Essential Oils are highly complex substances made up of many different chemical constituents. It is the design and number of constituents in an oil that make it almost impossible to reproduce synthetically. This makes each oil unique both in its fragrance and its effects on the body. The DNA structure in the plant world is compatible and works in harmony with the DNA structure of the human body. When synthetically produced substances are introduced into the body, they are not always complimentary, and often cause side effects. On many occasions, the side effects compound the original problem.
Essential Oils are natural antiseptics and anti-bacterial. Some contain anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. When blended together, they have a mutually enhancing effect on each other. This is called “synergy”, the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. The oils strengthen the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. They also stimulate the secretion of neurochemicals like endorphin for pain relief or serotonin for stress or insomnia. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands can be stimulated to help correct and balance the endocrine system. The oils penetrate the deepest layers of the skin accessing the circulatory system. In this way, they can act as natural diuretics and facilitate the elimination of toxins. They help accelerate the elimination of old skin cells and encourage regeneration of new.
A-ro-ma-ther-a-py is an ancient treatment for physical or mental disorders which allows us to benefit from the therapeutic properties of the essential oils distilled from certain natural herbs, spices, trees and shrubs. Used in baths, inhalations and topical applications are a few of the methods to benefit from the oils, but the best is applied through massage.
The term Aromatherapy is understood by many to mean that the fragrance(aroma) is the only healing aspect of the therapy. This is only half the story. For Aromatherapy to be most effective, the essential oils need to enter the body in two ways. Firstly, physically through the skin, and secondly through the olfactory system (sense of smell). This can be achieved through massage, baths, steam inhalation and sprays. Once the oils come into contact with the skin they are immediately assimilated into the circulatory system where they are carried to the various body systems and organs. It is the chemical interaction between the oils and the body, both physical and psychological that best describes why Aromatherapy works.
Taken from ‘The Autonomic Nervous System and Aromatherapy, by Jennine Stromkins’ – A must read for beginners and seasoned aromatherapists.
Let me explain how the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) works with Essential Oils. The ANS is located in the medulla oblongata(brain stem). It controls all parts of the body of which we have no voluntary control. The ANS determines what is or isn’t stress to our inner self. The ANS is divided into two antagonistic parts, these being the Parasympathetic System and the Sympathetic System. About 5% of the population are Balanced!
The Sympathetic System responds to strong emotions such as anger or excitement. It acts very much the opposite to that of the Parasympathetic System, in that it stimulates the heart, causes the bronchi to react, contracts the arteries raising blood pressure, inhibits the digestive system, mobilizes glucose and stimulates the secretion of sweat thus preparing the person for physical action. When the Sympathetic System is dominant or stronger, the person generally has a digestive system that is readily disturbed, restful sleep maybe a problem and headaches, in particular migraines may crop up fairly frequently.
The Parasympathetic System slows the pulse, lowering blood pressure, decreases the secretion of sweat and prepares the person for feeding, digestion and rest. When the Parasympathetic System is dominant, the person is generally having a good digestion, very rarely has headaches, doesn’t usually have a problem sleeping and is not easily disturbed for any period of time. The bowel tends to be sluggish and constipation is normal. Do either of these systems describe you? The Essential Oils are categorized as such. It is best when using a blend over a long period of time to use oils that are opposite to what your ANS is and not are! For example, if you have a Sympathetic ANS, then it would be best to use oils that are Parasympathetic.
