An aromatherapist is a health care specialist who treats patients using essential oils and hydrosols to improve their mental and emotional well-being and relieve everyday stress. It produces specific results such as relaxing muscles and improving their breath, making patients feel better and healthier. 

Many aromatherapists work with patients fighting viral diseases. They also help patients experiencing general discomfort or difficulty with daily tasks like sleeping, eating, focusing, etc. The aromatherapist may additionally give massage services to their patients for healing purposes. 

The article describes in detail aromatherapist meaning,aromachology and its types. 

Aromachology:

Aromachology is the study of the influence of odours on human behaviours. It also examines the relationship between feelings and emotions. Aromachologists analyse emotions such as relaxation, happiness, sensuality, and well-being brought about by odours stimulating the olfactory pathways in the brain, especially in the limbic system. 

Aromatherapy for Hospice and Palliative Care: 

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils derived from plants for therapeutic purposes. In hospice and palliative care, aromatherapy can be an effective complementary treatment to help alleviate various symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients. It reduces pain and inflammation, diminishes nausea and constipation, relaxes muscles and ligaments and enhances mobility. It also supports Immune function, breathing, circulation, excellent mouth care and skin care. 

Aromatherapy for Mental Health: 

Aromatherapy is currently used worldwide in the management of depression, anxiety, insomnia and other psychological or mental health diseases. The following essential oils are generally used in aromatherapy for Mental health:

• Lavender Oil
• Lemon Oil
• Rose Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Bergamot Orange 

Aromatherapy for mental health provides a highly effective treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, aromatherapy appears to be safer as compared to other psychotropic drugs.  

Aromatherapy for Pain Management: 

According to the National Institute of Health, some studies suggest that olfactory stimulations related to aromatherapy can immediately reduce pain. It can also change physiological parameters such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and brain activity. 

The oil activates certain parts of our brain, especially the limbic system, which plays a role in our memories and emotions. Aromas also stimulate activity in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus signals the brain to release feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin. In this way, aromatherapy helps us reduce pain and makes us feel good.

Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth: 

Aromatherapy can be beneficial during pregnancy (after 12 weeks) for relaxation and alleviation of troublesome pregnancy symptoms. However, some essential oils may be harmful during pregnancy. Therefore, seeking advice from a qualified aromatherapist or midwife with specialist knowledge in complementary therapies is best. Aromatherapy and Massage help during labour and birth in the following ways: 

• By reducing stress/ anxiety and aiding relaxation. 
• By helping to alleviate discomfort and pain. 
•  It can help facilitate normal birth. 
• It may reduce the need for further analgesia. 
•  It may help to enhance contractions. 
• It can help ease physical discomfort, for example, nausea and headaches. 

Aromatherapy for Respiratory Health: 

Respiratory Health problems are increasing due to multidrug-resistant bacteria and growing antibacterial resistance. Essential Oils, which are commonly used in health care, food, and cosmetics, are a promising solution for Respiratory tract Infections (RTI).  Because Essential Oils are volatile, they can easily reach the upper and lower part of the respiratory tract via inhalation. Also, essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, so they offer an effective treatment for respiratory tract infections.  Commonly used essential oils for aromatherapy for Respiratory Health are:

• Eucalyptus oil
• Rosemary 
• Thyme 
• Frankincense 
• Peppermint 
• Eau de Cologne Mint 
• Oregano 
• Geranium Essential Oil 

So, essential oils are a potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent to reduce the signs and symptoms of respiratory tract disease.

Aromatherapy for Skin Care: 

Essential oils are plant extracts made from flowers, leaves and seeds. Some essential oils can treat certain skin conditions, such as Dry skin. Dry skin is common, especially in old age, cold weather or due to reduced activity in the sebaceous glands (oil glands) in your body. In any case, essential oils are a better alternative to creams and moisturisers. 

Aromatherapy is also used for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. Certain essential oils balance out moisture and reduce the itchiness of skin rashes. These include atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

Aromatherapy for Sleep Disorders:

According to the International Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences, essential oils improve sleep quality as well as sleep duration. Some of the best essential oils for sleep disorders include:

• Lavender 
• Jasmine 
• Chamomile 
• Sandalwood. 

Aromatherapy for Stress Management: 

Aromatherapy activates small receptors in the nose, which send messages to the brain through the vast neuron system. The oils activate certain parts of the limbic system and hypothalamus, which produces some feel-good hormones and reduces pain and stress. 

Aromatherapy for Women’s Health: 

The research proves that inhaling essential oils can help improve mood, sexual health, and hot flashes. Oils like Lavender, Bergamot, bitter orange and neroli are good for women’s health. Lavender oil can especially help improve sleep during menopause. 

Aromatherapy Massage: 

Aromatherapy is a specific type of therapy that incorporates scented essential oils into a massage. The massage involves alternating between gentle and harder pressure while using a particular blend of essential oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and applied with lotion during the massage.

Aromatic Facial Therapy:

Aromatic Facial Therapy uses essential oils to create a positive impact on the skin. The aroma of different essential oils creates a psychological response that promotes relaxation in the body.

Aromatic Medicine: 

Aromatic Medicine is a procedure that uses essential oils for mental, emotional and physical well-being. It is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It is a holistic therapy supporting- the mind, body, and soul. It is also known as scientific aromatherapy or Aromatology.  

In the direct method, the essential oils are directly inhaled from a piece of cloth or through steam inhalation. The aromatherapist may apply essential oils to your skin during massage. The third technique of aromatherapy is adding essential oils to your bath.

Clinical Aromatherapy: 

Clinical aromatherapy is a medicine therapy. It is beneficial for both inpatients and outpatients. It is used for the management of pain, nausea, general well-being, sadness, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and insomnia. 

Holistic Aromatherapy: 

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy. It works on the whole person. It considers factors such as their lifestyle, diet, medical history, and emotional, mental and spiritual states. It aims for patients’ overall well-being by using essential oils. 

Conclusion: 

Aromatherapy is a holistic medical procedure. It uses essential oils to reduce pain and improve overall wellness. It is widely used in treating certain diseases such as anxiety, depression, digestive issues, insomnia and sleep disorders. It is advised to seek an expert opinion for personalised therapy.