AROMATHERAPY : A HOLISTIC HEALING PRACTICE

                     "He who ruled scent ruled the heart of men"

                                                     Patrick Suskind, Perfume

To the neophyte, the word "Aromatherapy" refers to the effects of fragrances on our psyche and emotions. This impression has been reenforced by several articles published in the last year. Although the research on the sense of smell tends to demonstrate how active fragrances can be on human psychology and behavior, there is a lot more to Aromatherapy than that. The term was coined in the late 19th century by the French chemist Gatefossé as "the use of essential oils of plants for healing."

But now, what are essential oils ?

This term is actually a misleading name for these highly concentrated vegetal extracts. Non oily in texture, these volatile substances are called "essential" because they contain the essence of the plant: its concentrated vital force. Many plants from all over the world contain essential oils. They are present in tiny droplets between the cells, where they act as hormones, regulators and catalysts and seem to be the plant's agents of adaptation to its environment. They carry the fragrance of the plant and are closely related to the plant's sexual activity.

EXTRACTION

In citrus fruits, peel pressure is used to obtain the precious oil. In other plants, steam distillation is the only natural way. Essential oils that are not obtained by one of these two methods have been extracted by chemical solvents, which obviously detract from the natural healing effects of the plant. Extraction by solvent is used for jasmine, tuberose, carnation, lilac, etc. As the solvent is never completely eliminated, these oils should not be used for Aromatherapy. Sought after because of their hauntingly pleasant scent, these solvent-laden oils suffer a shamefully short life and do not offer the rich bouquet of properly distilled oils. Pure and natural essential oils can be very expensive. The most costly ones (rose, neroli, jasmine, etc.) are often mixtures of cheaper ones or synthetic recompositions of their main elements. We know that certain elements found only in minute quantities in the body are absolutely indispensible to life.

Essential oils have hundreds of chemical components, some of them in trace amounts. Their power lies in the combination of these elements, which are at least as important as their main constituents.

AROMATICS IN HISTORY

The history of Aromatherapy begins with the history of civilisation. Concentrated deposits of medicinal plants have been found in tombs dating as far as 8,OOO B.C. Aromatics and fragrance were widely used for spirituality, sensuality, magic and healing in the earliest ages of humanity. Perfume making was closely related to religious practice and was considered an art in most traditional cultures (Persian, Hebrew, Mayan, Greek, Chinese, etc.). The first codification of the use of perfumes and aromatics for liturgical and therapeutic purposes can be found in the Vedas, the most sacred book of India and one of the oldest books known to man.

Numerous hieroglyphics tell us how advanced the ancient Egyptians became in the art of using aromatic plants for both medical and religious purposes. The mummies were embalmed with linens soaked in cedarwood, frankincense and myrrh, which greatly helped their preservation by suppressing bacterial activity. At the zenith of the Pharonic Empire, scents were considered essential to the pleasures of Egyptian life, and a wide range of skin care products and cosmetics were developed for the highly sophisticated members of the nobility.

The Greeks are considered the founders of modern medicine. Greek doctors codified the use of aromatics and numerous books were written on the various effects of scents on thinking, feeling, and health, as well as on the specific prescriptions of oils for healing.

The Romans borrowed much medical knowledge from the Greeks, and the hedonistic Roman culture improved the ability of aromatics to delight.

Essential oils were used extensively in massage and bathing: as a matter of fact the word lavender comes from the latin word "lavare", to bath.

Later, with the development of Alchemy, the Arabs revived the use of aromatics in medicine and perfumery and perfected the techniques of extraction. Avicenne invented the refrigerant coil, which was a real breakthrough in the art of distillation.

Alchemy was probably introduced in Europe by the Crusaders on their way back from the Holy Land. They developed the art of preparing the "quintessences" which were the basis of most medecines. More and more substances were distilled for their essences and for centuries essential oils remained the only remedy for epidemic diseases.

They were almost forgotten with the advent of chemistry. The revival came with the works of Rene Maurice Gattefosse at the turn of the century. Today, Aromatherapy is a very active movement in Europe, especially in France where it is now a recognized medicine, reimbursed by health insurance.

AROMATHERAPY IN MODERN TIMES

The antiseptic and antibiotic power of essential oils is now widely documented. The first scientific studies started in 1881 with Koch, followed by Chamberland in 1887, who demonstrated the destructive effect of thyme on the anthrax bacillus. Later Rideal and Walker defined the "phenol coefficient" for measuring the antiseptic action of essential oils. Continuing research has been carried on since then and is still going on in Europe, mostly in France and Germany. This research reveals that essential oils, especialy oregano, thyme, lemon, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, etc., are extremely powerful antiseptics and antibiotics which are not dangerous for the body when prescribed at the appropriate dosage. The long history of their usage results in a precise knowledge of any possible side effects. They are thus excellent alternatives to more devastating treatment and have the particularity of treating the body as a whole and not only the symptoms of a specific disease.

Essential oils have profound effects on the major functions of the physiological system: endocrine, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, etc. They aid the elimination of toxins from the body, and most of them (such as geranium, garlic, sage, lavender) have cytophilactic properties, i.e., they stimulate the regeneration of cells.

In traditional cultures, Essential oils were primarily used for their psychological effects. Recent research conducted in several major American Universities reveals that the effects of odors on the psyche is much greater than science suspected. Smell is closely related to the basic primitive behaviors: fear, aggressivity, hunger, sexuality. Scents are also related to more subtle mental processes. Traditionally, perfumes were used to stimulate imagination, fantasy, to generate heartiness, to stimulate or to calm. The holy man, the mystic, experiences heavenly fragrances in his deepest ecstasy. He eventually dies accompanied by an odor of sanctity.

Essential oils help restore and maintain harmony of the body and mind. They act holistically as natural, non-traumatic medicines. While treating the disease itself, they strenghten health and well-being. By their most subtle effects, they contribute to a genuine "art de vivre". Aromatherapy is thus a perfect preventive medecine in association with good nutrition and a healthy way of life!

USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS

You will only find general indications in this section. We refer our readers to the tables and bibliography for more specific information.

INTERNAL USE:

Internal use of essential oils is a touchy matter, as it is a potentially dangerous form of self-medication. The supervision of a specialist is strongly recommended. Essential oils are highly concentrated and extremely potent medicines. It can take more than 1 oz. of plant material to get a single drop of oil! Therefore, one should always carefully respect the doses. As a rule, the maximum dose should be 5 drops, 3 times a day for internal use.

They can be taken pure, mixed with a little bit of honey or brown sugar, diluted in alcohol or vegetable oil, or in special preparations. It is always better to consult a specialist before taking them internally. Only the highest quality should be used.

EXTERNAL USE

Taken internally, essential oils are strictly medicinal; externally, they can also be used for their pleasurable aspects. Like spices in the food, they add a touch of taste, genuineness and elegance to existence.

MASSAGE:

Essential oils are particularly beneficent in massage, a slow, diffuse, gentle and pleasant way to take them. They are rapidly absorbed by the skin and penetrate deeply into the tissues. The massage itself helps their penetration and guides them where they are the most needed. They will treat locally or via the energy channels (nerves, meridians).

How to prepare a massage oil:

Always use cold pressed vegetable oils (sweet almond oil is the most commonly used).

Prepair a blend of essential oils according to the anticipated effects (cf. tables or bibliography). Mix 1/4 oz. of your blend with 12 to 16 oz. vegetable oil of your choice. Follow your own intuition and your taste to make the most beautifully scented massage oils.

AROMATIC BATH

Essential oils and baths have mutual synergetic effects. From Egypt to India, the ancients had elaborate ritual ablutions which were combinations of hot and cold fragrant baths, ointments and aromatic massages.

Pour the oils into your bath just before you get in. 5 to 10 drops, pure or mixed with vegetable oil (recommended for dry skin). cf tables or bilbiography for specific indications.

Special hint : mix some drops of E.O. in a spoonful of milk, then drop in the bath water. 

AROMATIC BODY WRAP:

On a confortable horizontal surface (bed, carpet, massage table, etc.) lay a blanket, cover it with plastic and place a large bath towel on top.

In a spray bottle, mix 10 to 15 drops of the appropriate blend of oils with 12 oz. of hot water. Shake well. Spray on the towel, shaking constantly. Lay on the towel and wrap it around your whole body; then wrap the plastic and the blanket. Breathe, relax, enjoy... Even better in a quiet room with dim light and nice peaceful music.

FACIAL COMPRESSES

5 drops of the appropriate blend of oil in a bowl of warm water. Soak cotton or cloth. Apply on your face for 5 minutes. Resoak and reapply up to three times.

FACIAL STEAM BATH

5 to 10 drops of oils in a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a large towel, close your eyes and let the steam operate for 15 minutes.

INHALATIONS

Very beneficial for lung problems, sinusitis, cold, flu, coughs etc. 5 drops in a bowl of hot water. Breathe gently under a large cloth. Add 5 more drops after 5 minutes. If your nose starts running, it just means that you are eliminating.

AROMATIC DIFFUSOR

Aromatic fumigations were probably the first method of using aromatics for therapy. More than 2 OOO years ago, long before the strong antiseptic power of essential oils was discovered, Hyppocrates, the father of western medecine, succesfully struggled against the Plague in Athens using aromatic fumigations throughout the city. In the Middle Ages, in times of epidemics, people burned pine and other fragrant woods in the streets. Perfumers were known to be immune to diseases.

An increasingly popular way to use essential oils is with the aromatic diffusor, an apparatus which diffuses essential oils into the air without altering or heating them. The ionized micro-particles, which stay suspended for several hours, revitalize the air by their antiseptic and deodorant action. The oxydation of the oils provokes the formation of low doses of natural ozone which recombines almost instantly and liberates a small amount of negative ions. This has the same invigorating and purifying effect than a walk in a forest where the same phenomenon takes place naturally.

There has been much clinical research on the use of this apparatus over the last 1O years (Doctor Lamblin, Pierre Franchomme, etc.). Besides the antiseptic action, already widely documented, the effect on the respiratory system has been found to be very beneficial (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, colds, etc.). The action on the circulatory and nervous sytems is also very pronounced. It seems, in fact, that the aromatic diffusor can be used for almost all indications of Aromatherapy.

Many naturopathic clinics and yoga centers use this apparatus. It can be installed in any public or private place where air treatment is needed: Saunas, hot tubs, hospitals, consulting rooms, gymnastic centers, schools, and of course, at home in the living room, bedroom, kitchen or bath.

The pleasurable aspects of this apparatus are one of its main characteristic. It is the best way to carry out the subtlest effects of essential oils, their effects on the spirit and the soul. By contributing to the creation of a cheerful atmosphere, it will enhance the quality of life, give it a touch of natural elegance. Cf. tables and bibliography for specific indications.

THE ESSENTIAL WORLD

When you first step into the world of essential oils, you might be slightly surprised. Your olfactory system will have to be reeducated. After years of neglect and abuse with junk perfumes, your nose will not be able to fully appreciate the richness of natural fragrances. Then, the power of fragrances unfolds to you every day. You start to play with them, dance with them, create with them. In their gentle, humble way, they connect you to the "quintessence", the spirit of the plants, and will "make thee glad, merry, gracious and well-beloved of all men".

Article publié dans Whole Earth en juin 1986

THE AUTHORS:

En.marge and Marcel Lavabre are CEOs and owners of Aromatica Vera Inc., P.O. Box 3609, Culver City, CA. 9O231

BIBLIOGRAPHY "The Practice of Aromatherapy" by Jean Valnet. Inner Traditions International, New York, 1982. "The Art of Aromatherapy" by Robert Tisserand, Inner Traditions International, New York, 1979. "Aromatherapy for women" by Maggie Tisserand, Inner Traditions International "Aromatherapy, scentual touch" by Judith Jackson, Henry Holt & Co. New York. "Practical Aromatherapy" by Shirley Price, Inner Traditions International. "Jeanne Rose's Herbal Body Book" by Jeanne Rose, Grosset & Dunlap, NY. "Create your own Perfumes" by Luc Bodin, EastWest Journal, March 1982. "Aromatherapy: Delightful Healing Fragrances" by Marcel Lavabre, Bestways Magazine, September 1982. "The Aromatics and the soul" by Marcel Lavabre, Newblood, spring 1983.