticed the kink in my neck all day and I'm breathing easier than I have in years.

Top of page

A man developed a toothache. He went to his dentist to have an x-ray of the tooth made, and was told the root was inflamed, he would have to consider having a root canal. He went home and applied an essential oil to the gums plus a strong mixture blend of several oils to his body. In 24 hours the inflammation was gone and he did not have to have the root canal. It has never returned. A woman was involved in an intense divorce court case. Her husband continually was able to "beat her down," and she was easily in tears and confused. A blend was made for her to wear on her body during the court proceedings. She was able to stand and face confrontation without being emotionally overwhelmed. Her husband was so shocked at her new behavior he became emotional and the judge ruled in her favor. Many people become very stressed and have headaches mimicking migraines. A blend is made that reduces head pain and nausea within a few minutes of applying the blend to the back of the neck, forehead, and stomach.

TIRED from airplane fatigue?
TRY: mix 2 drops each Thyme, Mrytle, and Orange essential oils in a gel or cream base, and rub on your chest.

STAYING in a room that feels stale (hotel, class, office)?
TRY: Misting with Fir, Mrytle, and Eucalyptus essential oils, 2 drops each in pure water in mister.

FEELING toxic fumes from city, dental treatments,etc.?
TRY: a bath with 1 cup vinegar, or add 2 drops each. Benzoin and Orange in hot bath water, with Dead Sea Salts.

NOTE: These statements are not intended to prescribe medically, nor to replace qualified medical care. This information is for educational and research purposes only.

(Email: jack@scentsofknowing.com)

It is my feeling that plants have a soul. They are friends and allies in my life. I have a great honoring of their beauty and wisdom. The art form I am practicing grew out of my love for the plants and is called distillation. For me this art is about helping the plants release their souls into the oil. I feel the pants need time to be able to release their life force in their own way. Each plant is so different and like us, each requires different environments. I delight in this mysterious alchemical process.

I have thousands and thousands of hours being with people as they are smelling the oils. The souls of the plants can guide the person back to the feeling and understanding of who the are and their relationship to this earth and God. It is also my finding that as much life force or soul is in the oil that can determine ability for the soul of the plant to communicate and bless the person. This is an art form to help the plant release their soul into the oil.

I feel this art form has been practiced for thousands of years in India and they understand these things. Not only is the apparatus and parameters for distillation important but equally important the person distilling must have a feeling and communication with the plant's soul. It this trust is established I feel the plant will yield amounts of its life force based on this relationship. I really believe in the plants in India. They are very wise, beautiful, powerful.

NOTE: Based on the pioneering work of distiller Jack Chaitman in Hawaii, we have called a new form of hydrodistilled absolute oil by the name "emanation". We call it an emanation because it is a pure aromatic compound, unencumbered with waxes and pigments, which very closely mirrors in composition the original composition flowing from the osmophoros glands of the plant. These osmophores are the source of botanical aromatic production. Thus, the end product is an invitation to contemplate the soul of the plants in a new light.

From a molecular perspective, an emanation is virtually the primordial fragrance of an aromatic plant. In poetic sense, an emanation is the DNA aroma, with no coating of waxes or pigments. Economically, if we take yield in account then hydrodistilled flower oil may be more than 3x more expensive than absolute so no one may prefer to purchase because of the high cost. But also, the hydrodistilled oil may be 3-4x more powerful than an absolute of the same flower. For common market bulk stream distilled oil can be good as many people may not understand the importance of this type of fine minor constituent which is the real soul of the plant.

Top of page

©2007, Alana Woods/Sound Vistas, Inc. • Albuquerque, New Mexico • USA