AROMATHERAPY

The word aromatherapy refers to the clinical use of essential oils combined with physical therapy. Aromapsychology specifically refers to essential oils that positively effect the mind, awareness, conscious states, functions of enhancement learning and mood alterations.With all of these positive attributes the science of aroma psychology now attracts a huge amount of funding, for extensive research, and the production of chemical fragrances with similar properties.

These oils are declared to have similar properties to essential oils.These chemotypes,made in laboratories, are easy and relatively cheap to produce, manufacturers

do not have to be dependent on the ecosystem, and it‘s moods of weather affecting the seasonal crops required for the production of pure essential oils.The therapeutic results of chemo type oils are quite different to those of pure essential oils.In clinical practice there are defined differences, in the results achieved after therapeutic use.The reasons for the success of therapeutic  results in the treatment of mental health, with pure essential oils is the following:

Aroma molecules connect with receptor cells in the cilia extending from the olfaction bulb-which is a extension of and part of the brain. Olfaction is the most direct interface between the brain and the physiological body (the mind body connection). Through the sense of smell, aroma molecules set off a cascade of reactions, involving proteins, enzymes and cell depolarization. These all lead to electrical impulses being triggered and sent to the limbic system, which is the oldest part of our brain and the processor of emotions.

The main symptoms of depressive states include, feelings of sadness, hoplessness and pessimism, added to this there may be a lack of interest in life‘s so called pleasures, (loss of sexual libido) the slowing down of physical and mental activity, periods of tiredness, loss of concentration, indecision and impaired memory functions.

Anyone who feels depressed for whatever reason, should seek medical advice, the causes of depressive states may be due to an underlying physical disorder, possibly involving the thyroid gland and a form of hormonal imbalance.e.g., (post-natal depression) There may be inherited genetic disorders that cause depression.

Drugs clearly have a role in the treatment of depressive states. To enhance the outcomes of drug therapy, it‘s a good idea to visit an aromatherapist, who can offer support, encouragement, and the benefits of therapeutic touch. Aromapsychology can be supportive to over come the barriers of depressive states. Friends and relatives should make an extra effort, to lend a listening ear, and offer the gift of an understanding approach. 

RARL (scribblers 03/11/2008 References:The fragrant Mind:Valerie Wormwood.