Aromatherapy is an intimate healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to supposedly stimulate health and well-being.
The process uses fragrant body oils, lotions, or creams to revamp the health of the body, mind, and spirit for the aroma aspect, but also uses hot or cold compresses, steamers, and face masks for a skin absorption aspect.
First originating in ancient Egypt, the Egyptians believed the oils used had both physical and psychological benefits. They recognized body care and beauty as the start to cleanliness. Unpleasant scents in Egypt were associated with impurity, and good scents indicated the presence of the sacred, according to areejaromatherapy.com. But now, we have modern practices of cleanliness such as showers, and there is no need to use overpowering scents to mask an undesirable smell.
Around a similar time in ancient China, the Chinese not only used herbal scents for religious practices, but it was believed that they would heal or help people with what would have been considered mental illnesses, according to quinessence.com.
In modern times, we have modern medicine to help heal and/or reduce the struggle of mental health problems, so we shouldn’t rely on outdated practices.
While aromatherapy is said to help with stress, depression, and anxiety, it uses aroma and feelings to mentally help the mind, not physically heal.
To say that aromatherapy is fake would be a strong statement, because it is about deceiving the mind into feeling better, but it might not work on some people. For other people, the oils or lotions can cause serious allergic reactions, while others might just be sensitive to the smells.
Another downside to aromatherapy is the products. Most of the time, people might think of going to a spa to get the fragrant treatments, but that costs money, so they try it at home. But some oils, according to spacecoastmassage.com, are not completely pure and may limit the desired effects of the product.
While, for some people, aromatherapy can seem very effective, it might be harmful or unproductive for others. Aromatherapy can be a fun thing to try but it is not the best option for actual healing and wellness.
If someone is looking for a physical cure, aromatherapy would be pointless and ineffective.