How to Know If Aromatherapy Is Working

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils--extracted from leaves, stems, roots, fruits and flowers--to supposedly remedy an array of physical and psychological maladies. Many claim these techniques have been used to treat health problems such as stress, infections, anxiety and immune deficiencies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and notebook to log your progress

Know if Aromatherapy is Working for You

1. Purchase a notebook. This book will help you keep track of your treatment and your progress.
2. Know where you're coming from. In your notebook, describe your condition as it exists right now to the best of your ability. If you are overweight and hope to lose weight with the help of aromatherapy, for example, log your current weight to use as a baseline in your progress.
3. Learn from the past. You'll need to get an idea of what sort of progress can be expected, and in how much time. Research the cases of others who've found success with the aromatherapy technique you're using, and use their timelines as a base for your expectations.
4. Set your goals. It's important to be clear about what you want to accomplish and when. Use the examples uncovered in your research to help keep your goals realistic.
5. Log your progress. Check in regularly to see if your goals are being accomplished. This is the best way to know whether or not your aromatherapy treatment is working.
6. Fine-tune your techniques. As your therapy progresses, your notes will give you a sense of which treatments bring the best results for you. Don't be afraid to tweak your therapy to reflect this information.
7. Deepen your knowledge of aromatherapy by visiting the International Federation of Aromatherapists Web site (see Resources below). There you'll find a plethora of information about the history and uses of these ancient techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• Measuring your progress with aromatherapy won't carve a hole in your finances. All you'll need is a budget-priced notebook and a pen.
• Be decisive if your treatment doesn't seem to be working. If you've set reasonable goals and timelines and your treatment hasn't lived up to them, don't be afraid to either radically alter your treatment approach or abandon the treatment entirely.
• If you are suffering from severe symptoms such as profuse and prolonged bleeding, do not attempt to treat your condition with aromatherapy. When faced with life-threatening conditions such as these, it is best to seek the aid of a physician.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.