Canyon Ranch (Massachusetts)


Aromatherapy is an ancient healing practice that has found new popularity. It's more than just pretty smells, of course. Choosing the right scents and products can promote relaxation and healing.

Known by many other names, aromatherapy dates back to ancient Egypt, where volatile oils were integrated into many aspects of daily life, ranging from healing and massage to embalming and religious observance (think incense).

It certainly had its place in other ancient societies, too: The Chinese are celebrated to this day for their sophisticated, age-old use of aromatic herbs, and one arm of traditional Indian medicine (ayurveda) relies heavily on aromatic massage.

The sweet smell of health

Aromatherapy is based on the principle that aromatic botanical oils -applied to the skin in diluted form and inhaled - act on psychological, physiologic and molecular levels. They stimulate specific areas of the brain and limbic system, triggering memories that result in relaxation or re-energizing (depending on the oil or combination of oils used) effects that have real health benefits.

Aromatherapy is natural, preventive medicine. People seek it out for many reasons: to help relieve stress or anxiety; to soothe stiff, achy muscles; to relieve congestion. The benefits can be great.

A rose by any other name

The key to effective aromatherapy is in the quality and nature of the materials used. Pure essential oils - as opposed to artificial fragrance oils or perfumes - are, well, essential. (Cheaper, artificial fragrances smell nice but lack the therapeutic benefits of their natural counterparts, and many are derived from petrochemicals.) Before you buy, know the basics:

. An essential oil is the essence of a plant material in liquid form. The concentrated essence is generally obtained through distillation and is diluted with a "carrier oil," which is a pure, unscented vegetable oil -often almond or apricot kernel oil - that effectively carries the essence to the skin. Essential oils can be purchased individually or in combinations customized to meet your needs.

. A word to the wise: Blend at your own risk. Essential oils are very potent. Of course people experiment all the time, but to ensure that your blends are safe and will do what you expect, you really need education - or at least, to do some reading and research.

Other safety precautions:

• Never ingest essential oils.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oils to the skin.
• Some oils can cause allergic reactions in certain people, so test a small area of skin 24 hours before using any oil extensively.
• Pregnant women, children, people with asthma, epilepsy and other chronic illnesses should consult a physician before trying aromatherapy.

All the buzz

A particularly potent and beneficial way to enjoy aromatherapy is through massage. Aromatherapy massage treatments are very centering.

Mini-treatments at home can also be deeply soothing. Candles scented with pure essential oils and other forms of burning essences create ambiance in the home, after-bath body lotions refresh or relax, antiseptic oils, such as lavender, soothe a variety of injuries.

Take along inhalant essences on long flights to reduce that spaced-out, jet-lagged feeling. Put a little tonic on a tissue as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. If you have trouble sleeping, to try a relaxing oil in the bath before bed. Aromatherapy is really just another way of being mindful and in the moment.

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