The Science of Aromatherapy

The Science of Aromatherapy

An aromatherapist smells a blend
of essential oils used in spa treatment.

Many people think that aromatherapy is merely the act of dabbing a little lavender oil under your nose or using rosemary in your massage oil. But the study of scent and the practice of aromatherapy is fascinating and highly complex—as much a science as it is an art.

For centuries, the only remedies available were those extracted from plants. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, Romans and Persians made great strides in the study of the use of essential oils from herbs and other plants, and passed down this knowledge—which became the foundation of Western medicine.

Although aromatherapy was once used as a medicinal art, today it is considered a healing, relaxing art, and many practitioners use it to supplement other spa, massage and beauty careers. It is important, however, that trained aromatherapists understand the power of essential oils and the more than 30,000 compounds found in the plants they study.

The Importance of Aromatherapy Training

Many aromatherapy compounds, when used in the wrong way, may be harmful, and aromatherapy training encourages the correct usage of all oils. For instance, professionals are always careful to dilute certain oils containing ketones, a compound that, when used in large amounts, can cause spontaneous abortions, provoke an epileptic fit, or poison the central nervous system. When properly diluted, ketone compounds can perform many helpful functions:

• They can help stimulate the immune system.
• They can help treat anti-fungal infections when applied topically.
• They can help stimulate a sense of relaxation.
• They can help support the respiratory system.
• They can assist the flow of mucus and ease congestion in people who suffer from upper respiratory problems.

Ketones can be found in mugwort, sage and thuja plants, and in much smaller amounts in camphor, cinnamon and peppermint.

Other compounds, such as aldehydes, alcohols and esters are found in plants that are often used in aromatherapy:

• Aldehydes – Aldehydes are relaxing, calming, sedative, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and are found in bergamot, lemongrass and other plants.
• Alcohols – Alcohols are anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and are found in basil, lavender and marjoram.
• Esters – Esters are more gentle compounds, and are often used in oil aromatherapy. These compounds can help heal rashes and inflammation, and are calming and uplifting to the nervous system. Bergamot, lavender and clary sage are used for this purpose.

There are many other compounds found in the essential oils derived from plants, and many are used not only in oil aromatherapy, but also in medicines, foods and cosmetics. Here are a few that aromatherapists use in mainstream culture's spa industry and wellness products:

• Azulene – Azulene is an organic compound with anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing.
• Bisabolol – Bisabolol is an alcohol with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flavonoids – This group consists of compounds that are currently undergoing intensive scientific research. They stimulate circulation, and their antioxidant properties are believed to help in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
• Farnesol – Farnesol is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
• Terpene alcohols – Terpene alcohols are highly anti-bacterial and help stimulate the immune system.

A Promising Future for Aromatherapists

The fascinating study of essential oils is growing into a valued and respected profession, and more practitioners of the healing arts and spa and beauty industry are pursuing aromatherapy training. Whether you are looking to find a new direction or expand your current training in the healing arts, aromatherapy may not only be a beneficial supplemental profession to areas such as massage, reflexology or acupuncture, it can also be a gratifying solo profession.

Learn more about the various career paths in aromatherapy.

Return to the Spa & Massage Career Center home page.

Looking for Spa and Massage Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools and program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
Flaming Passions Ltd, 2008.
WomanJunction.com, 2008.
McGee, Kate. Understanding the Science of Aromatherapy. Helium Inc., 2002-2008.