Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Oils may be applied to stimulate healing in both humans and animals. They may also be applied to maintain existing health, promoting wellness and optimal well-being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Essential Oils are extracts from the plant fluids that maintain plant life. These fluids and resins move through the plant’s circulatory system in the leaves, stems, roots, and flowers, carrying nutrition to the plant cells and carrying waste products out, just as human blood functions in the body. Because essential oils are composed of the tiniest of organic molecules they can pass through cell walls and membranes delivering therapeutic benefits, not only to the plants that create them, but to people as well. They are God’s natural medicine and have been recognized and used by humans for over 5,000 years that we know of. Essential oils are mentioned over 500 times in the Bible and were used by Moses, Aaron, Mary and Joseph. Jesus also received and used them, teaching his disciples to anoint the sick with oil and heal them. (Mark 6:12-13).

Aromatherapists apply essential oils in several ways. They can be inhaled, where the molecules of oil enter the blood stream via the lungs and travel to the organs and tissues of the body where they can administer their benefits. In some cases they can also be taken orally. Most commonly they are rubbed directly on the skin, usually the feet or the back, and are often diluted with a natural carrier oil, such as olive, almond, or grape seed. In all cases, the small essential oil molecules penetrate into the body and assist in obtaining a balance that can lead to strength and health.