Copyright 2006 Michael J. Barry
What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an ancient form of healing and has
been used as a natural healing therapy throughout
the ages. The uniqueness of Aromatherapy is
attributed to pure essential oils derived from plants,
flowers, trees, herbs and resins used to balance the
body, mind and spirit, in massage, inhalations and
other methods. These essential oils are very complex,
powerful and effective as indicated by the traditional
belief of the presence of the actual life force of the
plant in the oils.

The effectiveness of Aromatherapy Massage is due to the ready absorption of
these oils in the body through the skin. These oils have been proven, on
average, to take only two hours to totally absorbed into the body and remain in
the system for several hours before being eliminated. In addition to direct
physical benefits, the aroma of the oils stimulates the brains limbic system (via
the olfactory nerve) and alters emotional and mental behavior.

In today’s environment of stress-related ailments caused by environment,
financial problems and/or personal difficulties, an increasing number of people
are finding physical mental, and spiritual relief through the use of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy and Massage can be complements to conventional medicine and
do not replace the family physician or the necessary medications or surgery one
may require at certain times. They are a way of allowing the person to assume
more responsibility for his/her own body, health and well-being.