Aromatherapy Case Studies

Even though Aromatherapy has been practiced in some shape or form for thousands and thousands of years, modern age people look to studies, many times performed by less than credible sources, for concrete evidence something works or in reverse causes harm. Essential oil use has not had the level of studies done as it's counterpart Aromacology and because of this has turned into almost a novelty. In reality, Aromacology has become the novelty with all the candles, bath treatments, perfumes and the like --but the proper classification Aromacology is not used, it is always Aromatherapy.

A fine example of this, is an article that was published in the January issue of Allure magazine which was interviewing two companies whom were producing Ayurvedic inspired beauty products based on the herbal use and chankra beliefs of the ancient form of healing. In the lower potion of the small article, one of the companies founders made comments, "I hope it dosen't go the way of Aromatherapy, where anything that smelled good became Aromatherapeutic --Ayurveda is a science-not just touchy-feely karmic stuff". This sums up most peoples views living outside of Western culture, whom are laughing at the way Aromatherapy has been lowered here. In any event, this person is doing exactly what others companies have to lower the standard of Aromatherapy. Trying to pick out the fun chakra portion of Ayuveda, simplifying it to colors for Western buyers and mass producing it. They too are cheapening the true holistic and complex art of Ayurveda, perhaps without even knowing it. Why else would someone make such a statement unless they could not truly see what they were doing? Could this be true for commercialized Aromatherapy in America?

In any event, I bring up the subject of case studies as they are greatly needed to further our understanding of how essential oils actually work and validate their use in the Americas. Anyone can do a case study in some shape or form and post their findings on the web, good or bad. Right now I am doing case studies for the completion of my final Aromatherapist Exam. It is not easy work but I have found a little known book quite helpful, Jeanne Rose and Susan Earles' "The World of Aromatherapy" Frog Ltd. ISBN: 1-883319-49-8. It has some nice examples of Case studies and even if you are not interested in performing your own, you can find insight in the studies already done by some wonderful and caring women including Deanna Wolf whom did research on an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. I have seen a number of studies done

Go To Page: 1 2