The Aroma Of Healing

Mind & Spirit : NST Life & Times 18/5/2010

 http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/MIND_SPIRIT_Thearomaofhealing/Article

 By CHIM LI YEN

AROMATHERAPY is the use of essential oils for healing and the maintenance of vitality. Essential oils are the fragrant, volatile liquids distilled from plants. They are very concentrated. It takes petals from 30 roses to produce one drop of rose essential oil and several kilos of lavender to produce a small bottle of essential oil.

Our sense of smell is linked to the part of the brain associated with memory and emotion. Studies prove that various scents produce different emotions and reactions. Scents penetrate the human subconscious, causing reactions such as changes in blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate. Essential oils are the perfect antidote to our modern, stressed-out lifestyles as they calm the mind and soothe the body.

Essential oils were man’s first medicine. From hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt, we know that essential oils were used for luxurious baths, embalming the dead, rituals and healing. The Romans used essential oils for massage and to scent themselves as well as their homes.

The word “aromatherapy” was coined by a chemist, Rene Gatefosse, in 1937 when he discovered that lavender oil could heal burns on his hand without leaving any scar. He started investigating the healing and psychotherapeutic properties of other essential oils.

During World War II, essential oil was an effective alternative to antiseptic when medical supplies were short. Aromatherapy is rapidly gaining acceptance in many countries as a complement to allopathic medicine. In France today, there are over 1,500 medical doctors trained in aromatherapy.

It is important to use the purest essential oils available. Synthetic oils may smell like natural oils but they do not contain the therapeutic properties of pure essential oils.

Essential oils have regenerating, oxygenating and immune defence properties. They are powerful antioxidants tha work as free radical scavengers to prevent fungus growth and oxidation in cells.

“The simplest way to use essential oils is by diffusion using an oil burner or diffuser. The oil molecules enter our limbic system of the brain through inhalation and increase the secretions of antibodies, endorphins and neurotransmitters,” says Tania Leong, a qualified aromatherapist and founder of new age shop, This Wonderful Life, in Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

Other ways to use essential oils is by direct application on skin through massage, in baths or as a perfume.

You can make your own room spray by mixing a few drops of essential oils in a spritz bottle to deodorise, cleanse and energise your space.

Leong says aromatherapy can alleviate ailments and disorders such as arthritis, water retention, pre-menstrual syndrome, constipation, insomnia, gastric spasms, migraines and skin problems. Emotional issues such as fear of the unknown, heartbreak and grief can be effectively healed with the correct application of essential oils. Depending on the condition of the individual, results can be seen after a day or six months.

After a consultation with an aromatherapist, she will prescribe a personal oil blend to assist you in restoring your physical, mental and emotional health. She will take note of your medical history, diet, lifestyle and other factors as some oils have contraindications and must be avoided for people with specific conditions. For example, oils like clary sage, fennel and sage must be used with caution in pregnant women.

Leong’s favourite blend is a combination of bergamot, lavender and eucalyptus. Bergamot is a happy oil which uplifts and promotes alertness, lavender is calming and eucalyptus opens up the sinuses and breathing passages.

Here is a list of essential oils and their therapeutic properties.

Eucalyptus: Useful for treating coughs and colds. A disinfectant and relieves aches, pain and sore muscles.

Lemon: Excellent for mental fatigue. Refreshing, improves clarity and alertness.

Tea Tree: An impressive antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal oil. Good for burns, cuts, wounds, arthritis, colds and indigestion.

Geranium: Regulates the natural rhythms of the emotions. Works well for depression, anxiety, menopausal problems, pre-menstrual syndrome and irritability.

Rosemary: Purifying, physically and mentally stimulating. Useful for treating lethargy, depression, indigestion, breathing problems and rheumatism.

Bergamot: Uplifting and calming. Lighten the shadows of the mind, bringing illumination and laughter.

Patchouli: Brings a sense of sacredness in life. Euphoric and aphrodisiac properties.

Grapefruit: Energises and enlivens when energy is low or the emotions are deep and ponderous. A stress reliever. Take advantage of nature’s precious gift of aromatic essential oils to balance yourself naturally and to reconnect with the natural world. Using a few drops of the appropriate essential oil can bring tremendous benefits to your life.

Special Promotion: 20% off for Aromatherapy Essential Oils & Room Sprays till 30/5/2010

■ The writer is a co-founder of The Violet Flame Holistic Shop and Therapy Centre, Bangsar. She can be reached at info@thevioletflame.com.my