Aromatherapy Explained
Aromatherapy is a complementary wellbeing practice that uses aromatic plant extracts, most commonly essential oils. These may be inhaled, diffused into the air or diluted for use during massage and other relaxation treatments.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves the use of concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants. These products are known as essential oils and are produced from flowers, leaves, bark, roots, fruit peels and other parts of plants.
People commonly encounter aromatherapy in massage treatments, wellbeing centres, spas, meditation spaces and at home through diffusers or carefully prepared aromatic blends.
For many people, aromatherapy is primarily about creating a pleasant, calming or uplifting sensory environment rather than treating a medical condition.
How is aromatherapy used?
There are several ways people may experience aromatherapy. The method depends on the setting, the oils being used and the practitioner's approach.
Aromatherapy Massage
Appropriately diluted essential oils may be blended into a carrier oil and used as part of a massage treatment.
Diffusion
A diffuser can disperse aromatic compounds into the surrounding air, creating a particular atmosphere within a room.
Personal Inhalation
Some products are designed to allow a person to experience an aroma more directly for short periods.
Bath & Wellbeing Products
Essential oils may appear in professionally formulated bath products, creams and other wellbeing preparations.
Meditation Spaces
Aromas are sometimes used alongside meditation, yoga or relaxation practices to help create a particular setting.
Holistic Treatments
Some complementary practitioners combine aromatherapy with massage, reflexology or other wellbeing approaches.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated mixtures of aromatic compounds obtained from plants. Different oils have distinctive scents and chemical compositions.
Familiar examples include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and rosemary oils.
In aromatherapy, oils are often selected according to their fragrance, the atmosphere the user wants to create and traditional aromatherapy practice.
Essential oils should usually be diluted before skin use
Applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin can cause irritation or sensitisation. Professional aromatherapy treatments usually blend essential oils into an appropriate carrier oil at a controlled concentration.
What happens during an aromatherapy session?
An aromatherapy treatment commonly begins with a short consultation. The practitioner may ask about preferences, allergies, sensitivities, medications and general wellbeing before selecting suitable products.
Consultation
The practitioner asks about preferences, sensitivities and relevant health information.
Oil Selection
One or more suitable essential oils may be chosen and appropriately diluted.
Treatment
The blend may be used during massage or another relaxation-based treatment.
Aftercare
The practitioner may explain any simple aftercare or product precautions following the session.
Why do people choose aromatherapy?
Scent can play a powerful role in memory, atmosphere and personal experience. Many people choose aromatherapy because they enjoy the sensory aspect of the treatment.
Relaxation
Aromatherapy treatments are often experienced in calm environments designed around rest and relaxation.
Enjoyment of Scent
People may simply enjoy particular natural aromas and the atmosphere they create.
Personal Wellbeing
Aromatherapy may form part of a wider routine that includes massage, meditation, reflexology or other complementary practices.
Popular essential oils used in aromatherapy
Aromatherapists may work with many different essential oils. Some of the most widely recognised include:
Lavender
One of the best-known essential oils, with a distinctive floral and herbaceous aroma.
Peppermint
A strong, fresh mint aroma commonly encountered in aromatherapy products.
Eucalyptus
Recognisable for its sharp, fresh and distinctive scent.
Tea Tree
A strongly scented oil commonly used in cosmetic and personal-care products.
Lemon
A bright citrus aroma often chosen for its fresh scent.
Rosemary
A distinctive herbal aroma used in a wide range of aromatic blends.
Aromatherapy safety
Essential oils should be treated with care. Their safe use depends on the oil, concentration, method of use and the person using them.
Some oils can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions or sensitivity. Others may be unsuitable during pregnancy, for young children or for people with particular medical conditions.
Essential oils should not normally be swallowed unless this forms part of appropriately supervised professional care. Products should also be kept safely away from children and pets.
Tell your practitioner about allergies and sensitivities
A qualified practitioner should ask about relevant health information and adapt the treatment when necessary rather than assuming every oil is appropriate for everybody.
Aromatherapy and other complementary practices
Aromatherapy often overlaps with other wellbeing approaches and may be incorporated into a broader treatment or relaxation session.
Reflexology
Some practitioners offer aromatherapy alongside reflexology and other hands-on complementary treatments.
Meditation
Aroma may be used to help create a consistent atmosphere for quiet meditation or reflection.
Breathwork
Both approaches place attention on sensory experience, although breathwork itself does not require essential oils.
What does the evidence say?
Aromatherapy has been studied in a range of wellbeing and healthcare settings, particularly in relation to relaxation, comfort and people's subjective experiences.
Research findings vary depending on the oil, method and outcome being studied, and aromatherapy should not be presented as a proven treatment for serious medical conditions.
It is best regarded as a complementary practice that may be used alongside appropriate healthcare rather than as a replacement for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is aromatherapy just smelling essential oils?
No. Inhalation is one form of aromatherapy, but appropriately diluted oils may also be used during massage and other complementary treatments.
Can essential oils be put directly onto the skin?
Many essential oils should be diluted before skin use. Using highly concentrated oils incorrectly can cause irritation or sensitisation.
Are essential oils safe because they are natural?
Not necessarily. Natural substances can still cause unwanted reactions, so safe concentration and appropriate use are important.
How long does an aromatherapy treatment take?
Treatment length varies depending on whether aromatherapy is being used alone or as part of massage or another complementary therapy.
Can aromatherapy replace medical treatment?
No. Aromatherapy is a complementary wellbeing practice and should not replace appropriate medical assessment or treatment.
Explore related healing and wellbeing practices
Aromatherapy sits naturally alongside several other familiar complementary practices centred on relaxation, awareness and personal wellbeing.