If you are a newcomer to aromatherapy and have searched the web for information, it can seem a daunting task to find a simplified breakdown of what aromatherapy really is. A search of aromatherapy books will produce millions of results. So how does one make sense of the plethora of information available?
First, let's start with the definition of the word aromatherapy. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the broad definition is: the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being. This definition seems so simple and straight forward. Yet for a word so simply defined there is such an abundance of information available on the subject. On Amazon.com alone, a search in books for aromatherapy returns 2,264 results. Why all this amazing information on a subject with such a simple definition? Whereas the definition of aromatherapy appears to be very simple, aromatherapy use and practice varies greatly and can become the subject of great debate.
There are professionals who practice aromatherapy. They are called aromatherapists. There are professional holistic medicine practitioners who suggest aromatherapy to their patients. Then there is an individual at home who lights their favorite fragrant candle and sits back to enjoy. Is this practicing aromatherapy? To many professionals and holistic medicine aficionado's the answer is no. And so the debate begins.
Going back to the Merriam-Webster's broad definition, the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being, why then would burning a candle not be considered practicing aromatherapy? No one can dispute that the aroma of coffee brewing in the morning gives some people the feeling of "I can face this day" energy. No one can dispute that the aroma of bread baking in the oven gives some the people the "Oh, it is good to be home" relaxed feeling. These are examples of aromas enhancing a person's feeling of well-being. One could then conclude that there is no difference between that brewed coffee and an aromatic citrus sage candle filling a room with a soothing aroma that provides a sense of well-being.
A person can fully embrace the belief that aromatherapists and holistic practitioners are an important and integral part in helping to attain the greatest benefit from the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy and still believe that the simplicity of burning a candle or soaking in a warm tub with aromatic oils added to the water can also be beneficial.
First, let's start with the definition of the word aromatherapy. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the broad definition is: the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being. This definition seems so simple and straight forward. Yet for a word so simply defined there is such an abundance of information available on the subject. On Amazon.com alone, a search in books for aromatherapy returns 2,264 results. Why all this amazing information on a subject with such a simple definition? Whereas the definition of aromatherapy appears to be very simple, aromatherapy use and practice varies greatly and can become the subject of great debate.
There are professionals who practice aromatherapy. They are called aromatherapists. There are professional holistic medicine practitioners who suggest aromatherapy to their patients. Then there is an individual at home who lights their favorite fragrant candle and sits back to enjoy. Is this practicing aromatherapy? To many professionals and holistic medicine aficionado's the answer is no. And so the debate begins.
Going back to the Merriam-Webster's broad definition, the use of aroma to enhance the feeling of well-being, why then would burning a candle not be considered practicing aromatherapy? No one can dispute that the aroma of coffee brewing in the morning gives some people the feeling of "I can face this day" energy. No one can dispute that the aroma of bread baking in the oven gives some the people the "Oh, it is good to be home" relaxed feeling. These are examples of aromas enhancing a person's feeling of well-being. One could then conclude that there is no difference between that brewed coffee and an aromatic citrus sage candle filling a room with a soothing aroma that provides a sense of well-being.
A person can fully embrace the belief that aromatherapists and holistic practitioners are an important and integral part in helping to attain the greatest benefit from the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy and still believe that the simplicity of burning a candle or soaking in a warm tub with aromatic oils added to the water can also be beneficial.
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