Aromatherapy Oils Ayurveda Viewpoint

In Sanskrit “Ayus “ means life, “Veda” means science (knowledge) thus Ayurveda translates as science of life. Ayurveda is an ancient medicine that originated in India which has a history of 3500 to 5000 years. Among Chinese and Greek medicine, Ayurveda is one of the oldest medicine systems. The philosophy of good health is achieved only through having a strong immune system.  There needs to be harmony  between and individuals emotional, physical and spiritual being. Lifestyle and diet among other things are also taken into consideration. Disease is thought of as a time for change,  which it often is in modern medicine however an Ayurvedic approach focuses on the prevention prior to the disruption the diseases cause. Invasive treatments are not part of Ayurveda treatments,  treatments  would include:proper diet, use of herbs, exercise, meditation , colors, essential oils, music therapy, massage and saunas. During the British Colonial period Ayurveda health  treatment was forbidden it did not re emerge until the 1980’s.

Essential oils,which are a main part of Ayurvedic medicine are extracted from plant materials by applying steam to force out their essences into highly concentrated liquids. Aromatic plants have been used since ancient times, however, distillation of oils was not widely practiced until the 18th century.

Dosha means impurity in Sanskrit. There are three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda believes all individuals have the elements of all three doshas often one is stronger than the rest and that is the primary Dosha and it is based on body type. Doshas are comprised of five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and ether. We are all like the universe within ourselves.

Earth- bones,cells, tissue ( stability)

Water-- liquids, blood , lymph, delivers nutrients, hormone balance, regulates temperature.(change)

Fire- digestion, building muscles. (energy)

Air- mobility, dynamic functions of the body (movement).

Ether- the space between everything (space)

In Ayurvedic medicine a holistic approach will be taken, after a long questionnaire work will be done to strengthen the 5 senses to promote an individuals health by eating proper foods, taking saunas, inhaling aromas, massage with essential oils , music, color and meditation.

Daily massage routine is called “Abhyanga”. It is very common in India to be massaged from the day you're born til the day you die. The base oil is usually sesame oil because it has linoleic acid and that has an anti inflammatory agent.

A Vata dominant individual will benefit from these essential oils : Eucalyptus, cajeput,ginger,camphor, cinnamon,anise,lemon,rosewood, angelica,basil.

Sesame or flaxseed oil would be best.

Pitta - Chamomile, coriander,lime,peppermint,sandalwood ,yarrow. Olive oil and sunflower oil.

Kapha- Basil, clove, eucalyptus,niaouli,hyssop,rosemary,sage,savory.  Safflower and sweet almond oil.

REFERENCES

Lawrence, Felicity, - Aromatic Indian Head Massage (2004). NAHA Aromatherapy

Journal Issue 13.2

Miller, Light & Miller, Bryan – Ayurveda & Aromatherapy (1995) Lotus Press

Mojay, Gabriel – Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit (1997) Healing Arts Press

Raichur, Pratima with Cohn, Marian, - Absolute Beauty (1997) Harpercollins

Schnaubelt, Ph.D., Kurt - Advanced Aromatherapy (1995) Healing Arts Press

Sharma, Hari & Clark, Christopher – Contemporary Ayurveda (1988) Churchill

Livingstone

Takahashi, Kazumi – The knowledge of Ayurveda (1995) Kodansha

Takano, Yuri - Incorporating Ayurveda to your diet (1996) Kobunsha