What is Aromatherapy
The term “aromatherapy” was first coined in 1928 by Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French perfumist and chemist. He used Aromatherapy to define a clinical action – an essential oil (lavender) healed a burn. Thus, he differentiated between the therapeutic effects of essential oils and utilizing them for perfumes and fragrances

Aromatherapy has matured and developed into a discipline that relies on a holistic approach which encompasses the body, the mind and the spirit (energy). This approach acknowledges that aromatic organic compounds (essential oils) have a profound effect not only on the mind via olfaction (sense of smell) but also the body, based on chemistry and method of application.

Unfortunately, Aromatherapy is often misrepresented and misinterpreted as something which simply smells good. This misconception is perpetuated by the commercial market where many products claim to be aromatherapeutic, without actually having plant essence in the formula. Commonly, the scent is created by a similar but synthetic, substance. More and more research is showing that although two molecules may be identical in structure, they are not able to create the same therapeutic effect. It is nearly impossible for a consumer to determine whether a product does what it claims before buying it.

What are essential oils
Essential oils are the volatile chemical compounds produced by and stored in specialized plant cells. There are many different storage cells and storage areas, depending on the particular plant. This process is similar to our body’s organs that secret and/or store hormones and enzymes.

Pure essential oils, as defined by trained aromatherapists, are most commonly obtained by the steam distillation of plant material, and by the expression of some citrus fruits rinds. Methods of extraction that require solvents are not considered suitable for aromatherapy. In no case are synthetic "fragrance" oils suitable for aromatherapy.

Essential oils are not really oils as we know them, but because they do not disperse in water they are called oils. An essential oil is a highly concentrated representation of the radiant energy of the sun, transmuted by the plant into a chemical form. Some essential oils are watery and others are quite viscous, but all are volatile and will evaporate and oxidize with exposure
to sunlight, heat and air.

When pure, unadulterated and used properly by trained specialists, essential oils do not cause side effects. They penetrate the skin's surface, and are transported into the blood stream to circulate throughout the body, safely enhancing the therapeutic effects of the oils.

How Essential Oils are Used
Essential oil treatments (Aromatherapy treatments) can be given by many different methods.
Topical treatments: applied in baths, compresses, massage oils, soaks, washes or rinses, balms or salves and pulse point oils.
Inhaled treatments: diffused through the air by hot, cold or steam diffusion, micro-nebulized or directly inhaled from a bottle.
Rectal/vaginal suppositories: safe for specific disorders.
Oral Ingestion: safe and effective when recommended by trained aromatherapists.

Knowledge of safety and toxicity guidelines is essential in all therapeutic applications of Aromatherapy.

By virtue of their chemical components, essential oils have therapeutic qualities. A professional aromatherapist will be trained in their proper use and application. The benefits of essential oils vary from individual to individual; what works in one way for you may not have the same effect for someone else.

Aromatherapy is effective in the treatment of many different ailments. From common concerns to serious disease. To a competent therapist, the context in which disease/illness occurs is vital to the healing process; she/he will have a method for getting to know and understand the client.