Abstract This paper begins with a basic explanation of aromatherapy and then goes on to take a brief look at the history of aromatherapy, its origins and where it has been widely used. Next, the paper discusses the most essential oils used in aromatherapy and their benefits. The paper then attempts to explain how these essential oils are prepared and the significance of this process. This is followed with a look at how aromatherapy works along with a discussion of the most prominent and common benefits of aromatherapy. Lastly, the paper mentions some precautions that should be taken while doing aromatherapy.
Table of Contents
Abstract
What is Aromatherapy?
Brief History of Aromatherapy Essential Oils Used in Aromatherapy Preparation of Essential Oils
How Aromatherapy Works
Benefits of Aromatherapy Some Precautions that Should Be Taken
From the Paper "In simple terms aromatherapy means the use of "treatment using scents." In my personal opinion it is like treating your body with gentle care of pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. It is considered to be a branch of herbal medicine that uses the essential oils found in plants for their healing or medicinal properties. Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of aromatherapy on wellness and provides information on the background and practice of aromatherapy. The paper shows how aromatherapy incorporates the entire mind, body and soul and is often used in holistic nursing practice to enhance the well-being of a client. A discussion on some of the conditions that aromatherapy has been effective in treating is also included.
Table of Contents:
Background
The Beneficial Effects of Aromatherapy Conclusion
From the Paper "Aromatherapy is clearly a universal practice that will most likely to continue to grow as the aging baby boomers demand safer and more natural treatments for chronic illnesses and diseases. It is used by a wide ranged age group, but is most popular among working individuals, chronic disease sufferers, climacteric women and seniors with dementia. Aromatherapy is not snake oil science, as there are numerous published scientific articles backing the claims of holistic practitioners and medicine men. Although essential oils have not been proven to cure any disease or illness, there is substantial evidence that they may be able to provide effective relief from the symptoms associated with chronic illness and may make the disease itself as well as activities of daily living (ADLs) more manageable."
Abstract The paper discusses the health claims associated with aromatherapy and comments that these claims are contested by the medical community. The paper notes that the interesting aspect of the phenomena is that even when in conflict with conventional medicine, aromatherapy continues to expand in use. The paper also notes the growth of the aromatherapy industry, despite the substantial range of unfounded claims that are associated with aromatherapy's benefits. The paper continues by warning that claiming medical use is dangerous and illegal, as it can misdirect a person suffering from a serious medical problem to a solution that will do little more than make her home and and body smell nice. The paper concludes that regulating such services is difficult, as the industry is frequently left to self-regulation, which usually consists of minimal disclaimers following the "medical" claims even if it is true that there are natural substances that have legitimate therapeutic value.
From the Paper "Though the blood brain barrier makes, direct brain absorption doubtful, it is likely absorbed by the olfactory circulation and sense and then if there is any effect on the brain it is through these mechanisms, not as a direct elemental addition to the brain. The work, attempts to stress that the only needed validity to such treatment is the proof that "We have all entered a room and smelt a distinct aroma that has made us feel good or totally uncomfortable." Though anecdotal evidence is fine for the development of products that are not claimed to cure diseases a list offered by one company includes: "depression, sex-drive problems, bronchitis, athlete's foot, high blood pressure, cystitis, head lice," as diseases that can be cured by essential oils."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough overview of the art of aromatherapy. It begins by providing a history of aromatherapy and then explains how the practice works. It answers questions by sceptics about whether it does work or not. It explains the purpose and powers of some of the oils and how each power was discovered.
From the Paper "Aromatherapy is a compound word. The two parts are: Aroma~ meaning Fragrance ort smell and Therapy~ meaning treatment, therefore aromatherapy is the process of caring for the body using smell. Aromatherapy is used for the use of pain, anxiety and fatigue. It is also used to prevent illness, to care for the skin and to enhance relaxation. It is a holistic treatment in which the oils are massaged into the skin, used in baths, directly applied to the skin and/or inhalation. When inhaled the oils affect the brain and nervous system through a stimulation of the olfactory nerves. When used in baths or massage the oils are absorbed into the skin and are carried off by body fluids and then transferred into the main body system. Certain essential oils may have different effects of different parts of the body. Aromatherapy is now one of the largest growing alternatives to chemical medicine. It is widely used in homes, hospitals and clinics such as pain relief."
Abstract This paper, presented in two parts, first explores the idea that aromatherapy may provide relief to cancer patients from several perspectives. n particular, the paper examines the claim that aromatherapy may provide stress relief and help reduce anxiety and depression. The second part of the paper presents a brief outline for a study aimed at investigating whether aromatherapy is beneficial in reducing pain and anxiety, specifically in patients suffering from cancer. The paper suggests that the study be aimed at the biomedical community, suggests a methodology for the study, and describes a survey that it might use.
From the Paper "Naturopathic physicians promote aromatherapy as a natural way that cancer patients can help combat stress and produce a feeling of well being (Buckle, 1999). Most of the evidence provided supporting this claim stems from randomized clinical trials. The clinical research related to aromatherapy however is generally in its beginning stages only. Clinical trials have been conducted related to a number of health conditions, including hair loss and tobacco cravings and depressions (ACA, 2000). At this time the number of studies related to cancer patients is relatively few."
Abstract This paper examines the practice of aromatherapy and its soothing effects on people. A history of the practice is included, as well as the way aromatherapy works well with conventional medicine. The writer looks at all 27 essential oils and explains what the qualities of each one are.
From the Paper "Aromatherapy As much as we take our sense of smell for granted, fragrance affects us in a way that is both healing & soothing through the use of Aromatherapy. The tools of Aromatherapy are essential oils, which are used to achieve the potential goals of good physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health & balance. Through teas, baths, massage and other therapies, Aromatherapy applies essential oils to heal the body. There are about 27 essential oils that make up the art of Aromatherapy. Each of these oils has properties and can be used for therapeutic treatments. These oils have been utilized in such ways throughout the ages. "The Egyptians initiated the art of extracting essences from plants by heating them in clay containers; the Greek Theophrastus was the first true aromatherapist" (Jackson p. 7-8). Aromatherapy extended to other ancient cultures such as the Romans, the Chinese, the Arabs, and the Aztecs. These ancient civilizations used Aromatherapy for medicinal and recreational purposes."
Tags: alternative, health, holistic, measures, oil, healing, medicine
Abstract This paper presents brief introductions on aromatherapy and allergies and the various nursing aspects and implications on the uses of aromatherapy as a treatment for allergies.
From the Paper "An allergy is defined as the sensitivity of an individual to something, which may or may not altogether cause a problem to that individual. There are various types of allergies, for example, allergy to dust falls under the heading of respiratory allergies. This may induce sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing or even asthma. Other symptoms of this type of allergy may be the occurrence of itchy eyes, mouth, and or sour throat. Another type of allergy is related to various foods, which may induce stomach aches, frequent indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, all of which show that the individual is sensitive to various foods. Other common allergies include that of skin, smells, and drugs. (Allergies, 2001)"
Abstract This paper examines complementary and alternative medicines, also known as CAM. It briefly looks at the need to understand costs, drug interactions and the patient's knowledge and understanding of CAM concepts. The paper focuses on aromatherapy and discusses how it is used in healing. The paper then looks at how aromatherapy fits under the umbrella of CAM therapies.
From the Paper "Another study discovered that the use of aromatherapy after an operation lessoned the patient's feeling of nausea and vomiting. Antiemetics (drugs used to prevent nausea and vomiting) were reduced by almost 50% (Milivojevic, 2006). In small studies conducted in nursing homes, aromatherapy has indicated better sleep in some aging adults, and lavender aromatherapy hand massages showed the ability to lessen aggressive emotional behavior in patients with dementia from Alzheimer's. According to a group of geriatric psychiatrists, aromatherapy may ease the behavioral problems of people with dementia. Many older persons with dementia become nervous, agitated, and depressed, or display other behavioral problems, such as wandering, hostility, and sleep disorders. Researchers conducted trials of aromatherapy treatments of lemon balm and lavender oil, which patients either breathed in or used on the skin."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of aromatherapy and how one can set up a business of aromatic products. The business set up is no different than any other business. The author finds that the advantage in this business is that it can be started off with small investment and from the comfort of one's home.
Abstract This paper provides an overview of aroma therapy and examines how, today, it is found everywhere and in everything. It debates whether one can argue with the benefits of a practice that dates back thousands of years and shows how skeptics believe it is the power of suggestion, either on the part of the practitioner or the patient, or simply the fad of the Green movement, that results in any beneficial effects of aromatherapy. It shows how scientific studies are mounting, nonetheless, and although science may never be able to prove without a shadow of doubt that fragrances and applied oils actually cure illnesses and maladies, one would be hard-pressed to assert that certain aromas do not calm, stimulate, or create a sense of well-being.
From the Paper "Scientists agree that essential oils, the aromatic essences of plants, may perform several functions in living plants, such as part of the plant's immune system or end-products of the metabolism. The oils, which contain hundreds of organic constituents and are roughly a hundred times more concentrated than the oils in dried herbs, work on numerous levels (Natural pg). Humans perceive odors through thousands of olfactory nerves, which contain bundles of extremely sensitive nerve cells, in the nostrils. These nerve cells, unlike other nerve cells, regenerate every thirty to forty days. "Specific aromatic molecules of essential oils react with specific nerve receptors, which in turn trigger electrochemical impulses that are conducted directly into the brain" ."
Abstract This paper discusses the efficacy of aromatherapy used in substance abuse treatment programs for women who typically suffer from many symptoms related to early stages of recovery. The rationale for investigating the efficacy of aromatherapy relates to its potential to mediate the problems generally associated with substance abuse recovery, such as sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. The extent to which these associated conditions can be mediated is the extent to which this researcher believes the recovery process can be facilitated and the chances for success heightened.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion: Aromatherapy Definitions and Background
Overview of Olfactory System
Effects of Aromatherapy on Mind/Body
Therapeutic Uses of Essential Oils
Addiction: Definitions and Background
Addiction-Related Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders
Human Behavior Considerations
Women and Addiction
Current Research
Application in Women's Groups
Meditation/Chakras
Cautions and Considerations
From the Paper "Although people have been using what is considered to be aromatherapy today for several millennia, the distillation of plant essences is credited to Islamic alchemists; however, aromatherapy as it is practiced today has a much more recent history. According to Ba (2003), in 1937, a French perfumery chemist by the name of Renee Gatefosse was the first to coin the term "aromatherapie" to describe the application of volatile oils to produce a therapeutic response to various conditions and diseases typically experienced by humans. While the term may be new, the practice is truly ancient, and Price, Price and Penoel (1999) note that, "Plants and their extracts have been used since time immemorial to relieve pain, aid healing, kill bacteria and thus revitalize and maintain good health" (p. 1). While the word itself was not coined until the last century, the distilled extracts from plants-the essential oils-have been used by humankind for countless years in religious rites, perfumery and hygiene. According to Ba, cedarwood oil is known to have been used by the Egyptians for embalming and for hygienic purposes 5,000 years ago; this oil is most likely the first "distilled" oil to have been produced (although the process used remains open to speculation)."
Abstract The paper is the business plan for the launch of a Vietnamese greeting card company with a specialty product - cards with aromatherapy scents and candles. The paper includes all of the standard analysis sections such as PESTLE and SWOT, as well as basic financials and lacks only the associated spreadsheets of the pro forma to constitute an entire business plan. The paper concludes with an action plan for the months of September, 2004 through January, 2005.
Table of Contents:
Executive Summary
Mission Statement
Background on Industry
PESTLE - Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental
SWOT Analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
Competitive Analysis
Target Market
Marketing Objectives and Strategies
New Product Description
Packaging and Branding
Inventory Control
Budget
Control
Detailed Action Plan
Reference
From the Paper "The first product of ABC Greetings is a line of specialty greeting cards. These cards are everyday cards; that is, created for everyday giving and not specifically for any special occasion. The difference in the ABC Greetings line is the addition of a corresponding aromatherapy scent that ties in to the card's message. It is expected that in the near future the line will be expanded to include special occasion cards with an appropriate scent for that occasion."
Abstract This paper contends that, based on the study of different kinds of depression and the symptoms of each, prescription medication is not needed to treat these symptoms because there are so many other alternative therapy methods. The paper relates that alternative medicine consists of herbal treatments, cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, support groups, use of dietary supplements, electroconvulsive therapy, exercise, phototherapy, aromatherapy, touch therapy, talk therapy, acupuncture treatments, and enjoying fun or new activities on a daily basis. It then discusses that many of these therapy methods are inexpensive in comparison to prescriptions and that the advantages of alternative medicine far outweigh the advantages of antidepressants for treatment of depression.
From the Paper "The closest thing to prescription medication, without the harmful side-effects, is herbal medicine. One very popular herbal treatment is known as St. John's Wort. This herb contains the same MAO inhibitors that are used in antidepressants, hereby having the same general effects that increase the serotonin levels in the brain (Depression.com Internet). Herbs are a lot less expensive than antidepressants as well. St. John's Wort costs, on average, about one dollar a day. This is opposed to the eight dollars that would be spent on an antidepressant drug. In Germany, where St. John's Wort outsells all other antidepressants combined, a study shows that it is just as effective as an antidepressant for treating mild to moderate depression in 50-80% of the patients involved in the study (Lesie 1A). Another common herb being used is called Gingko, which improves blood flow to the brain. It can be useful for strokes and memory loss that sometimes go hand in hand with depression. "
Tags: psychotherapy, psychotic, aromatherapy, support, groups
Abstract In today's fast paced world most people have to work and along with that factor most people are subjected to work stress. There are many causes related to stress such as job insecurity, working long hours, and even conflict between co-workers. This paper covers how understanding and recognizing stress can basically nip the source in the bud. It also covers the physical and emotions signs to look for and offers some stress management techniques such as journaling, meditation, excercising and aromatherapy.
From the Paper "Almost everyone has to work, and most of us don?t realize what a powerful and influential role work plays in our lives. As far back as the 1960?s, working for a living has taken up a huge amount of people's lives. It's true, employment can be exciting and challenging for many, but in turn, it can cause a person an enormous amount of stress. My intent in this paper is to focus on how work stress can effect our well-being, and how we can modulate and cope with that stress. Newspaper headlines worldwide have heralded an unprecedented concern about the detrimental effects of work stress. Authors Locke & Taylor attribute the source of stress to work places that are unstable, impersonal, and hostile. In line with this, Locke & Taylor have documented that researchers have been examining the psychosocial and physical demands of the work environment that trigger stress. Research has identified many organizational factors contributing to increased stress levels: job insecurity, shift work, long work hours, physical hazard exposures, and interpersonal conflicts with coworkers or supervisors. (Locke & Taylor, 1990)."
Abstract The term alternative medicine covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches and therapies. It generally describes those treatments and health care practices that are outside mainstream Western health care. This paper examines the history of alternative medicine, its risks and values. The paper discusses the different streams which make up alternative medicine such as accupuncture, mind-body healing, yoga and chiropractic therapy. Also discussed is craniosacral therapy, massage therapy, herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
From the Paper "Alternative health care is not easily defined. Often it is explained by describing what it is not. Alternative health care is not the scientific practice of nursing, or medicine as it has come to be understood in first world countries during this century. Throughout recorded history, people of various cultures have relied on what Western medical practitioners today call alternative medicine. The term alternative medicine covers a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. It generally describes those treatments and health care practices that are outside mainstream Western health care."
