Aromatherapy – Myth Or Reality

The origin of aroma therapy can be traced back to pre historic period, in the countries of ancient Egypt, Far East and China. The concept aims at the holistic treatment of the human body by making use of the immensely useful essential oils obtained from various herbs and plants.

The essential oils are normally obtained from the various parts of specific plants extracted by distillation and applied along with diluters such as almond oil, coconut oil etc. The oil content in these plants is so low that it takes huge quantities of plant parts to yield smaller quantities of essential oil, to cite an example around 440 ponds of fresh lavender flowers are required to produce a meager 2.5 pounds of essential lavender oil. That makes this product very dear.

The use of these essential oils is a part of ones life style and they takes care of the health and well being of the entire family. These oils have since become very popular in various parts of the world . Though the aromatic plants used to produce these essential oils were known and put to use since time immemorial the term ‘aroma therapy’ is of recent origin, to be precise from the early 90s only. Let us examine the use of these plants as a scent to alters one’s mood, the general atmosphere in one’s surroundings and to have a feeling of goodness.

It’s a fact that not only the natural scents serve the above purpose but also by the artificial ones. However the minute difference lies in the most natural fragrance of this nature packed oils that when used gives us a wonderful feeling.

The fairy tales behind the aroma therapy like the claim of its power to cure the cancer or the depression are all packed in mystery. No certified or scientific study has been undertaken on these tall claims the plants are supposed to possess. Even natural health experts treat it as a complimentary therapy only. Aromatherapy belongs to branches of conventional medicines or systems that are not subject to any serious study or research leading to any standardization or certification.

This branch of herbal science can be used in various applications like in enhancing the beauty of skin and hair, and also on its influence on one’s moods and feelings known as aromacology. Thirdly its medicinal properties is said to cure or prevent ailments. However the best use of the therapy is said to be its wholesome benefit for the body, mind and the spirit.

Between the fantasized divinity attributed for this herbal science and the sheer neglect of this concept as a magnified traditional culture, lies the real truth of this revived ancient science that can be effectively used to get the best out of the herbal plants, hitherto neglected by the civilized society

Easy Ways to Lift the Spirit

What to do? 

Luckily for me there’s always been that curiosity of what’s out there in the alternative world including the alternative therapies.  I’ve tried many of them over the years and will continue to do so, all in the hope I can make things better for my body, mind and spirit.   And it has.

I’m aware that what may work for me may not work for someone else, so the message is to keep trying until you find something that will suit your needs.

Many times I’ve been told they’ve tried everything.  What is everything?  What it actually boiled down to you could count on one hand.  It’s worthwhile to keep searching, you may find that your world expands in a most amazing way by the making of new friendships (I have) and picking up useful skills for your ‘self-healing’ tool-kit.

So what do I do when I’ve reached a cross-road and need some direction or could do with some healing?

Below I’ve listed 5 basic points that have helped to lift my spirit and with practice will also help yours:

1.    Meditation!   Meditation is one of the greatest self healing tools available and costs nothing except a little of your time!  There are many meditation techniques out there, find one that suits you and begin. 

By putting some meditation music on and spending time in quiet contemplation it can soothe your soul and reconnect you with the highest aspect of yourself.

2.    Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.   Rebalance and rejuvenate your spirit through blending a selection of essential oils together in an aromatherapy oil burner.  I’ve found the following blend works extremely well when there’s a need for nurturing, support and healing:

Approximately an hour before retiring to bed place a few drops of the following in an aromatherapy oil burner with some water (for safety’s sake, extinguish the flame before lights are turned off for the night):

4 drops Jasmine, 4 drops Rose, 4 drops Neroli, 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Bergamot

The smell divine!  I use this one every now and again and not only sleep like a baby but anxiety and stress disappears, and feels like the weight of the world has lifted from my shoulders by the following morning!  (If you have a small bedroom you might like to half the amount of drops)

3.    Breathe!  Stand with feet a shoulder-length apart.  Take 3 slow and deep breaths using the diaphragm muscles.  Breathe in through the nose, and breathe out through slightly parted lips.  As you do these imagine you’re inhaling your personal power, filling every cell in your body, from your diaphragm up to the top of your head. 

Be your personal power and notice how much taller, straighter and stronger you become.  Repeat the steps above.

4.    Be in the Present Moment.  Take a few deep breaths and focus totally on this moment, right now. 

If you’re reading a book or magazine, or even this article, totally focus on the words and take in their meaning.  There is only you and this article now in the present moment.

If you’re in the workplace, focus totally on the task at hand, and only this task, and what you must do in order to complete it.  Nothing else matters except you and the task at hand.

5.    Set an intention.  When I’m on the lookout for something new and useful for me, I set my intention on what it is I’m after. 

For example, I may want to find a book that will give me answers in regards to directing me to another healing modality or skill.  I then meditate on this intention, give it a timeframe then open my heart to it.  Lo and behold I will have a book in my hand in no time at all!  I love the power of intention – I also use intention for getting a parking space when I go shopping!

These days I rarely get sick and when I do and have a medical checkup, doctors tell me I’m actually very healthy (surely they can find something so I can get some sympathy around here!) which also includes blood test results.

I still do sadness and unhappiness well (I’m still human) though neither lasts long whereas in the past it would last many days sometimes weeks.  What lasts much longer is a peaceful state.

When using the 5 points above, my spirit lifts and life once again becomes more peaceful and joyful.