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Common Terms For Aromatherapy
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Published: July 25, 2006
Whether you are a novice or expert in the world of aromatherapy, it is helpful to know some of the commonly-used terminology.
Common Terms for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy: the artful practice of using plant-derived essential oils to affect one's mood or health. Typically, scents are used to stimulate, relax or invigorate the mind.
Aromatic: a substance which typically has a pleasant aroma or odor, such as lavender.
Bath Base: a non-alcoholic agent used to distribute essential oils evenly onto bath water.
Carrier: a vegetable oil used to dilute pure essential oils for application. Essential oils by themselves are usually too potent to apply directly to the skin.
Cold Pressing: the process involving the extraction of oil from pressing or grinding fruits or seeds with either a heavy granite millstone or a similar tool. Although heat is produced from the friction of pressing, temperatures must not surpass 120 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the oil is not considered cold pressed. Cold pressed oils retain their full flavor, aroma and nutritional value. This process is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, tangerine and lemon.
Compress: a folded piece of material- often a towel- is either heated or cooled and pressed against the skin. For instance, a cold compress is applied to the forehead to cool down a fever.
Dilution: the process used to weaken a concentrated substance, such as essential oils
Distillation: the most important procedure in extracting essential oils which uses water, steam or a combination of the two. It requires an accurate balance of time and temperature to release the molecules from the plant material without destroying it.
Incense: a combination of resin, gums or woods either in solid or powder form. Incense is burned to produce a pleasant smelling smoke.
Infusion: a remedy created by soaking plant materials in vegetable oil or water.
Essential Oils: the essence derived from fruits, herbs, flowers, wood or gum by distillation or other methods of extraction. By using essential oils therapeutically, one can treat a wide range of problems from stress and acne, to insomnia, menstrual cramps and fatigue.
Gum: any syrupy substance excreted by plants or trees drying up into a water-soluble solid upon exposure to air
Massage Oils: A mix of essential oils and carrier oils only to be used externally. When combined with the healing touch of massage, this can be a physically and mentally relaxing experience.
Naturopathy: a science dedicated to promoting the body's own self-healing mechanisms. This field of healthcare relies heavily on natural remedies.
Olfaction: the technical term for the sense of smell. The olfactory sensory system is the only system directly connected to the emotional part of a person's brain (the limbic system). This accounts for the reason why certain aromas can instantly induce or remind us of pleasant feelings or sensations.
Perfume Oils: fragrance oils containing synthetic chemicals, which distinguish them from essential oils. These oils are not recognized for their therapeutic benefits.
Phytotherapy: the process of treating or healing diseases through plants and herbal medicine.
Solvent Extraction: The most widely-used method of extracting oils from flowers. The petals are mixed into a solvent, such as petroleum or benzene until the essential oil is completely dissolved in the solvent. Next, the solution is filtered and the solvent is evaporated at a reduced pressure.
Synergy: the interaction between multiple elements resulting in a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects. In aromatherapy, it is especially important to know how essential oils have synergy with regard to treatment and prevention of disease.
Viscosity: In aromatherapy, this term is used to indicate the level of an essential oil's thickness. A high level of viscosity contains more liquid and a low level contains less liquid. For example, honey has a low viscosity and water has a high viscosity.
***
If you come across an unfamiliar term, do not hesitate to ask a spa professional. They can explain the concept to you. When choosing between a wide variety of treatments at a spa, you may come across foreign terms. Seeking clarification is always your safest way to making sure you are getting the appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Common Terms for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy: the artful practice of using plant-derived essential oils to affect one's mood or health. Typically, scents are used to stimulate, relax or invigorate the mind.
Aromatic: a substance which typically has a pleasant aroma or odor, such as lavender.
Bath Base: a non-alcoholic agent used to distribute essential oils evenly onto bath water.
Carrier: a vegetable oil used to dilute pure essential oils for application. Essential oils by themselves are usually too potent to apply directly to the skin.
Cold Pressing: the process involving the extraction of oil from pressing or grinding fruits or seeds with either a heavy granite millstone or a similar tool. Although heat is produced from the friction of pressing, temperatures must not surpass 120 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the oil is not considered cold pressed. Cold pressed oils retain their full flavor, aroma and nutritional value. This process is mainly used to prepare citrus oils such as orange, tangerine and lemon.
Compress: a folded piece of material- often a towel- is either heated or cooled and pressed against the skin. For instance, a cold compress is applied to the forehead to cool down a fever.
Dilution: the process used to weaken a concentrated substance, such as essential oils
Distillation: the most important procedure in extracting essential oils which uses water, steam or a combination of the two. It requires an accurate balance of time and temperature to release the molecules from the plant material without destroying it.
Incense: a combination of resin, gums or woods either in solid or powder form. Incense is burned to produce a pleasant smelling smoke.
Infusion: a remedy created by soaking plant materials in vegetable oil or water.
Essential Oils: the essence derived from fruits, herbs, flowers, wood or gum by distillation or other methods of extraction. By using essential oils therapeutically, one can treat a wide range of problems from stress and acne, to insomnia, menstrual cramps and fatigue.
Gum: any syrupy substance excreted by plants or trees drying up into a water-soluble solid upon exposure to air
Massage Oils: A mix of essential oils and carrier oils only to be used externally. When combined with the healing touch of massage, this can be a physically and mentally relaxing experience.
Naturopathy: a science dedicated to promoting the body's own self-healing mechanisms. This field of healthcare relies heavily on natural remedies.
Olfaction: the technical term for the sense of smell. The olfactory sensory system is the only system directly connected to the emotional part of a person's brain (the limbic system). This accounts for the reason why certain aromas can instantly induce or remind us of pleasant feelings or sensations.
Perfume Oils: fragrance oils containing synthetic chemicals, which distinguish them from essential oils. These oils are not recognized for their therapeutic benefits.
Phytotherapy: the process of treating or healing diseases through plants and herbal medicine.
Solvent Extraction: The most widely-used method of extracting oils from flowers. The petals are mixed into a solvent, such as petroleum or benzene until the essential oil is completely dissolved in the solvent. Next, the solution is filtered and the solvent is evaporated at a reduced pressure.
Synergy: the interaction between multiple elements resulting in a combined effect greater than the sum of individual effects. In aromatherapy, it is especially important to know how essential oils have synergy with regard to treatment and prevention of disease.
Viscosity: In aromatherapy, this term is used to indicate the level of an essential oil's thickness. A high level of viscosity contains more liquid and a low level contains less liquid. For example, honey has a low viscosity and water has a high viscosity.
***
If you come across an unfamiliar term, do not hesitate to ask a spa professional. They can explain the concept to you. When choosing between a wide variety of treatments at a spa, you may come across foreign terms. Seeking clarification is always your safest way to making sure you are getting the appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
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