The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, which advances the knowledge of the medicinal use of aromatherapy plants and essential oils, describes aromatherapy as the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

Research supports the inhaled benefit of aromatic, high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils, which can stimulate brain function to provide relief from anxiety and depression. Also absorbed through the skin, oils travel through the bloodstream to promote whole-body healing and provide improved quality of life, particularly for individuals with chronic health conditions. One particular study observed the effectiveness of lavender oil inhalation in relieving symptoms related to job stress among 53 nurses. Aromatherapy represented a significant decrease over a period of three-to-four-day use.

As a form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining in popularity in a variety of applications such as halting antibacterial activity, improving sleep, reducing pain and nausea, mood enhancement, increased cognitive function and easing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

The seven most common essential oils used in spas are lavender, chamomile, tea tree, sandalwood, peppermint, bergamot and eucalyptus. Others such as marjoram, mandarin and palo santo are also popular with massage therapists and estheticians for their relaxing properties. Combinations such as frankincense, lavender and helychrisum are used in facials to restore tissue, prevent damage, scavenge free radicals and improve the texture of the skin.  

Clinical studies on aromatherapy are currently underway in Europe, Australia, Japan, India, the U.S. and Canada. Many of these studies describe the remarkable healing properties of therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Aromatherapy enhancements of some spa treatments are offered at Shangri-La Springs, located at 27750 Old 41, in Bonita Springs. For more information, call 239-949-0749 or visit Shangri-LaSprings.com.