By Ranjit Monga
People
from many diverse fields are drawn towards Aromatherapy. Among them are
botanists, chemists, medical students, doctors, nursing assistants, herbalists,
spiritual souls, yoga enthusiasts and many more. But can one pursue a
particular educational stream to be able to better understand and qualify to
enter the field of Aromatherapy.
First, a word about Aromatherapy. It is the practice of holistic healing through use of essential oils, and specifically their aromas, extracted from flowers, plant roots, bark, leaves herbs, spices, etc. They help in altering one's mood leading to psychological and physical well-being. Aromatherapists, who specialize in the practice of aromatherapy, utilize blends of different essential oils that can be applied directly or through oil massage, steam inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a desired response.
Essential oils have anti-microbial,
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-spasmodic and many such properties, but there
is still a lack of substantial clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against
bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.
Though nowhere in the world is Aromatherapy considered 'legal' in
the sense as a healing or curing science, it is being increasingly used as a
complimentary therapy. But despite that, there are no 'official' study courses
which are recognised by any legal or government authority and allows one to
practice.
Instead
what you have are private institutes which have grown in reputation over the
years and which offer courses in Aromatherapy along with similar alternative
therapies. This is particularly true of the United States and Europe, where it
has got accepted as a complimentary therapy in hospitals. Many institutes in
the US offer a certification in Aromatherapy for nursing staff.
In
the eastern part of the world Aromatherapy has evolved more along with the spa
and skincare industry. The spa industry uses essential oils for their emotional
as well as healing aspects, while the skincare industry takes into account the
cosmetic aspects of these wonder oils. For practitioners of these streams of
Aromatherapy, studying skin types and skin care become important. A study of
dermatology and essential oils would be helpful for this industry. Many
renowned beauticians also offer courses in skin care related to the beauty
industry. There are courses available in herbal beauty as well which deal with
ayurvedic formulations which can be useful. Study of Ayurveda can also be
undertaken to understand plants and their healing properties.
In
India Aromatherapy is at a very nascent stage, though we are among the major
essential oil producing countries. Kannauj based Fragrance and Flavour
Development Centre is the only government organisation which offers a 3-day
workshop in 'Essential oils, Perfumery and Aromatherapy'. Besides, they have
several courses in Aroma technology, and cultivation of aromatic crops. In
addition, there are a handful of private institutes which offer a course in
this field as well.
Back
to the main question, as to which is the best subject to study in your school
or college life to be able to do well in Aromatherapy. In my view, there is no
straight answer for this question. It all depends on which aspect of
Aromatherapy do you want to follow. Is
it the medical aspect? The psychological aspect? The cosmetic or the spiritual
aspect?
Learning
science (Chemistry and/or biology) can prepare you well for the technical
aspects of distillation and the numerous compounds found in the essential oils
and their properties (which are used for alleviating the symptoms).
 |
| Laboratory at FFDC, Kannauj |
Best would be of course, if you have studied medicine, whether it is allopathy, homeopathy or traditional systems like Ayurveda, naturopathy etc. It also allows you to practice aromatherapy in a legitimate way by getting an additional qualification related to plants and their medicinal aspects. Having a basic knowledge of psychology is also useful to understand emotions and track the wellbeing of persons.
Above
all having a spiritual disposition works well to connect with the oils and
impart healing to people. This is to me the fundamental aspect on which the
oils work -- at the spiritual level, which is experienced through perception and
insight. Smelling the aroma from an essential oil is an experience by itself.
It is pure, deep and seems to carry the whispers of a thousand garden angels in
them.
Followers of
the spiritual aspect have linked Aromatherapy with different metaphysical
systems by relating them to chakras, tarot cards, astrology, Vaastu among
others. The essential oils impact our energy system which in turn impact our
moods, health and wellness.
Ends
First published at https://globalbihari.com/aromatherapy-a-complimentary-therapy/
