Synopsis

The author sets about distinguishing between the therapuetic benefits of applying essential oils by massage treatments and other ways (e.g.inhalation). He argues that the effectiveness of oils is limited when applied to the skin, due to its relative impermeability. The author says:
"I remain extremely sceptical that this is a route by which significant volumes of most essential oils can enter the body. After years of looking at so called 'scientific' research, I have failed to find one trial where the methodology used has been adequate". The main criticism the author lays at these research studies is that they do not attempt to block inhalation of essential oil vapours, and so isolate the effect of massage.

The author cites how he believes essential oils work to promote their therapeutic actions: I believe the major modes of action of essential oils used in aromatherapy are:

1. The psychotherapeutic effects of the oils on the olfactory system and the brain.
2. The absorption into the circulation of some of the oils constituent chemicals via the nasal membranes and lungs.
3. For muscular problems, if very much higher percentages of essential oil than are normally used in massage are 'rubbed in' or applied on compresses.
4. Damaged skin can often benefit from using 'healing' essential and fixed oils. This form of treatment may not be strictly 'aromatherapy', but it is closely allied. This is because the essential oils can have a direct pharmacological action on damaged tissues, as well indirect beneficial effects on the mind if the aroma is pleasant.

The author concludes his paper by summarising how he believes essential oils work.
"I believe it is likely that we get a complexity of effects when essential oils are inhaled:

1) A direct pharmacological effect via the blood supply to the brain.
2) An indirect effect via the olfactory nerve pathways to the brain.
3) The beneficial effects from the massage and the touch receptors.
4) The good old powerful placebo effect, caused by client therapist interactions.
5) Possibly a regulation of energy flows via similar pathways to accupressure/acupuncture.

With that kind of bombardment, it's not surprising that aromatherapy can achieve such excellent results. The therapy clearly is potent at reducing the brains inhibition of the body, from carrying out its routine regulating and healing activities."

Some references are quoted.

The full article can be found at Aromatherapy Global Research Archives Online. http://users.erols.com/sisakson/pages/agoindex.htm