Trial and error research on myself was also part of my experience. Emotional Release techniques and Rain Drop therapy have produced amazing results. I use only pure essential oils. They are the most potent and effective.

The olfactory nerve, the part of our brain associated with smell is closely connected to the limbic system. It is concerned with our most subtle responses like emotion, memory, sex-drive and intuition.

Aromatherapy is believed to stimulate the immune system, reduce stress, relieve pain, and help heal physical and emotional disorders.

This healing art, centuries old, dates back to ancient Egypt, where aromatics were used for beauty, healing rituals, massage and embalmment.

The Greeks perfumed their food, wine and their bodies. They burnt sweet incense in temples, city squares and at special altars, hoping this would appease the gods.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed a daily aromatic bath and massage prolonged life; he also encouraged physicians to disinfect clothing and hands with a mixture of sandalwood, camphor and rosewater.

In the early 1900's a French chemist, named Rene Gattefosse, laid the foundation for modern aromatherapy. He burnt his hand, plunged it into a nearby vat of lavender essence and was amazed to see how fast the burn healed.

Dr. Jean Valnet, a French ex-army surgeon,used essential oils to treat wounds and burns. Today many physicians prescribe aromatherapy for its therapeutic and healing properties.

All essential oils are antiseptic, and many possess antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

To scent a room, an electric diffuser, vaporizer or micromister can be used. Heat should never be used, it destroys the oil's effectivness. Aromatic baths with a few drops of essential oil added to sea salt then to the bathwater creates well-being, and stimulating or relaxing. Do not add oils directly to water, they may burn the skin because the oild do not always mix with water.

Private research at Weber State University of Utah successfully demonstrated specific essential oils diffused in a closed chamber killed every virus tested within minutes. Of 74 single oils tested, lemongrass,roman chamomile, cinnamon, rose, valerian and yarrow scored the highest kill rates.

Health benefits of Oils:

Aside from promoting relaxation, the use of essential oils activates immune activity, lowers blood pressure, stimulates digestive processes and causes the release of endorphins ('feel good chemicals").

There are over 300 essential oils. Between 50 and 100 have health-giving properties and are used in aromatherapy. Essential distillation, contain from fifty to two hundred chemical components.

Essential oils should be used cautiously, especially by people with skin problems, allergies, asthma, epilepsy and certain other medical conditions. To avoid irritation, keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Children under five,pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using essential oils.They can be toxic to the developing fetus or young child.

From Webster's Dictionary: essential: \i-'sen-chêl\ adj 1. something basic, necessary or indispensable 2. containing or constituting an essence 3. of the utmost importance: INDISPENSABLE syn requisite, needful.

Written by Beth Coleman, Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master and Internationally Certified Theta Healing Instructor & Practitioner