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AromatherapyPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, July 2007. This factsheet is for people who would like information about aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is based on the use of concentrated essential plant oils. This means they come from the essence. It can be used to relieve stress and maintain health and wellbeing, as well as to complement conventional medical treatment. The oils are either absorbed through your skin via massage or inhaled so some of the oil components enter your body.
What is complementary therapy?In the UK, complementary medicines are generally viewed as treatments which are given alongside conventional treatments. Some levels of BUPA health insurance cover complementary medicine. Some therapies may be available through the NHS. What is aromatherapy?Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that involves using essential oils therapeutically. Plant oils have been used for therapy and cosmetics for thousands of years. Records go back to ancient Egypt, China and India. Modern aromatherapy developed in France during the early twentieth century. A French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé, was impressed by the healing powers of essential oils. He coined the term "aromathérapie". Dr Jean Valnet, a military surgeon, used them to treat both military and civilian patients. Later, Marguerite Maury developed the use of aromatherapy in beauty therapy and massage. The essential oils that aromatherapists use to treat conditions are complex substances containing many chemical components. The oils are not concentrated from whole plant parts - unlike most herbal medicines - but are extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, peel, resin or bark. How does aromatherapy work?Aromatherapy is used to reduce the symptoms of a range of conditions and is believed to work both physiologically and psychologically. It's not clear exactly how aromatherapy works - in particular, whether the massage or the smell (or both) has an effect. Essential oils can be absorbed through your skin by massage or if you use a cream, lotion or compress to which they have been added. This may act as a painkiller, an antiseptic or have an antifungal effect. Essential oils evaporate very quickly, so if you inhale them, they are effective physically and psychologically. They can alter your mood. When you smell a certain essential oil, this sensation travels from the part of the brain connected to smell (olfactory system) to your brain's limbic system, which controls emotions and stores and retrieves learned memories. This triggers chemicals to be released. These may have different effects, causing you to feel relaxed or stimulated. In addition, the gentle massage often used to apply the diluted oils to your skin is likely to have a relaxing effect. What problems can aromatherapy help?Some of the conditions aromatherapy is used for include:
You can choose to be treated by an aromatherapist, or you can buy certain oils at pharmacies and health shops and treat yourself. If you visit an aromatherapist, he or she is likely to give you a massage using essential oils that have been diluted in a vegetable oil or a lotion. Alternatives to aromatherapyThere are a range of conventional treatments for the health conditions listed. Ask your doctor for advice. Where can I find an aromatherapist?The Aromatherapy Council can supply a list of members and training establishments, along with more information about aromatherapy. Only courses that involve at least 180 hours of training are included on the list. A practitioner should have some training in anatomy and physiology, as well as in the use of essential oils and massage. Aromatherapy is increasingly widely available. Many health clubs, sports centres, beauty clinics and complementary therapy centres now offer aromatherapy massage. Nurses in hospices and nursing homes use it. It may also be possible to find a private practitioner who will come to your home. What will happen during a treatment session?If you decide to visit an aromatherapist, you will first have a detailed consultation. The aromatherapist will ask you questions about your medical history, diet, lifestyle and health problems. You can also ask any questions you might have. Your therapist should not make a medical diagnosis as they are not trained to do so, but he or she can advise you on a course of treatment. Aromatherapists practise holistically (treating the whole person) and try to find treatments and oils that suit you physically and mentally. Your aromatherapist may recommend a single oil for you or a blend of two or three. If you are having a massage, your aromatherapist will mix the chosen oils with what is called a carrier oil. These light oils, usually obtained from nuts or seeds such as almond or grapeseed, carry the essential oils and provide lubrication for massage. You should tell your therapist if you have a nut allergy. You may also be given advice about home treatments. Your first session may last up to two hours because of the initial consultation. You may find that one session is enough or decide to continue with regular treatments at intervals of one to four weeks. Each of these will probably last about an hour. Using essential oils at homeIf you decide to use aromatherapy at home, you should only use diluted oils. Some of the ways you can use them include:
It's important that you get advice from your GP or a registered aromatherapist before using essential oils as they can also have harmful effects. You should always buy essential oils from a reputable source and in small amounts (5ml to 10ml) as you will only use a few drops at a time. Always store the oils in tightly-sealed containers in a cool, dark place. If kept for too long, the oils will lose their therapeutic properties You should treat them as you would conventional medicines and keep them out of the reach of children. Is aromatherapy effective?The evidence of whether aromatherapy can improve health problems varies a great deal. Several studies have looked at the outcomes of different oils and aromatherapy techniques on a variety of diseases and conditions. Some of these have been controlled studies and may have involved using a placebo (dummy) treatment and seeing how it compares with the aromatherapy one. Others are much smaller and therefore less reliable as evidence. The results of these experiments are not conclusive and have led to conflicting points of view over how aromatherapy actually works. Research suggests that it may be more useful in reducing symptoms of certain conditions than others. Some conclusions are:
However, much of this research has been inconclusive and more work is needed. There does appear to be stronger evidence for the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of tea tree and eucalyptus oils. Some patients with cancer develop ulcers on their face and neck and these can smell extremely unpleasant. A small study found that using these oils got rid of the smell very quickly and improved the patients' quality of life. Deciding on treatmentBefore using aromatherapy, you need to bear in mind that in their concentrated form the oils can be very powerful. You should handle them carefully and always dilute them - three to five drops in a bath is enough, using more may irritate your skin. Aromatherapy may not be appropriate for everyone. You should take extra care if you have conditions including:
Aromatherapy oils can have side-effects, including nausea, headaches or an allergic reaction. Some of them, including citrus oils such as orange, grapefruit and bergamot, react with ultraviolet light and can cause your skin to burn more easily in sunlight. You should not use essential oils neat on your skin. Exceptions are lavender oil and tea tree oil but only in small amounts and not for long periods. You should not use them on broken skin. You should never eat or drink the oils. Aromatherapy is also not suitable if:
Some essential oils may affect certain conventional medicines, including antibiotics, antihistamines, sedatives and medication used to treat epilepsy. If you are taking any of these, you should always check with your GP before using aromatherapy. Most homeopaths advise you not to use essential oils if you are taking a homeopathic remedy. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: July 2007. Expected review date: July 2009.
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