FREE ESSAY ON AROMATHERAPY

AROMATHERAPY

There are literally hundreds of types of unconventional medicines. An unconventional
medicine is any type of therapy that is different from traditional medicine in the way
that it focuses on a patient's mind, body, and inner energy, to aid in healing. Some, use
magic charms, colour therapy, sound therapy, and juice therapy, in which natural juices
are used as tonic therapies. 
Flower remedy is a system of natural medicine that uses remedies distilled from blooming
plants and trees, and some followers believe that flowers are nature's gentle tools for
treating and preventing disease. (Gottlieb,1995:37)
There is even a healing process called food therapy. It involves a healthy diet and
relating nutrition to disease, something a lot of conventional doctors do not practice
these days. 
Hydrotherapy involves using different water temperature and pressure to help heal many
things such as sprains, headaches, and even pneumonia. It is usually accompanied by
massage, and used often in sports. 
Imagery is a type of therapy in which the patient imagines that they are being healed,
and before long, they will feel better. For example, if a patient had a bad sunburn on
their back, they could imagine that a block of ice was melting inside their neck and
dripping down the back. Within minutes, the pain should be gone. Imagery can also include
sounds, tastes, and smells. (Nash,1996:45) The list of alternative therapies goes on and
on.
For every disease known to mankind, there is probably a complementary alternative
medicine to counter it. Most alternative medicines are unheard of in North America, where
conventional medicines and doctors dominate over eastern medicine. This is mainly because
when North Americans hear the term "alternative medicine", they can think up some pretty
exotic images. In recent years though, the more popular eastern medicines have become
more widely used in the west. For example, a few years ago, herbal teas, were used as
remedies for everything from insomnia to morning sickness, were sold mainly in health
food stores. Today, one can find seemingly endless varieties in a regular supermarket.
Of all the different remedies that exist, North Americans are probably most familiar with
therapies that are most talked about and receive the most attention. Reflexology,
aromatherapy, and acupuncture are valid and considerable forms of alternative medicine.
They are proven to work effectively, and when administered by a professional, are usually
safe, and non-toxic. These three types of natural medicines are often talked about on
television specials, in magazine articles, and other visual and print media. They are
being used more commonly as people are getting tired of conventional medicines that don't
work, or worsen the problem, and doctors who do not treat their patients as individuals,
and are always overbooked.
Now is a time when people crave information about the human body. Many people would like
to heal themselves of illness, or prevent disease, using methods that have fewer toxic
side effects than many of today's modern pharmaceuticals. (Gottlieb,1995:2) This is why
many people are turning to the ancient tools of the past. 
Reflexology is a skilled treatment of pressure points on the feet, developed by an
American medical doctor, William Fitzgerald. "It has become one of the most popular
complementary therapies because it is so effective." (Mackay,1997) It is gentle,
painless, very relaxing, and has no harmful side effects, yet it is quite effective
because it corrects the underlying cause of the problem, rather than just masking the
symptoms.
Reflexologists believe that certain spots on the feet are directly linked to other body
parts, including muscles, bones, organs, and more. Working these spots helps the body
relax, giving it a chance to heal. (Gottlieb,1995:108) The idea is that pressure is
applied to the hands and feet promotes a beneficial response throughout the body,
providing a break from stress. Although researchers are still looking for the how's and
why's of reflexology, Kevin and Barbara Kunz, reflexology researchers in Santa Fe, New
Mexico, and authors of Hand and Foot Reflexology, say "The results are obvious.
Reflexology can be a great contributor to overall health." (Gottlieb,1995:107)
According to reflexology, the body is divided into ten zones called "energy zones". Every
tendon, ligament, organ, muscle, bone, and brain cell in included in one of these zones,
and every zone ends at the soles of the feet. (Hill,1978:187) Reflex areas are the spots
on the feet that when massaged, correspond to specific body parts and help them to feel
relaxed. Hands also have reflex areas, but feet need the relaxation more so because they
are constricted to shoes all day. Some reflexologists say that toxins settle in the feet
because of gravity, so this is another reason why the feet need to be worked on more than
the hands. (Rosenfeld,1996:162)
Reflexologists say that they can often tell from the feet when something in the body is
wrong. Tender spots on the feet indicate that you may have a problem in the corresponding
part of the body. (Gottlieb,1995:110)
An explanation behind reflexology is still a mystery, but evidence is building up that it
does work. Research remains limited, but one study shows a possible link between
reflexology and the relief of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The study involved 35
California women who complained of PMS symptoms, and the women who received true
reflexology reported feeling significantly better than those who received placebo
reflexology sessions which included working on parts of the ears, hands and feet that are
not supposed to have any effect on PMS. (Jacobs,1996:193)
Reflexology can be used to treat many things including anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis,
indigestion, sinus problems, and even grief. Laryngitis, for example, can be treated by
paying special attention to the throat, chest, lung, diaphragm, and lymphatic system
reflex points on both feet. It is also suggested to thoroughly work all of the points on
the sides and bottoms of the toes. (Gottlieb,1995:409)
Aromatherapy is another form of alternative medicine. It the use of essential oils to
promote good personal health. It combines the sciences of chemistry, botany, and
physiology with the art of essential oil blending to achieve physical, emotional, and
mental balance. (Monte,1993:212) Healing effects of organic chemical components are done
by inhalation or application of essential oils and hydrosols. Essential oils can be
inhaled by diffusers, candles, a handkerchief- or anything that can give off a scent. A
hydrosol (which is the leftover water from distilling the plant material) is spritzed in
the air or on the face and inhaled with a deep relaxing breath. By application and
inhalation, aromatherapy claims to affect the entire being to promote vital health and
wellness. It is a form of complementary medicine to heal physical and mental imbalances.
(Earle & Rose,1996)
Aromatherapy often works because "humans relate fragrance to specific experiences. Take
for example, being in a rain forest. The brain records these experiences, often
unconsciously, and when the odour is re-encountered, one recalls the specific point in
time." (Monte,1993:212)
Essential oils have the ability to help heal and prevent infections. During World War
One, chemist Maurice Gattefosse experimented with the use of essential oils for the
treatment of soldiers war wounds. In July of 1910, he burned his hands in a laboratory
explosion. He rolled in grass to put out the flames, but gas gangrenous sores began to
appear. He applied essential oils of terpene-free lavender to the burns and noticed a
sudden arrest of gasification tissues. (Nash,1996:19) Quick healing, arrest of blisters,
and masking of gangrenous odours were all achieved in record time.
Aromatherapy is known to help the immune system stay strong. Lavender, lemon, bergamot,
thyme, chamomile, pine, sandalwood, myrrh, and vetiver are all essential oils that
stimulate the production of infection fighting white blood cells. (Earle & Rose,1996) The
antiviral action of certain essential oils with terpenoid compounds are very specific-
the citruses and the pine oils are the most effective at boosting immunity. (Keville &
Green,1997)
Headaches can also be treated by a range of different oils and herbs depending on the
specific origin of the headache. It is important to find the cause of the headache in
order to obtain the proper essential oil. Peppermint oil is one of the more traditional
aromatherapy remedies for headaches. It can be applied as a compress, or straight- one or
two drops directly to the back of the neck. A significant reduction in pain, as well as
positive mood change, and noticeable performance improvement was seen in aromatherapy
patients in a large experiment in 1990. (Earle & Rose,1996)
Natural remedies are said to increase the body's resistance to disease by improving its
ability to fight infection. No single essential oil will heal a person, but many plants
have immune modulating properties. (Rosenfeld,1996:45) Essential oils should not be
solely relied upon in cases of serious illnesses, but may be integrated into any
therapeutic program such as physiotherapy, or massage therapy. 
Aromatherapy is both a specific science, and a deeply complex art. An understanding of
the human body and the interrelated functions of all its systems allow the aromatherapist
to act as both an artist, and a scientist for their patient. This form of unconventional
medicine is slowly making its way into acceptance in society.
In the past few years, acupuncture has also established itself as an effective and
considerable form of medicine in North America. It's recognition has increased in the
conventional medical world, and has also made an impression on the public. Acupuncture
has a reputation for treating the person as whole, as well as curing specific ailments
and complaints, and its growing role in the west is matched by an increasig demand for
well trained and qulaified acupuncturists.
Acupuncture invloves using very fine needles that peirce the skin, which work as antennae
to draw Qi (pronouned "chee") into the body at specific points and along certain meridian
lines. (Monte,1993:247) It works by stimulating the body's own healing abilities. The
fine hair-thin needles do not inject anything into the body, but instead, the healing
components of the body are broadened, directed, and generally made stronger in order to
manage future health problems. (Nash,1996:15)
According to the Chinese, a huge group of pathways run throughout the body. These
pathways flow from organ system to organ system, and connect with every cell of the body.
Along these pathways, close to the surface of the skin are little nodules, or acupuncture
points, that only a trained acupuncturist can feel. (Galem,1997) When these points are
stimulated by heat, touch, or penetration by a needle, the nodules cause a chain reaction
of events that affect many aspects of the body, mind, and spirit. (Nash,1996:15)
These pathways, or meridians were explained by the Chinese as being channels of energy,
or Chi (pronounced "chee" and sometimes spelled "Qi"). Dr. Ben Galem says that: "Each
person is, in reality, an energetic body with a physical body contained within. By
cultivating and building Chi in the body, we strengthen ourselves so that our body works
better, our immune system gets stronger, our energy level grows, and we have a greater
sense of well being." (1997)
A concept of Chinese medicine that influences acupuncture, is that of yin and yang.
Everything is composed of opposites, which need each other to exist- like a cycle. Hot
does not exist without cold, and vice versa. Sometimes these opposing forces become out
of balance with each other, and acupuncture, and other Chinese medicine can turn up or
turn down the Chi and cause a balance to return to the individual who is being treated.
(Eisenberg & Lee,1995:52) For example, if a person is too hot, then hot can be turned
down, and cold raised. If a person is too cold, the cold can be turned down, and the hot
raised. (Galem,1997)
Another way acupuncture works, is by countering outside influences such as cold weather.
Acupuncture can help build the body's immune system so that catching common colds and
other viruses is less likely. If treatment is given in the early stages of cold, symptoms
will be less intense. If it is given in the late stages, it can speed up recovery time.
Duration and frequency of treatment depend on the initial patient condition and severity
of the disorder. Usually, patients see their acupuncturist twice a week for the first two
weeks, then once each week, and then less frequently as symptoms settle. After therapy is
over, maintenance visits are five times yearly. The goal is to maintain homeostasis in
the body for longer periods of time. (Galem,1997)
Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions including migraines, asthma, bursitis,
tendonitis, menstrual pain, aid in weight loss and quitting smoking, back pain, sports
injuries, and much, much more. It is a very well known type of therapy, and its
possibilities are almost endless.
The use of major alternative medicines is increasing in areas where they remain inferior
to conventional medicine, mainly in Canada and the United States. This is because people
with health problems and complaints do not like the atmosphere of a regular doctors
office, and they do not feel as if the doctor is giving them the attention that they need
and deserve.
Practitioners of natural healing all believe that the patient and their illness must be
looked at deeply, and seriously. The mind, body, inner energy, and lifestyle, must be
treated as a whole. There must be no distractions, and the appointment must not be
rushed, as is the case of many conventional doctors offices with crowded waiting rooms,
and small, stuffy examining rooms.
Reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture are all unconventional medicines that are
worth consideration. They are proven to be valid, effective, and very helpful. Believers
and patients of these natural remedies swear by them. Researchers are constantly finding
evidence that back up practitioners theories that natural remedies really do work just as
well, if not better, than popping a few pills.
Although most alternative medicines are safe, and have far less toxic side effects than
many doctors prescriptions, some natural remedies, whether they include flowers and
herbs, or sound and a wide imagination, can have unwanted, and sometimes harmful side
effects. This usually happens when an inexperienced person tries to treat themselves and
they know nothing about the field. A professional should always be consulted before
action is taken.
There is a lot of information to be found as more and more research is brought out about
alternative medicine methods such as reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture, and
many, many more. One should converse with a qualified practitioner and come to a decision
on what type, or types of, natural healing methods that they wish to use to help heal
their sickness. Natural remedies can be used on their own, or blended with another for
faster relief. They can also be incorporated with modern science and modern medicines,
pain-killers, or supplements.
For anyone seeking help for anything from depression and insomnia, to headaches, and the
common cold, and thousands of more unwanted sicknesses, many believers of natural
remedies will strongly recommend this form of healing which dates back thousands of
years, to aid in therapy of open minded individuals.
Bibliography
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