Aromatherapy Treatment: Hype or Healing?

If you’ve ever been reminded of a person, place or event after smelling a certain scent, you’ve experienced something similar to the theory at work behind aromatherapy. If the scent of pine reminds you of Christmas trees, you may feel a tinge of the emotional warmth associated with the holidays in your memory. But can inhaling an essential oil really make you feel better or improve your mood?

Individuals have sought aromatherapy treatment for physical and mental healing and health for thousands of years. Yet there is little scientific support to demonstrate its effectiveness or reliability as therapy. Millions of individuals are unconcerned by the lack of scientific support for the practice. They are convinced through personal experience aromatherapy treatment can and does work.

The Essential Sense of Smell

Some cite humans’ remarkable sense of smell as the reason why aromatherapy works. Humans can distinguish between 4,000 and 10,000 unique odor molecules. Our sense of smell is truly astounding and is arguably the strongest of our environmental sensors with direct links to brain systems. It seems logical that scents can affect us in ways science may not yet fully understand. Extensive, recent research is exploring the complexities of our sense of smell.

The Properties Behind the Practice
Is it that we associate the scent of essential oils with pleasant memories of past experiences? Or, is something specific in a scent responsible for the pleasant memories in the first place?

Aromatherapy is based on the theory that there’s more to essential oils than a distinct aroma. Aromatherapy treatment works, the theory goes, because essential oils have therapeutic properties. Some have antibacterial or astringent qualities, while others function as analgesics or mood enhancers. Yet despite claims about properties that sound easy to test empirically, there are virtually no controlled studies verifying or refuting such claims.

Testing with the Personal Touch

Despite the lack of scientific study or evaluation of aromatherapy treatment, it remains hugely popular. The aromatherapy market indicates its practice is expanding and it generates bigger and bigger business every year. Should you buy into the hype, or take a skeptic’s stance and reject aromatherapy as another trendy new age fad?

Perhaps the best way to decide is to try a version of aromatherapy treatment yourself. No scientific studies are needed to tell you many essential oils smell great. Freshening your home with an essential oil need not involve a leap of faith. Experiment with some favorite essential oils, and see if you notice any benefits or drawbacks. Let personal experience guide you in the decision to embrace, reject or remain indifferent about aromatherapy treatment.