Aromatherapy ~ An Alternative Therapy of the 21st Century

May 13, 2022

Naturopathy, also called naturopathic medicine, is a whole medical system which based on the healing power of nature. It is often, if not always, practiced in combination with other forms of “alternative” health practices. In naturopathy, the emphasis is on addressing the root of the problems, whereas traditional western medicine addresses only the symptoms.

Naturopathy is a holistic system, meaning that naturopathic doctors strive to find the cause of disease by understanding the body, mind, and soul of the person. It relies exclusively on natural remedies, such as aromatherapy, whereby body, mind and soul are being taken care of through body massage, ear candling, facial, sleep management therapy, counseling/psychotherapy etc.

Naturopathy was the earliest known healing system. Ancient physicians use a variety of natural remedies such as herbs, natural food, sunlight, water and other natural substances to treat illnesses. Naturopathic medicine is widely accepted and became popular in Europe, Australia and so on. According to the report from German Federal College of historical perspective, over 70% traditional western medicines adopt natural therapies. In 1900, a group of western medicine doctors who support naturopathy, set up American Naturopathic Medical Association, medical colleges and hospitals; whereas provincial government of British Columbia legislate to recognize naturopathy and protect it.

The practice of naturopathy is based on these key principles:

(1) Address the causes of disease

Practitioners seek to identify and treat the causes of a disease or condition, rather than its symptoms. They believe that symptoms are signs that the body is trying to fight disease, adapt to it, or recover from it.

(2) Enhance self-healing capabilities

Naturopathy is based on the belief that the body is self-healing. The body will repair itself and recover from illness spontaneously if it is in a healthy environment.

(3) Non-harmful

Strengthening the sense of ordinary health care is more effective than finding ways to treat when diseases attack. Naturopathic practitioners choose therapies with the intent to keep harmful side effects to a minimum and not suppress symptoms.

(4) Establish teachers and friends relationships

Practitioners tend to educate their patients and encourage as well as empower individuals to make lifestyle changes necessary for the best possible health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of a good doctor-patient relationship.

Aromatherapy ~ Gentle Guidance on the Path to Better Health

In an aromatherapy treatment, each client is assessed prior to each treatment. During the consultation, a detailed case history will be taken, to find the most suitable oils and treatment methods for the individual. The individualized blend will be used in a massage, using a technique which is most suitable for the individual.

Aromatherapy is one of the oldest healing arts on earth, and is the enhancement of the body, mind and soul using aromatic botanical essential oils. Through the centuries, aromatherapy has been mostly practiced by civilizations like Rome, Egypt, Greece, Persian etc. Essential oils enter the body via inhalation and through the skin. They end up in the bloodstream via the lungs or absorbing into the deepest layers of the skin through to the muscle. The fragrance molecules associated with essential oils also affect the brain directly, through the olfactory system in our nose. These essential oils can be one of the fastest ways to galvanize or bring about physiological or psychological effects, such as to relax, to calm, to refresh, to ease emotional imbalances and to regulate imbalance hormone level. Essential oils are also used for their cosmetic, pest control as well as deodorant values.