Gifted Hands Writing, Editor

In the holistic system of Ayurveda medicine, scented oils and spices are combined with massage to provide healing and relaxation. Aromatic Oils are central to Ayurveda healing and have become the focus of many Sri Lankan resorts, hotels, and hospitals. Known as the “sensual science,” aromatherapy massage combines the nurturing power of touch with the therapeutic properties of aromatic oils, helping to soothe, relax, and refresh the mind and body. When oils are combined with massage their effectiveness in relieving stress, improving mood, and promoting good health is most striking.

Numerous powers have been attributed to fragrant plants.  They have been used throughout history in the pursuit of happiness and health:  as part of medicine, religion, magic, and cosmetics.  In early civilization scented woods and oils were often burned to communicate with Gods or to exorcise demons.  Even today incense is part of many healing ceremonies in Sri Lanka.

Concentrated essences extracted from Ayurvedic herbs have been valued for thousands of years. Aromatherapy massage in Ayurveda is an art that involves an intimate interaction between the person giving the massage, the person receiving it, and the aroma of the oils. 

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

“Aroma” derives from the Greek word for spice. “Aromatherapy” refers to the use of essential oils in holistic healing to improve health and emotional wellbeing and in restoring balance in the body. 

In 4500 B.C. Egyptians used myrrh and cedar wood oils for embalming their dead.  Hippocrates, the Greek Father of Medicine recommended regular aromatherapy baths and scented massages.  Aromatherapy was effectively used to ward off the plague from Athens. Romans utilized essential oils for pleasure and to cure pain.  The Roman spas and elaborate public baths or Thermae used aromatic oils for massages and healing. 

During the Great Plague in London in 1665 people burnt bundles of lavender, cedar wood, and cypress in the streets to combat infectious diseases.

Today essential oils are used for healing at many levels:  for spiritual healing, to heal wounds, and for stress relief.

How to Use Aromatherapy

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways.  Some of the common methods are:

Inhalation: A few drops of the essential oil are dropped into hot water and the steam is inhaled.  The head is often covered with a towel to stop the steam from escaping.

Baths:  The selected essential oil is added to the bathtub, filled with warm water.  The aroma oil enters the body through the skin to give lasting benefits.

Footbath: This is a very refreshing experience after a hard day’s work. It also dispels swelly and smelly feet.  Insert your feet in a basin of warm water mixed in a few drops of essential oils and immerse your feet in lukewarm water.

Pot Pourri: This is a mixture of dried flowers, herbs, grass, and seed pods. Few drops of essential oils are added to the pot pourri and kept in a bowl. This yields  an aromatic fragrance for 4-6 weeks.

Bed Time Sprinkle: A few drops on the pillow cover or on a tissue can be placed under the pillow and inhaled while sleeping. This can be very useful in treating headaches, stress, and tension.

Oral Intake:  Care should be taken when aromatic oils are taken orally. A few drops of oil can be taken internally in a prescribed  dosage for a problem like indigestion under the guidance of a qualified therapist.

Beauty Treatment: Aromatic oils can be used  in facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, scalp treatment, hair wash, and hair treatment.

Room Sprays: Essential oils are natural and hence they could be used liberally to deodorize a room, freshen and scent a bathroom, bedroom, and dining room.  Cupboards and wardrobes can be disinfected with room sprays.

Insect Repellents: Essential oils are excellent fragrant dispenser and non toxic insecticides.  For example lemongrass is best for flying insects, tea tree for ants and fleas, and citronella for mosquitoes.

Here are some of the popular aromatic oils used in Sri Lanka.

Chamomile- (Chamaemelum nobile/ Matricaria recutita)  - Chamomile is popular in aromatherapy, where it is used as a calming agent to end stress and aid in sleep. Chamomile has a soothing effect and is well suited to treating children.  It eases anxiety, insomnia, stress-related headaches, and premenstrual tension. It also makes a good wash for open sores, wounds, insect bites, and other skin problems. The flowers can also be made into a rubbing oil for swellings and painful joints.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - The species name sempervirens comes from the Latin for 'evergreen.’ In many cultures the cypress tree has represented eternal life.  Plato referred to it as the symbol of immortality.  Cypress oil is used to treat respiratory complaints and used in foot massages.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules) - Traditionally, Australia’s Aboriginal people bound the leaves of the indigenous Eucalyptus tree to wounds to speed healing.  The main constituent, Cineol, is responsible for its powerful antiseptic, antiviral, and expectorant effects.  It is used in chest massage.

In some Sri Lankan homes Eucalyptus is best known as a decongestant inhalation for colds and catarrh.  Eucalyptus is a very powerful bactericidal and anti-viral. A steam inhalation with Eucalyptus is an effective natural treatment for colds. It eases nasal congestion and inhibits proliferation of the cold virus.

Eucalyptus used in air sprays or any form of vaporization during epidemics, will give a good measure of protection from 'flu and the infectious illnesses of childhood.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) - Traditionally Geranium was used to stanch bleeding, heal wounds, and ulcers.  Geranium is good for acne treatments because of its antimicrobial effect. In mental health geranium is used to treat tension and anxiety.  Some use the leaves for rose-scented geranium herbal tea.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) - Exquisitely fragranced, Jasmine is reputed to be an aphrodisiac. The flowers of the Jasmine plant, cultivated in India and North Africa, yield tiny amounts of oil. In Ayurvedic medicine Jasmine is recommended for cleansing the blood.  Jasmine is also used as an anti-depressant, for stress relief, anxiety, tension, and exhaustion.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) - Its antiviral properties make juniper useful in treating respiratory infections and an ideal air freshener.  Juniper is often used in anti-cellulite massage blends.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates) - Lemongrass is one of the most versatile of herbs. It makes a delicious herbal tea, and is often used in cooking. The outer leaves are tied in a loop and cooked with food to impart flavor.  The spice pack is removed before serving.

Lemongrass has many pain relieving properties.  It also acts as a digestive tonic, diuretic, and antiseptic. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat fevers and infections. It acts as a sedative on the central nervous system.

Rose (Rosa centifolia/Rosa damascena) - Roses have long been associated with Venus, Roman Goddess of love and beauty.  Rose oil is used in facial massages and skin products.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) – Sandalwood is a small tree that grows primarily in India. Mentioned in the Nirkuta, (5^th century B.C.) the oldest of the Hindu Vedas sandalwood was used as an incense in religious ceremonies in India. Today, it is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine throughout Sri Lanka. It calms and cools the body, reduces inflammation, infection and fever.  Sandalwood soap is popular in Ayurveda resorts in Sri Lanka.