How Essential Oils Work in Aromatherapy
You’ve probably noticed that when we humans cut ourselves a red fluid (blood) oozes out! No great news there. Similarly, when you break or injure the parts of plants, they ”bleed,” too.Unlike blood, this fluid is clear. It is, in fact, an oil or resin and within it can be found trace elements of nutrients, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and anti-bodies.It has a whole range of different properties such as anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiinfectious,antiseptic and can stimulate the immune system as well. Oxygen is also
found in this resin, bound chemically within other organic molecules such as alcohols,phenols, esters and many other organic molecules, which together make up the essential oil.This oil is released by the plant to clean the wound, kill the bacteria and start the healing process, and in fact has the same function as blood in humans (and other animals). Like blood, this fluid/oil in plants transports the basic nutrients necessary to feed and support the cells. The essential oil has the ability to permeate or penetrate the plant’s cell walls and transport oxygen and nutrients into the cells themselves to support and help their immune system.
Research has shown that, because of these immune stimulating properties, essential oils can support the immune system. So that, for instance, whether applied topically (rubbed on) or inhaled, 70% of people who get a cold or flu will recover faster using essential oils!During an aromatherapy massage, some of the volatile essential oils are inhaled and absorbed through the nose and mouth. As well, the molecules of these essential oils lock onto receptor cells at the back of the nose. An electrochemical message is sent to the limbic (emotional) area of the brain which appears to trigger memory and emotional responses, which in turn cause messages to be sent to other parts of the brain and body. In this way, the production of euphoric, relaxing, sedative or stimulating neurochemicals is stimulated. So many beneficial mental and emotional effects are produced via this method. Essential oils also have many special properties which give them the ability to help us deal with odors and bacteria. They act in several ways:
1. They are able to increase atmospheric oxygen in a closed space as they release oxygenating molecules into the atmosphere. Oils increase ozone and negative ions in the home, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. This prevents and destroys existing odors of cigarettes, mold, animals, etc.
2. They are able to break up the molecular chains of some chemicals in the air, making them non-toxic to us because of their particular attraction to these chemicals.
3. Essential Oils will bond to metals and chemicals within the body and carry these toxic out of the body. They work as natural chelators, i.e. they bond organically, forming new compounds called chelates, so that these toxic substances can’t remain in the tissues.
4. Essential Oils remove dust particles from the air, acting as an air filtration system.
5. Essential Oils are recognized as having a very marked ability to increase cellular oxygen through their normal functioning. When applied to the body by rubbing the feet,they will travel through the body and affect every cell, including the hair, within 20 minutes!In orthodox medicine, one compound, such as aspirin, is made and its properties are tested and known. However, in nature, in each essential oil, there can be many, many different compounds, all with different therapeutic effects. Each can act synergistically to
give the body what it needs. Sometimes it can have opposing effects so it can act as a relaxant or stimulant depending on what’s needed.
Each essential oil contains as many as 100 chemical components, which together have a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, it acts differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothe, some relieve pain, etc.There are oils such as lemon and lavender, which adapt to what the body needs, and adapt to that situation. (These are called “adaptogenic.”) The mechanism in which these essential oils act on us is not very well understood. What is understood is that they affect our mind and emotions. They leave no harmful residues.They enter into the body either by absorption (by rubbing them on the skin) or inhalation. Because Essential Oils are volatile, i.e., they convert into a vapor, they stimulate the powerful sense of smell. It is known that the odors we smell have a great impact on how we feel. In fact, it has been shown that people who have no sense of smell have a higher incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We are able to distinguish between 10,000 different smells!The fine oil particles enter through the nose via cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) and are absorbed into the blood stream in the lungs. Once they have entered the bloodstream, they change the electrical conductivity and pH right at the spot of entry at the capillary and cause an electrical charge to travel through the body, which explains why it can have such a fast effect at times.
As previously mentioned, one of the major systems affected is the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.There has been research done measuring changes in brain frequency with the use of different essential oil fragrances. For instance, studies with lavender have shown that the alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation, increase. On the other hand, studies with jasmine have shown a marked increase of beta waves, which represents alertness! So clearly, different essential oils have different effects.
There are many different essential oils, in fact, as many different oils as there are plants. They are very complex substances containing sometimes up to 100 chemical components which have many different effects, some of which even depend on what the body needs. They can act outside the body, e.g., oxygenating the air and removing pollution or they are absorbed into the body via the nose or the skin and can have multiple significant effects on mood, health and general well-being. For more information about aromatherapy,this reference guide contains a great deal of information and is a handy book to keep in your personal health library.
What Essential Oils Can Do For You
Essential oils act on many different levels.
On a physical level, essential oils are a most potent form of herbal energy. They are antiseptic and immune system stimulants. They are also effective for daily first-aid, e.g.,for bites, itches, coughs and cold.
On a cellular level, essential oils are good for healing wounds, repairing scars,stimulating tissue and regulating the barrier (between the inside and outside world).They help maintain optimum moisture level in skin and protect it from infection.Geranium and lavender are examples of oils that work on this cellular level.
On an emotional level, they stimulate both conscious and sub conscious memories,basic drives and hormones. They are effective in dealing with depression, grief, low self esteem, improving sleep and stress-related disorders.
On an energy level, they can be applied to acupuncture meridian points, chakras and subtle energy points to help healing.
On a spiritual level, essential oils have been used by every major culture and society for over 10,000 years. They have been used for ritual, prayer, purification,magic, mysticism, celebration and meditation.
Many people believe that essential oils can bring focus and deeper meaning to our existence. These days the understanding of their properties and appropriate use has been formalized into a health discipline – aromatherapy – and practitioners are now trained to know how to use them effectively for optimum health and well being.The mechanism by which essential oils acts is complex and not well understood due to the nature of all the many compounds within each one. Nevertheless, the quality and effect of fragrance or mell, though little understood, is an important part of our human experience and via the many and varied healing properties of essential oils, can enhance our lives and heal our bodies, minds and spirits.
A Quick History of Aromatherapy
Like acupuncture, aromatherapy, the use of Essential Oils for healing, has been in use for more than 6,000 years. Its origins aren’t completely documented, but there is enough evidence to show that aromatic essences have been used for healing over many centuries.It’s possible it all began in Australia with the aborigines over 40,000 years ago, but they weren’t known for keeping records. Much of their history has been passed along orally from generation to generation, much like that of the native tribes everywhere,including the native North American Indians, whose history also is rich with the use of fragrant oils for religious and therapeutic purposes.However, the Egyptians, with their use of stone ablets inscribed with stories of their culture, are generally credited with being the first to establish the use of aromatic or essential oils. Later, the Greeks learned from the Egyptians, and still later, the Romans learned from the Greeks. At the same time, fragrant oils and plant essences were being explored in ancient China.
Meanwhile in India, the traditional practice of medicine, known as Ayurveda practiced for more than 3,000 years, also used essential oils in their therapeutic massage.By the first century A.D., fragrances were used in religion, health, beauty, “hygiene” and entertainment. Hygiene in those days consisted of bathing in perfume or slathering one’s body with fragrant oils. Much later, even Queen Elizabeth I is said to have used such fragrances in her annual bath, “whether she needed it or no.”While it may have been the Egyptians who popularized the uses of fragrances and essences, other cultures were by then using them also.
Two major changes took place in the late 19th century:
First, the use of fragrances split into two camps: 1. perfumery and cosmetics, and 2. harmaceuticals.Second, essential oils suffered a huge setback in understanding as well as acceptance and use, because of the discovery of the ability to formulate synthetic copies of almost any chemical. A copied molecule of a vitamin is not the vitamin. Similarly, a copy of a plant oil is not the same as that plant’s essence. No longer, then, could perfumes be used medicinally.
Synthetic copies are mere shadows of the original and usually are weaker and ineffective, or even worse, they can be toxic. Unfortunately, this reputation has flowed on to the authentic essential oils in the modern medical community and so they are regarded as ineffective and inferior to accepted medical formulations, or drugs.Ironically, however, many of today’s drugs were originally derived from plant sources.It wasn’t until the 20th century that the use of essential oils began its re-entry into the world of therapeutics. The term “aromatherapy” was coined by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefoss somewhere between the 1920s and ‘30s. His interest is reputed to have begun when he burned himself in a laboratory explosion at the family perfumery and he reflexively plunged his arm into a handy vat of lavender oil for relief. Later, he was so amazed at his painless recovery, with no scarring, that he did further experiments with the oil.
Currently, aromatherapy is mostly used by massage therapists as well as alternative health disciplines. Its modern use derives from methods developed in the 1950s by Marguerite (Margaret) Maury, a French biochemist, and an associate,Micheline Arcier (or Archer) who collaborated with Maury as she established clinics in Europe for the use of oils as treatment for specific ailments. Much research was done in Europe before aromatherapy was brought to America.Aromatherapy was finally introduced in America in the 1980s in California, where it was embraced by health food outlets and alternative health practitioners.
An Awareness Meditation - Watching Thoughts
1. Find a quiet comfortable place where you will not be disturbed for the next 10 to 30 minutes.
2. Lie on the floor or sit comfortably in a straight-backed chair with your spine erect. If you have a tendency to fall asleep whilst lying down, it is better to sit. Be aware of your body and relax and let go of any physical tension as much as possible.
3. Take a few deep breaths and begin your meditation by becoming aware of your breathing. Focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall, the air enter your nostrils and leave your mouth. Pay attention to the way each breath changes and is different.
4. Watch your thoughts in a detached way as if you were watching a rather uninteresting movie. Your thoughts will give rise to associated images, feelings and emotions. Disregard them and try to remain detached.
5. Watch every thought come and go, whether it is worry, fear, anxiety or hope,pleasure. When thoughts come up in your mind, don’t ignore or suppress them but simply note them, remain calm and use your breathing as an anchor. Watch your mind like a detached observer and allow your mind to freely unfold and let whatever is there show up.
6. Stay calm and relaxed, and continue to breathe deeply. Do not fight your thoughts or become a ngry and frustrated if you find yourself being distracted by your thoughts continually.
7. There is no effort or focus needed on your part. You just remain aware, watching your thoughts without attempting to control the process.
8. Eventually your thoughts will slow down and you will no longer identify with the mental images and there associated feelings. Instead you will experience the still calm, inner peace, and serenity of a calm mind.
9. As the time comes to a close, sit for a minute or two, becoming aware of where you are. Get up gradually. It takes only a little bit of practice to experience the real benefits of this meditation. Keep on practising this meditation even if you find you are continually led astray by your thoughts and emotions during the sessions. Your patience and resolve will eventually bring you inner peace and the joyous experience of the real you.
Meditation Aids
Guided Meditations and Music
A guided meditation on a CDs or tape can be useful when you first start your practice and are not familiar with the procedure. Often these are available in the library or through meditation groups, so you can try some out before deciding if you want to purchase one.Music CDs and tapes can help us relax and calm our minds and put us in the right frame of mind to meditate. Music can also accompany our meditation as soothing instrumental piece or devotional music, chanting or prayers.As well as music written especially for the practice of meditation, people often select a piece of classical music by Bach or Handel, or classical Indian ragas to meditate to. It comes down to personal choice but any selection you make should be on the basis of creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Mats Chairs Cushions and Blankets
During your meditation it is important not to be distracted by an uncomfortable posture or position. Choose a position that you feel comfortable and relaxed with, whether sitting on a chair, upon cushions on the floor or lying on a mat. If you tend to fall asleep lying on the floor or bed, sit upright. A blanket or rug maybe a necessary comfort if meditating in the cooler hours of the day or in cool rooms as your body temperature will drop during meditation and you may become chilly.
A Special Space
A special space can separates us from our everyday existence so we can make the necessary transition to be still and silent, to practice or meditation.Make the area where you meditate special to you, a place where you enjoy spending a little time, so you have a pleasant experience.Even some simple objects taken from nature, a rug or mat, and pictures of tranquil scenes can make the area where you meditate special.
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