international certifying body such as NaTrue,


EcoCert,


or Demeter


(for biodynamic) certification can provide a sense of confidence about the oils one chooses to use and the ability for them to create a desired effect on the body. The benefits of aromatherapy on the body can be experienced in a variety of methods. The most common and obvious application


is as an aroma diffusor, ones coming from the plants


themselves, like pheromones, the body recognizes them as something familiar, something like its own chemical composition, a hormone. Upon inhaling the essential oil of a flower, leaf, root, or other part of a particular plant, the molecules of essential oil that the plant releases into the air are inhaled, entering into the olfactory system (our nose and nasal passages) and arrive directly to the limbic brain. Because the chemical structure of these little messengers is so similar


to our


own, the molecules of essential oils communicate like hormones and they can occupy hormonal receptor sites on our cells. This means they gain access to the cell, entering into the area of cellular metabolism, regeneration and even DNA, and thus trigger a series of responses to occur. An important distinction must be made between a natural aroma, one originating from the plant world, and a synthetically made substance, in that the therapeutic effect on the body occurs with the naturally derived substance due to its ability to communicate with the body.


The synthetic substance,


even if the aroma smells similar, will not have the desired therapeutic effect in the short or long term. The messages of the essential oils, in their pure form, are transported and interpreted by the body’s own proteins, enzymes, and vitamins, creating the building blocks for new cellular regeneration and DNA material. Essential oils can stimulate and support our bodies in producing the actual hormones we need and can be sustained over an extended period of time with continual use. The essential stimulus


oil to balancing. 12 encourage stimulating,


functions as a our own


bodies to regulate accordingly – either


relaxing, or


The effects of essential oils on the human body are tri-fold, working on a “holistic” level: physically, mentally, and emotionally.


Each


essential oil functions on all three levels, often seeming to emphasize one more than another, providing a stimulus where one is needed. The combination of essential oils help to create a harmony between the 3 level and frequently one oil will potentialize another. However, the therapeutic use of essential oils does require an amount of knowledge and correct understanding in order to


reactions. that


prevent have


over-use Using


been or essential pre-blended


surface oils or


included in cosmetic products is an alternative to buying single note essential oils of individual plants, especially when first learning how to blend them.


Another important factor in the proper use of essential oils is the careful planting, harvesting and production of the essential oils.


stage of planting the seed, caring for


the the essential


A quality oil begins at the plant, and safeguarding


oils throughout the


harvesting and distilling processes, all the way through to the laboratory and bottle.


The ingredients used


in therapeutic formulations should have a guarantee of purity and efficacy, indicating where and how it was grown and produced. When considering quality, an organically produced


plant guarantees that


the ingredients are free of harmful chemicals such as pesticides and fungicides, and that the plant is of non-genetically modified origin. A biodynamic certification goes even farther, guaranteeing these qualities and also seeking to replenish the soil with specialized preparations and reestablish the link with natural rhythms by using a precise planting calendar.


Both of these types of certifications, when supported by an


and can be used recreationally as well


therapeutically


inhalation, through


fountain, room


spray, or a perfume, creating an almost instant therapeutic effect. Another common way is absorption through the skin, a method that takes longer for the desired effect, yet as the molecules of essential oils enter the blood stream they create a sustained change as a response to the body’s need. Here again, the essential oils, due to their molecule size, are able to penetrate deeply into the skin, enter the blood


stream, and connect essential oils or into


the cell receptor sites affecting the desired communication. Additional methods such as oral consumption of


injection are


more medicinal and are not recommended without a specific training in scientific aromatherapy. The body’s healing response is innate and can be encouraged by the communication initiated with the essential oils. in


balance between stress


The built and


relaxation, which should normally be activated in the nervous system, has often been upset in today’s modern lifestyle. In the next section of this article we will review the relationship of emotional wellbeing, stress, and pure essential oils.


Bonnie Baker Associated Editor


Bonnie Baker is an anthropologist who has been working in the Spa Industry for nearly 20 years, first as a massage therapist and esthetician, then Spa Director, trainer and consultant. She has


worked in award-winning Spas


around the world and for some of the leading Spa companies such as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Four Seasons Hotels. Currently she operates the Mexican-based Spa Consulting company, SATTEVA Spa & Wellness Concepts, and conducts freelance training, including teaching Scientific Aromatherapy and Biodynamic Agriculture.


www.satteva.com www.spaprofessionalmexico.com


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