Healing with Essential Oils

Although Aromatherapy has been known to humankind for over 4,000 years, we know so little about it. The reason seems to be that the “time wasn’t right”.  But I believe that has changed – people are now ready for it.

 Many of us have become concerned about the side effects of chemically produced medications.  We know that they undermine our bodies’ innate self-healing process, and many of us have tried to reduce our dependence on such prescriptions.  We want to assume more responsibility for our own well-being and to concentrate on preventing illness in the first place.

We have begun to understand that many illnesses originate in the mind and that a holistic approach may be necessary for healing both body and mind.  The search for medications that do fulfill this need has been neglected by orthodox medical practice.  That’s why so many people have begun to choose a holistic approach toward healing.

The number of unhappy people in our society has grown steadily. While in some parts of the world we have been able to satisfy many of our needs for food, protection, property, and security, we seem to have lost spiritual richness.  We know that inner emptiness cannot be filled by external prosperity or diversion. Maybe that’s why we are “ready” now for these long neglected healing methods—the pure essential oils—the concentrated fragrant components of plants and herbs that may benefit everyone.

Essential oils, properly administered, produce no harmful side effects.  On the contrary, unlike chemotherapy, they mobilize the body’s own self-healing powers.  Aromatherapy acts in accordance with holistic principles; it awakens and strengthens vital energies and self-healing capabilities of the patient.  Essential oils can deeply influence our psychic equilibrium or psychological well-being and regulate physical imbalances-removing the “soil” on which illnesses flourish.  They act on holistic principles—affecting body and soul.

In addition, essential oils invite one to appreciate the beauty and wonders of creation, providing us inner contentment.  As a gate to our soul, essential oils give us the impetus to search for meaning in our lives.

The extraordinary attributes of essential oils account for their effectiveness and the many possible applications.  They have the ability to directly affect the brain and, from there, many psychological and physiological processes.  This is the reason so many different methods of application are being used so effectively; aroma lamps, compresses, massage and inhalation devices—most notably in psycho-aromatherapy for the treatment of depression, sleep disorders, stress symptoms and anxiety.

Essential oils—absorbed by the skin—can read the organs to be treated through the connective and lymphatic tissues and the circulatory system.  Excretion of the oils from the body takes place in the lungs and kidneys.  Essential oils greatly support the skin, the largest organ of our body, in its many functions.  Applied in diluted forms, they are used for massage, in therapeutic baths, and for compresses.  But again, the effect is a holistic one—body and mind benefit at the same time.

Essential oils can also be taken internally.  Aromatherapists in France and Italy have gained much empirical knowledge in this field over the last few centuries.  But this form of treatment belongs in the hands of experienced therapists.  Never attempt to take essential oils orally without the guidance and care of a trusted, experienced practitioner.  Improper use could be very harmful to your health.  In case of serious illness, always seek the advice and care of a physician or health practitioner.

Aromatherapy works well as an adjunct to other types of treatment.  Every holistic therapy will be strengthened in its effectiveness when essential oils are part of the treatment.  Back Flower therapy, for instance, is very compatible with aromatherapy.  Even chemotherapy, should it be absolutely necessary, is more effective with this additional support.  On the other hand, aromatherapy and homeopathy do not mix.  The essential oils cancel out the effect of homeopathic remedies.  This is true for the internal use of essential oils as well as the external use of camphor, mint, and chamomile.  Avoid them altogether during homeopathic treatment.