Waterloo, ON (PRWEB) February 21, 2012
Aromatic Health has introduced an open forum discussion on Twitter, taking place every Monday evening at 9pm EST. The goal of these discussions is to introduce, educate and dispel the misconceptions of aromatherapy. To follow the discussion, use the hashtag #EOTherapy.
This discussion is for individuals to ask questions and learn about aromatherapy and essential oils. Certified aromatherapists, from around the world, participate to discuss the uses of essential oil and can answer any questions, which may arise.
The term aromatherapy is misleading, as it implies that healing occurs by scent alone. This is only a small part of what aromatherapy includes. The word "aromatherapy" has become a buzzword and has been used for any product, which contains natural or synthetic essential oils, even in minute amounts. Aromatherapy, simply described, is the use of essential oils to aid in the healing of the body, mind and spirit. Many now prefer to call it essential oil therapy.
Medical, or clinical, aromatherapy uses pure, medicinal grade essential oils, which are derived from plant material such as herbs, flowers, roots, trees and fruits. Essential oils are concentrated, volatile substances, which display various properties. These plant properties include, but are not limited to, anti-viral agents, anti-inflammatory, decongestants or sedatives.
Clinical aromatherapy treats an individual on a physiological, topical and psychological level. Aromatherapy is holistic; in that the whole person is treated and not just the symptom of a disease. The aim is not a quick fix or cure, but true healing and a strengthened immune system. As essential oils are in two forms, liquid and vapour, it is difficult to treat on one level.
Essential oils are used as a preventative and as a treatment for conditions when they arise. It has been stated that the overuse of antibiotics has led to immune deficiency disorders, underdeveloped immune systems and resistant bacteria (Schmidt, Smith, Sehnert. Beyond Antibiotics). Essential oils have shown to be effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. In the case of the common cold, the use of immune stimulating essential oils can prevent the cold, alleviate the symptoms, shorten the duration and protect against secondary infections.
There has been an increase in the number of studies being completed on the effectiveness of essential oils. These studies include the antiviral activity of tea tree oil (PMID: 19843207), the anticancer activity of sweet gale essential oil (PMID: 15898708) and the effectiveness of lavender essential oil for general anxiety disorder (PMID: 19962288).
Michelle Reynolds founded Aromatic Health in 2003, after seeking alternatives to help heal common ailments and natural skin care products. Aromatic Health focuses on the benefits of clinical aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy. At Aromatic Health, all products are hand made, using only pure and organic essential oils and raw ingredients. All products are cruelty free and do not contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals or preservatives. Their product lines include Aromatherapeutic, Mother & Child, Skin Care and Gift Sets.