holistic therapy_House Doctor 05/12/2014 15:25 Page 2
Holistic Therapy Focus:
AROMATHERAPY This month we discover more about the tantalising natural scents said to have the power to heal
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hink about how invigorated you feel when you breathe in the scent of orange peel or how peaceful and calming soothing lavender can be. Our sense of smell is a curious thing, so it’s interesting to think it can be harnessed to help us with our emotions. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy stems from the power of natural fragrances, which have been used for hundreds of years to help heal. “Aromatherapy is the practice of using oil derived from 100 per cent natural plant materials for health and well-being benefits,” says Julia Lawless, a trained aromatherapist and author of Encylopedia of Essential Oils. “The use of fragrance has great value in the treatment of emotional or nervous disorders, especially when combined with massage. Modern research has shown that the scent of essential oils can help combat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and mental fatigue.” While the modern concept was devised in the early 20th century by a French chemist, aromatic plants and oils have been used for their holistic properties for thousands of years. “I believe aromatherapy is a part of the herbal tradition of healing, which is the most ancient system of medicine used by mankind,” says Julia. “Uses of herbs and aromatic plants have been documented by many diverse nations, including the ancient Egyptians, Persians, Indians, Chinese, Greeks and Arab cultures.”
AROMATHERAPY EXPLAINED Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, trees, fruit, vegetables or spices. “The oil is called ‘essential’ because it captures the plant’s fragrance and healing properties in a very concentrated way,” says Julia. Perhaps this is why we are drawn to certain smells which may be good for our well-being, as well as pleasant for our nose. 40 SOUL&SPIRIT
Add a few drops of oil to your bath and inhale the fragrant steam, or dilute the oil in water and heat it in an oil burner, to release the aroma into your home. You can also use different blends to scent bed linen, or put a drop on a cloth and leave it in your wardrobe for fragrant outfits. Plus, adding a little to your pillow can help you have a deep and peaceful night’s sleep.
THE BENEFITS Much more than fancy smellies, it’s believed that blend of oils can be mixed to target specific aches and pains. For example, Julia’s Clear Head synergy includes eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint and clove nutmeg to relieve the symptoms of feeling under the weather.