Aromatherapy Theory

Aromatherapy theory is based on the premise that essential oils containing natural chemical components can affect the body.

  1. Chemical Components

    • The main chemical components in essential oils are terpenes (naturally occurring organic compounds in plants) and other molecules based on terpenes and phenylpropane derivatives. These components are responsible for the various effects of aromatherapy: relaxation, pain relief or as an anti-fungal remedy.

    Smell

    • When your body processes smell, signals go directly to the brain's limbic system. Aromatherapy's effects on the body occur because the limbic system is connected to areas of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

    Topical Application

    • When you apply essential oils to the skin, they are absorbed into the lymphatic system, which gets them into the bloodstream where they can affect the body.

    Active Ingredients

    • The quality of an essential oil is based on its content of active ingredients (chemical components). In some parts of the aromatherapy industry, adulteration or dilution of essential oils is common, making them less effective.

    Considerations

    • Aromatherapy theory is being refined as more research is conducted to learn how essential oils work.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

You May Also Like

  • Weaknesses of Nightingale Theory

    Florence Nightingale is one of history's most renowned medical professionals. Born in Italy in 1820, she served as a nurse in Europe's...

  • Traditional Theories of Leadership

    The science of leadership studies how a person must think and act to lead teams to great accomplishments. For the past 70...

  • Aromatherapy For Strokes

    Along with any medication or other prescribed treatment, aromatherapy can help relieve the results of a stroke. Help restore your body with...

  • Different Theories of Labor in Pregnancy

    As your due date approaches, you're probably finding yourself focusing more on concerns about your impending labor and delivery. Will you be...

  • Aromatherapy & Alzheimer's

    Aromatherapy & Alzheimer's. Part of the series: Aromatherapy Basics. While not a cure, aromatherapy can slow down or even stop Alzheimer's. Remember...

  • The Effects of Aspartame on the Body

    Aspartame is an artificial sweetener approximately 180 times sweeter than cane sugar. Known by the brand names Equal and NutraSweet, aspartame is...

  • Aromatherapy Formula for Alertness

    Certain aromatherapy formulas can be used to increase your overall level of alertness. Learn about the aromatherapy formula for alertness with help...

  • Aromatherapy for Tendonitis

    Aromatherapy can be used to treat tendonitis, a painful inflammation of the tendons. Reduce the pain and inflammation of tendonitis using aromatherapy...

  • Social Research Theories & Methodology

    During the 19th century, philosophers and others advocated the scientific study of human society. It was during that time that many thinkers...

  • Classes of Compounds Found in Essential Oils

    According to Patricia Davis in "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," terpenes are the most common type of compounds that are found in essential oils....

  • How to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil

    Lemongrass essential oil is used extensively in Asia, where the plant is grows natively. The oil is obtained from the whole plant,...

  • Ingredients in Tiffany Perfume

    Ingredients in Tiffany Perfume. Tiffany's classic perfume of the same name has a strong and distinctive aroma. According to the book "Perfumes,...

  • Aromatherapy Qualifications

    A person can obtain aromatherapy qualifications through self-study, classes and seminars, distance learning, and apprenticeships. In the United States, no state has...

  • Basic Cell Theory

    While the cell theory is simple and fairly straightforward, it forms the basis and foundation of all biology. The cell theory posits...

  • Components of the Motivational Theory

    You can enhance your performance as a manager, educator, trainer or even parent if you grasp some basic understanding of theories of...

  • Aromatherapy and the Limbic System

    Aromatherapy uses a person's sense of smell to make a direct impact on the limbic system of the brain, affecting mental clarity,...

  • The Emotional Effect of Aromatherapy

    The emotional effect of aromatherapy happens as a result of the effects of essential oils on the brain's limbic system. The limbic...

Related Ads

Featured