What is Aroma Therapy? By Karen of Inner Calm Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the application of therapeutic grade essential oils to create balance and harmony in the body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that can be traced back to ancient Middle Eastern and Asian traditions. For example, Ayruvedic doctors of India have been using aromatic plant derivatives for massage for over 5000 years. What are Essential Oils? Essential oils are the concentrated, naturally extracted aromatic essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs and plants. How does Essential Oils work? When inhaled, essential oils enter the body via the olfactory system. The essentials oils trigger different emotions and memories as well as unconscious physical reactions to the heart rate and body temperature. When diluted and applied externally, essential oil molecules can also be absorbed by the skin. Essential oils have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and other medicinal properties. Essential oil effects are many and varied but they are noted especially for their ability to restore balance to both the body and mind. Why Aromatherapy? Our body is bombarded everyday with many harmful chemicals coming from the food we eat to the cosmetics we use. Aromatherapy uses pure essential oil that helps promote health and well-being. In addition, we live hectic, stressed filled lives with very little time for ourselves. When we don’t take time for ourselves we find ourselves losing our tempers with our loved ones, getting sick more often and just not feeling the joy of life anymore. Aromatherapy treatments and products provide us with time for ourselves. Aromatherapy allows us to de-stress knowing we are doing something good for ourselves. Some Common Questions About the author Karen is a registered aromatherapist and the owner of Inner Calm Aromatherapy. It was love at first use for her and essential oils. She first used essential oils 10 years ago and has not stopped using them since. She completed an aromatherapy course recognized by the BC Alliance of Aromatherapy. She is a member of both the BC Alliance of Aromatherapy and the BC Association of Practicing aromatherapists. She enjoys helping other people learn about the power of aromatherapy and how to use essential oils to enhance their everyday lives. She is happy to answer any of your aromatherapy questions or comments. She can be reached at Karen@innercalm.ca. You can learn more about aromatherapy and Inner Calm Aromatherapy at www.innercalm.ca. | 
