What Exactly is Aromatherapy and What is an Aromatherapist?

Recently, I was asked what I did for a living. When I responded, “I’m an aromatherapist,” I was met with: “What the heck is that?” As I went on to explain what aromatherapy is and was still met with a smile and a blank stare, I had to laugh to myself that this guy had no idea what I was talking about. I realize there are probably scores of people who don’t know what aromatherapy is, but, in that moment, I also realized just how grateful I am to have it in my life. Among other things, aromatherapy offers us an alternative to chemicals, empowers us to take responsibility for our health, supports the body-mind, and allows us to connect with ourselves and with nature.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, both physical and emotional. Distilled from plants, essential oils help us stay physically healthy through their ability to kill microorganisms while supporting the immune system. At the same time, upon inhalation, essential oils like Orange support our emotional health by enhancing our mood, or, in the case of Rose, by calming us. Pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, kill the intended bacteria as well as any “good” bacteria, leaving us vulnerable to further sickness.

Each essential oil is made up of a varied chemistry of components. These components give the oil its therapeutic abilities. When three or more essential oils are combined, a health-enhancing blend with all of the oils’ properties is created. Several recent studies have begun to confirm what many in the aromatherapy world already know: aromatherapy works! Tea Tree, Cinnamon, and Thyme have been shown to be highly effective against MRSA infections, and Lavender is being looked at as a natural weed killer.

An aspect of aromatherapy that I find particularly empowering is that it offers us an alternative to chemicals. We can use essential oils in place of household cleaners and personal care products that contain synthetic ingredients which are injurious to our bodies and to our planet. In this way, we promote our good health as well as the health of our families, our homes, and the Earth on a consistent basis.

Aromatherapy encourages us to connect with our inner selves through the simple process of inhalation. The very action of breathing in quiets us, focusing our attention on the experience and aroma at hand. Once we develop a relationship with essential oils, we are much more attuned to the plants they come from, and in my opinion, to the natural world as a whole. The centering and awareness that comes about is soothing to both the body and the mind.

One of the things I love about aromatherapy is: it’s a highly personal experience. An aroma that appeals to me may not appeal to you and vice versa. Because of this, the blending opportunities are endless and we can continually learn from one another. I look forward to hearing about your favorite essential oil combinations and what you use them for.

Here is mine: an anti-bacterial bathroom spray of 10 drops Eucalyptus and 12 drops Orange essential oils in a 2 oz. spray bottle filled with water. Shaken before each use, this spray will clear the air of germs, leaving a clean and uplifting aroma while offering a healthy option to a commercial air freshener.

Mindy MacLaren
Contributing Writer and Certified Aromatherapist
Facebook/Sweet & Woodsy Aromatherapy

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