What is Aromatherapy?
Recently I saw a new aromatherapy collection from a large retailer of bath and body products…you all know which one I’m talking about. Shampoos, body washes, lotions and creams, all infused with essential oils. But then, they also have a line of so called “essential oils therapy” roller bottles. What is the difference between aromatherapy and essential oil therapy you may ask? Good question…. the answer is there isn’t any. I have seen different lines of “essential oil therapy” products, predominantly referring to 10ml roller bottles containing essential oils. I’m unsure when this term came into use, but it seems recent. The question is why? I can only assume it’s because the term aromatherapy is so misunderstood due to its commercial exploitation that the industry had to coin the new term “essential oil therapy. So, what is aromatherapy? Is it a nice smelling body care product, air freshener or a helpful natural remedy?
People have used aromatic plants and herbs since ancient times. However, the term aromatherapy was created in 1937 by a Frenchman named Rene-Maurice Gateffosse with the intention of distinguishing between the use of essential oils to improve physical and mental wellbeing from the use of essential oils in perfumery.
“Aromatherapy is the holistic therapeutic application of genuine and authentic plant-derived essential oils for enhancing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health of the individual”
New York Institute of Aromatic Studies
Aromatherapy includes the aromatic, topical and internal application of pure essential oils. Based on this, we can conclude that essential oil therapy and aromatherapy are one and the same. It is a misconception that aromatherapy products only consist of a nice scent that can improve our mood. To take full advantage of aromatherapy we should use pure therapeutic grade essential oils aromatically, topically and internally.
If you are reading this and thinking wow…I had no idea, no worries it is normal and to be expected, I didn’t know either! We learn and evolve if we are open to doing so. For instance, educating ourselves about the benefits of an essential oil like Lavender is no different than educating ourselves about the benefits of avocado for our health. Once we know different methods of application, and the benefits of each oil it becomes a part of our lifestyle and just comes naturally, and millions of essential oil users are proof of it.
Keeping a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing toxin exposure, getting enough sleep, reducing stress and really taking care of ourselves are just some of the things that we do, or should be doing to keep a healthy body and mind. Aromatherapy provides a natural way to help us accomplish that. We can use pure essential oils to manage moods, improve our sleep, add flavor to meals, soothe sore muscles, draw a relaxing bath, support our immune system and so much more.
It may seem overwhelming and you may think you can’t do it, but I never thought I could either. Essential oils are an amazing, natural way to take care of your health and the health of your family. Once you implement them in your lifestyle, you will truly feel empowered.
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