Aromatherapy Terms - Massage Mastery Online

Aromatherapy

The art and science of using aromatic plant products for physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.

Art

The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, producing works to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.

Limbic System

A collection of structures located within the cerebrum of the brain involved in processing emotion and memory, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Olfaction

The sense of smell.

Pharmacological Effect

Pharmacology is the study of the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs. Pharmacological effects are drug-like effects.

Psychological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Smellscape

A series of preplanned aromas the client experiences during a session.

Wellness or Wellbeing

A state where body, mind, emotions, and spirit are balanced and one feels and overall sense of comfort, health, satisfaction, self-fulfillment, and connection with others.

Aromatic Plant Products

Natural extracts that come from aromatic plants including essential oils, hydrosols, absolutes, CO2 extracts, and essences.

Holistic Responses (Aromatherapy)

When people simultaneously respond to a volatile plant oil physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that carry, boost, and balance signals between neurons and target cells throughout the body.

Olfactory Responses (Aromatherapy)

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the limbic system of the brain.

Physiological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Science

The pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.

Spiritual Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in humans in response to the cultural, mythological, mystical, and symbolic associations they make to plants and aromas.

Angiosperms

Vascular flowering plants whose seeds are enclosed by mature ovaries or fruits. There are 369,000 species from 416 botanical families of angiosperms in the world.

Botanical Family

A general term, used here to mean a group of plants that share similar features and have an established relationship to one another.

Gymnosperms

Vascular plant that reproduces by means of an exposed seed. There are 1,110 species from 12 botanical families of gymnosperms in the world.

Medicinal Plant

Plants that possess therapeutic properties or exert beneficial pharmacological effects when eaten or taken in tinctures or teas.

Secondary Metabolites

Organic compounds found in plants that are not necessary for life but play important roles that help plants thrive. Volatile plant oils are secondary metabolites.

Volatile Plant Oil

A general term used to describe the pure, natural extracts produced by steam distillation, solvent, supercritical CO2, and cold pressure.

Aromatic Plants

Plants with strong, distinctive, and usually enjoyable smells, some of which produce essential oils and other plant products.

External Secretory Structures

Structures that reside on the surface of the plant and secrete, contain, and separate volatile plant oils from plant tissue.

Internal Secretory Structures

Structures that reside inside plant material and secrete, contain, and separate volatile plant oils from plant tissue.

Pollinators

Organisms like bees, butterflies, and beetles that transfer pollen to the female sexual organs of a plant allowing the plant to reproduce.

Synthetics

Unnatural and unhealthy chemical odors made through human-directed processes to mimic the aromas of plants.

Volatility

The ability to turn from a liquid to a gas readily at room temperature and evaporate.

Absolute

Volatile, complex mixtures of chemical compounds extracted by solvent and alcohol.

Enfleurage

A method that extracts volatile plant oils by exposing plant material to warm fats.

Essential Oils

Volatile, complex mixtures of chemical compounds extracted from aromatic plants through distillation.

Hydrosols

Therapeutic water produced as a by-product of steam distillation containing both water-soluble plant elements and small amounts of essential oils.

Solvent

A liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing other substances.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

A method that extracts volatile plant oils through pressurized (supercritical and therefore liquid) carbon dioxide.

CO2 Extract

Volatile, complex mixtures of chemical compounds extracted through supercritical (liquid) carbon dioxide.

Essence

Volatile, complex mixtures of chemical compounds extracted through expression of citrus peels. The term, essential oil, is also correct.

Expression (Cold Pressure)

An extraction method used to obtain volatile plant oils from the rind of citrus fruits through mechanical squeezing, puncturing, and scraping.

Pomade

An aromatic oil composed of vegetable or animal fats and volatile plant oils obtained through enfleurage.

Steam Distillation

A process where distillers expose aromatic plant material to steam or boiling water to obtain essential oils and hydrosols.

Adulteration

The action of making something poorer in quality by the addition of another substance.

Gas Chromatography (GC)

A method used to separate the substances in a mixture in order to identify individual chemical constituents.

Synthetic

Unnatural and unhealthy chemical odors made through human-directed processes to mimic the aromas of plants.

Adverse Effects

An undesired harmful effect resulting from exposure to chemicals in natural essential oils or synthetic products.

Mass Spectroscopy (MS)

A method used to get information about the molecular weights and chemical structures of constituents in natural products.

Therapeutic Grade

An unregulated and often misused term in aromatherapy used to imply a high-quality volatile plant oil.

Batch (Lot)

A number assigned to a crop when it is planted and tracked through production by a third-party agency so that everyone knows the history of an oil.

Certified Organic

Products certified by a third party to contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt) with the other 5% allowed substances.

Conventionally Grown

Plants grown and harvested on farms through standard methods that include the use of pesticides or fertilizers.

Ethical Cultivation

Plants grown without pesticides or fertilizers but not certified organic.

Fractionated Oils

When the volatile components of a plant are separated during the distillation process creating different grades of oil as is the case with ylang ylang.

Mass Spectroscopy (MS)

A method used to get information about the molecular weights and chemical structures of constituents in natural products.

Natural

An unregulated and often misused term in aromatherapy used to imply a volatile plant oil is made by nature and not made by humankind.

Organic Cultivation

Plants grown on farms through methods that comply with standards of organic farming, which restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers.

Pure

An unregulated and often misused term in aromatherapy used to imply a volatile plant oil is free of contamination from synthetics or adulterants.

Rectified (Redistilled)

When an essential oil receives additional processing after distillation to remove undesirable chemical constitutes.

Therapeutic Grade

An unregulated and often misused term in aromatherapy used to imply a high-quality volatile plant oil.

Candle-Making Oils

Synthetic fragrances created for the candle-making industry which are not suitable for use in aromatherapy.

Chemotype

A specific plant species that consistently produces a particular chemical in higher-than-normal amounts because of its growing location.

Country of Origin

Where a plant is native, cultivated, or harvested from the wild.

Extend an Oil

The addition of synthetic chemicals, natural isolated compounds, fixed vegetable oil, or alcohol to a volatile plant oil to increase its volume.

Gas Chromatography (GC)

A method used to separate the substances in a mixture in order to identify individual chemical constituents.

Milliliter (ml)

A very small amount of liquid. In aromatherapy, a milliliter equals about 20 drops of volatile plant oil.

Nature Identical

A synthetic oil created by chemists to mimic the primary odor chemicals of a volatile plant oil.

Perfume-Making Oils

Synthetic fragrances created for the perfume-making industry which are not suitable for use in aromatherapy.

Reconstitutions

A natural oil with added synthetic or natural isolated chemicals processed to meet an international standard.

Soap-Making Oils

Synthetic fragrances created for the soap-making industry which are not suitable for use in aromatherapy.

Wild (Wild-Crafted)

Plants grown and harvested from their natural habitat without pesticides or fertilizers.

Abstract

A summary of the completed research described in a research article, including a brief description of results.

Botanical Family

Family is a taxonomic rank below an order and above a genus, indicating plants with an established relationship.

Chemical Features (Volatile Plant Oil)

The primary chemical constituents common in the volatile plant oil from a defined species through a particular extraction method.

Cultural History (Plants)

The uses, symbols, myths, and meanings people assign to the plants they use throughout history.

Growing

A general term used to indicate a plant's habitat and environmental conditions during development.

Herbarium

A herbarium (plural: herbaria) is a collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for scientific study.

Plant Profile

A collection of data about a plant and its volatile oil.

Solubility (Volatile Plant Oil)

The ability of volatile plant oils to dissolve into fixed vegetable oils or alcohol but not into water.

Volatility

The ability of a plant oil to turn from a liquid to a gas readily at room temperature and evaporate.

Arboretum

A botanical garden devoted to trees.

Botanical Gardens

A place where plants are grown for display to the public and scientific purposes.

Country of Origin

The place where the oil originates (where a plant is native, cultivated, or harvested).

Google Scholar

A freely accessible web search engine indexing peer-reviewed online academic journals, books, conference papers, abstracts, and technical reports.

Harvesting

Refers to the methods used to gather and prepare plant material for processing through distillation, cold pressure, CO2 extraction, or solvent extraction.

Plant Description

A depiction of the physical characteristics of the plant, including its size, shape, and features, to create a mental picture of the plant's appearance.

Related Species

When two or more species of plants share the same genus and similar physical characteristics.

Viscosity (Volatile Plant Oils)

The measure of a volatile plant oil's thickness. Oils can be very mobile (very liquid), mobile (liquid), viscus (thick), or very viscous (very thick).

Botanical Family

Family is a taxonomic rank below an order and above a genus, indicating plants with an established relationship.

Botany

The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.

Genus

A taxonomic category that ranks above species and below a family.

Harvesting

Refers to the methods used to gather and prepare plant material for processing through distillation, cold pressure, CO2 extraction, or solvent extraction.

Related Species

When two or more species of plants share the same genus and similar physical characteristics.

Botanical Name

A plant's formal scientific name (also Latin name and binominal).

Country of Origin

The place where the oil originates (where a plant is native, cultivated, or harvested).

Growing

A general term used to indicate a plant's habitat and environmental conditions during development.

Plant Description

A depiction of the physical characteristics of the plant, including its size, shape, and features, to create a mental picture of the plant's appearance.

Species

A taxonomic rank below genus indicating one specific plant.

Base Notes

Volatile plant oils with heavy-weight molecules that evaporate slowly.

Fixed Oil

A fixed oil is a nonvolatile oil of animal or plant origin.

Physical Characteristics

The observable traits or qualities of volatile plant oils.

Solubility

The degree to which a substance dissolves into another medium. Volatile plant oils dissolve into fixed vegetable oils, animal fats, and alcohol.

Viscosity (Volatile Plant Oils)

The measure of a volatile plant oil's thickness. Oils can be very mobile (very liquid), mobile (liquid), viscus (thick), or very viscous (very thick).

Chemical Features

The primary chemical constituents common in the volatile plant oil from a defined species through a particular extraction method.

Middle Notes

Volatile plant oils with medium-weight molecules that evaporate slower than top notes and faster than bottom notes.

Quenching Effects

When one or more chemicals in a volatile plant oil limit or reduce the adverse effects of another chemical, making the oil safer for use.

Top Notes

Volatile plant oils with lightweight molecules that evaporate quickly.

Volatility

The ability of plant oils to turn from a liquid to a gas readily at room temperature and evaporate.

Adverse Effects

An adverse effect is an undesired harmful effect resulting from exposure to chemicals in natural essential oils or synthetic products.

Analgesic

An agent that reduces sensations of pain.

Antispasmodic

An agent that reduces skeletal muscle spasms as might occur with soft-tissue injury or chronic muscular tension.

Indications for Use

A condition or valid reason to use a particular volatile plant oil for self, friend, family, or client.

Physiological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function due to exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Precautions (Plant Oils)

The cautions and contraindications related to the volatile plant oil of a selected species.

Spiritual Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes in humans in response to the cultural, mythological, mystical, and symbolic associations they make to plants and aromas.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped set of neurons located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system and associated with fear responses and pleasure.

Anti-inflammatory

An agent that reduces inflammation or inhibits the inflammatory response as might occur with an acute soft-tissue injury.

Cultural History (Plants)

The uses, symbols, myths, and meanings people assign to the plants they use throughout history. .

Method of Application (Aromatherapy)

The techniques used to carry volatile plant oils to the body to produce physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects.

Plant Profile

A collection of data about a plant and its volatile oil.

Psychological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Wellness or Wellbeing

A state where body, mind, emotions, and spirit are balanced, and one feels an overall sense of comfort, health, satisfaction, self-fulfillment, and connection with others.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion.

Aroma Mist

A combination of purified water, volatile plant oils, and other optional additives (e.g., alcohol, herbal infusion) contained in a bottle with a fine mist top and used for aromatherapy inhalation.

Hormone

A substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.

Inner Nasal Cavity

The inside of the nose is lined with a mucous membrane that helps keep the nose moist by making mucus.

Psychological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Olfactory Receptor Cells

Proteins capable of binding odor molecules found in the olfactory epithelium. Also called smell receptors.

Pituitary Gland

An important endocrine gland that plays an important role in the functioning of other endocrine glands.

Resource States (Learned Odor Response)

A relaxed, positive mind-body state generated for pairing with an aroma to produce a triggered relaxation response at a later time.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped set of neurons located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system and associated with fear responses and pleasure.

Endocrine System

A body system comprised of glands that produce and secrete hormones the body uses for a variety of functions.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that plays a role in releasing hormones, regulating body temperature, appetite, sexual behavior, and emotional responses.

Learned-Odor Responses

When an aroma is paired with a person, place, or thing in memory.

Olfactory Epithelium

A specialized tissue found in the inner nasal cavity that contains olfactory receptor cells.

Olfactory Response

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the limbic system of the brain.

Positive Affirmations

Encouraging statements people repeat to themselves as a way to focus optimistic mental energy on goals and dreams.

The Limbic System

A collection of structures located within the cerebrum of the brain involved in processing emotion and memory, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Absorption (Skin)

A route by which substances enter the body through the skin.

Carrier Products (Aromatherapy)

Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels used to dilute volatile plant oils and “carry” them to the body.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the two main layers of the skin.

Hair Follicle

A shaft or opening on the surface of the skin through which hair grows.

Ingestion

The process of taking food, drink, or another substance into the body through the mouth.

Olfactory Response

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the limbic system of the brain.

Physiological Effects

Changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function due to exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Sebaceous Glands

A small gland in the skin which secretes a lubricating oily matter (sebum) into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair.

Adipose Tissue

A connective tissue consisting mainly of fat cells (adipocytes).

Endothelium

A tissue that forms a single layer of cells lining various organs and cavities of the body, especially the blood vessels, heart, and lymphatic vessels.

Exacerbate

Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Layer)

An irregular layer of adipose and connective tissue that is immediately deep to the skin.

Mucous Membrane

An epithelial tissue that secretes mucus, and lines many body cavities and tubular organs including the respiratory passages.

Permeability

The state of a tissue or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.

Respiratory Tract

A passage formed by the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, through which air passes during breathing.

Stratum Corneum

The horny outer layer of the epidermis.

Carriers (Aromatherapy)

Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels we use to dilute volatile plant oils and "carry" them to the body.

Expeller Pressed

A production process where machines squeeze nuts and seeds to extract their nonvolatile oils.

Fixed Oil

A fixed oil is a nonvolatile oil of animal or plant origin.

Natural Preservative

Ingredients found in nature that increase the shelf-life of other natural products and keep them from spoiling prematurely.

Refined (Fixed Oil)

A production process where nonvolatile fixed oils are bleached and deodorized to give them neutral colors, aromas, and flavors.

Synergy (Aromatherapy)

A combination of volatile plant oils with complementary therapeutic effects which may or may not be diluted in a carrier.

Cold Pressed (Fixed Oil)

A production process where machines grind, crush, and compress nuts, seeds, and fruits to extract their nonvolatile oils at temperatures below 122 degrees F.

Fatty Acid

A sub-unit of fats, oils, and waxes produced by the breakdown of fats.

Infused Fixed Oil

A fixed oil suffused with the lipid-soluble components of herbs or spices.

Organic

Plants grown on farms through methods that comply with standards of organic farming, which restrict the use of certain pesticides and fertilizers.

Sebum

An oily, waxy substance produced by the body's sebaceous glands. It coats, moisturizes, and protects the skin.

Topical Application (Aromatherapy)

Any synergy of volatile plant oils applied to the body's surface (skin).

Alcohol

A colorless volatile flammable liquid produced through the natural fermentation of sugars.

Carriers (Aromatherapy)

Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels we use to dilute volatile plant oils and "carry" them to the body.

Cream

A viscous emulsion of oil and water. Oil-in-water emulsions are lighter than water-in-oil emulsions.

Gel

A lightweight, silky substance occurring as a natural extract (e.g., aloe vera gel) or produced as emulsions of aloe vera gel, glycerin, water, and sugar..

Liniment

A substance made of liquid or emollient used to rub the body to relieve muscle soreness or pain.

Solvent

A liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing other substances.

Vinegar

A sour-tasting liquid containing acetic acid, obtained by fermenting dilute alcoholic liquids and used as a condiment or preservative.

Aloe Vera Gel

A natural, cooling, silky, watery emollient extracted from the thick, fluid-filled leaves of succulent plants from the Aloe genus.

Clay

Fine-grained earth that is plastic, smooth, and moldable when moist.

Emollient

A substance that increases moisture and oil levels to soothe, soften or condition the skin.

Insoluble

A substance incapable of being dissolved in a particular medium.

Lotion

Low-viscosity oil-in-water emulsions designed for application to large areas of the body.

Synergy

A combination of volatile plant oils with complementary therapeutic effects which may or may not be diluted in a carrier.

Viscous

Having a thick, sticky consistency between a solid and a liquid.

1% Concentration

6 drops of volatile plant oil per ounce of carrier product. Appropriate for children, pregnant women, and older adults.

4-5% Concentration

24-30 drops of volatile plant oil per ounce of carrier product. Appropriate for local applications on healthy adults.

Concentration

The amount of volatile plant oil in the final volume of a carrier product.

Local Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier are smeared on the skin of one body part or region.

Neat Application

The use of undiluted volatile plant oils for a local application.

Topical Application (Aromatherapy)

Any synergy of volatile plant oils applied to the body's surface (skin).

2-3% Concentration

12-18 drops of volatile plant oil per ounce of carrier product. Appropriate for healthy adults.

Carriers (Aromatherapy)

Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels we use to dilute volatile plant oils and "carry" them to the body.

Dosage

A standard amount of volatile plant oil used for a particular application.

Milliliter (ml)

A very small amount of liquid. In aromatherapy, a milliliter equals about 20 drops of volatile plant oil.

Synergy (Aromatherapy)

A combination of volatile plant oils with complementary therapeutic effects which may or may not be diluted in a carrier.

1,8 Cineole

A chemical component of volatile plant oils that gives eucalyptus its characteristic smell and has well-researched effects on the respiratory system.

Aldehyde

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their antifungal, antiviral, and neurosedative properties, among others.

Intent

The act or fact of planning an outcome.

Mode of Action

The mechanism behind the effect a volatile plant oil has on the human body.

Muddy Synergies

When the therapist intends to address too many physiological issues at one time or uses too many volatile plant oils in a blend.

Synergy

A combination of volatile plant oils with complementary therapeutic effects typically diluted in a carrier.

Alcohol

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, immune-boosting, and neurosedative properties, among others.

Ester

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their strong antispasmodic properties, among others.

Ketone

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their tissue regenerative, neurosedative, and potentially toxic properties, among others.

Monoterpene

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their lightweight molecules and range of therapeutic properties.

Oxide

A group of chemical components in volatile plant oils generally known for their expectorant properties, among others.

Therapeutic Intent

The intent to benefit a client the therapist holds in their mind during a session.

Aroma Intensity Scale

A measure of the potency of an aroma’s smell. Volatile plant oils are arranged from 1 on the scale indicating a very strong aroma to 10 on the scale indicating a soft aroma.

Aroma Intensity Score

A number assigned to a volatile plant oil to indicate the potency of its aroma. An oil assigned a 1 has a very intense aroma. An oil assigned a 10 has a soft aroma.

Balance (In the Body)

A condition in which the physiological and psychological processes of the body are stable..

Equilibrium

A state of balance.

Milliliter (ml)

A very small amount of liquid. In aromatherapy, a milliliter equals about 20 drops of volatile plant oil.

Potency

The power of something to make an impression or have an effect.

Synergy (Aromatherapy)

A combination of volatile plant oils with complementary therapeutic effects which may or may not be diluted in a carrier.

Topical Application (Aromatherapy)

Any synergy of volatile plant oils applied to the body's surface (skin).

Aroma Intensity

The potency of an aroma of a volatile plant oil having nothing to do with the oil’s therapeutic potential.

Balance (In a Synergy)

A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

Carriers (Aromatherapy)

Products like fixed vegetable oils, creams, lotions, or gels we use to dilute volatile plant oils and "carry" them to the body.

Local Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier are smeared on the skin of one body part or region.

Neat Application

The use of undiluted volatile plant oils for a local application.

Symmetry

Correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing.

Systemic Synergy

A synergy designed to address the whole body for general benefits such as stress reduction. Compared to a local, more specific application.

Absorption (Skin)

A route through which components of volatile plant oils enter the body through the skin.

Diffusion (Aromatherapy)

To spread the molecules of volatile plant oils into the air of a living, working, or therapeutic environment.

Electric Diffusers

A machine that disperses volatile plant oils into the air in a fine mist of water.

Inhaler Tube

A small portable tube with a fabric insert. Aromatherapists drop volatile plant oils on the insert. People carry the tubes and inhale the plant oils as needed.

Nebulizing Diffusers

A machine that converts volatile plant oils into very fine particles and disperses them into the air as a waterless mist.

Physiological Effect

Changes in a body tissue, organ, system, or function due to exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Sauna Inhalations

The practice of breathing volatile plant oils in the hot, dry environment of a sauna for therapeutic purposes.

Steam Inhalation

The practice of breathing volatile plant oils contained in steam for therapeutic purposes.

Vapor Rub Inhalation

A heavy emollient balm containing volatile plant oils rubbed on the chest and neck for therapeutic purposes.

Aroma Mist

A combination of purified water and volatile plant oils contained in a bottle with a fine mist top and used for aromatherapy inhalation.

Direct Inhalation

A method of application where a person inhales a single oil or synergy directly from the bottle, a tissue, their hands, or an inhaler tube.

Hand Inhalation

A method of application where one drop of volatile plant oil or synergy is placed in the palm of the hands and held to the nose for inhalation.

Methods of Application

The strategies aromatherapists use to introduce volatile plant oils to the human body.

Olfactory Response

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the brain's limbic system.

Psychological Effects

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Shower Inhalation

The practice of breathing volatile plant oils in the steamy environment of a shower stall for therapeutic purposes.

Steam Room Inhalation

The practice of breathing volatile plant oils in the hot, moist environment of a steam room for therapeutic purposes.

Absorption (Skin)

A route through which components of volatile plant oils enter the body through the skin.

Full-Body Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier, are smeared on the skin of most body regions.

Neat Application

When volatile plant oils are smeared on the skin without first being diluted.

Physiological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Topical Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier are smeared on the skin.

Aromatherapy Bath

The application of volatile plant oils in the waters of a tub.

Local Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier are smeared on the skin of one body part or region.

Olfactory Responses (Aromatherapy)

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the limbic system of the brain.

Psychological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Aroma Mist

A combination of purified water and volatile plant oils contained in a bottle with a fine mist top and used for aromatherapy inhalation.

Aromatic Towels

Hot, moist hand towels infused with volatile plant oils that feel steamy and smell refreshing.

Hand Inhalation

A method of application where one drop of a volatile plant oil or synergy is placed in the palm of the hands and held to the nose for inhalation.

Physiological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in a body tissue, organ, system, or function as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Standard Aromatherapy Massage

A therapeutic session where a client selects a premade synergy and massage form from a menu of services.

Aromatherapy Massage

A massage with a lubricant containing volatile plant oils for therapeutic purposes.

Classic Aromatherapy Massage

A therapeutic session that includes client consultation, custom blending, the application of volatile plant oils with massage techniques, and home care suggestions.

Olfactory Responses (Aromatherapy)

The changes that occur in a person because of the influence of aroma on the limbic system of the brain.

Psychological Effects (Aromatherapy)

Changes that occur in the mind, emotions, and behaviors of people as a result of exposure to the complex natural chemicals found in aromatic plant products.

Topical Application

When volatile plant oils, diluted with a carrier are smeared on the skin.