Aromatherapy is increasingly gaining in popularity as an "alternative" or "holistic" medicine, like Reiki, in which the balance of body, mind and spirit is restored, as it works to bring them all to a state of balance or wholeness.

Aromatherapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essence to promote health and well-being, and dates back to 1000 BC when it was practiced in India, Egypt and China. Aromatic oils and plants were then used to adorn bodies, for physical and mental well-being, for religious purposes and mummification.

The therapy consists of inhaling and massaging pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants, which have been steam distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, fruits, bark and roots.

"Although the properties of essential oils and herbs may be somewhat similar, the benefits differs from herbal extracts," says well-known aromatherapist Dr Blossom Kochhar, who claims to be the only practising aromatherapist in the capital. A single drop of essential oil is equivalent to a once living plant.

Dr Kochhar has been awarded a Phd for her work on aromatherapy by Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, which grants her the license to practise it professionally internationally. She is the only Asian to enjoy this distinction. Aromatherapy is gradually becoming recognised in India as a natural treamentis not oral but works on the mind and through the pores of the skin and is safest and environmentally responsible, alternative to conventional medicines, Dr Kochhar adds.

It is an age-old line of treatment for general ailments like cold-cough, insomnia and arthritis.

(PTI)unknown as being aromatherapy, a french word.This therapy uses the extract of plants, roots leaves, stems and flowers wherein the pure essential oil (distilled oil from the aromatic flowers) are embedded. These are the life-force of the plants.These oils through inhalation or massage enter the body, circulate and leave the body within a stipulated time, hence are free from any side effects and can be used by people of all age groups."But, like all other therapies, self practise of aromatherapy without full know-how is not advisable," she warns adding the oils should be best administered by a qualified aromatherapist.Smell is the essential factor in this therapy, but the aromas may not have the same effect on everyone. "For example, an aroma which is `lovely' for one may be `too sweet' for another. The main factor is that the aroma should be acceptable to the user for it to have any positive effect," she says."Aromatherapy has a direct and profound effect on the mind and emotions of an individual, as the sense of smell has a direct access to human brain and emotions and works at a subconscious level to modify emotional behaviour".Essential oils are actually endowed with the power to lower or increase mental activity, stimulate positive feelings and control negative ones. It also triggers pleasant memories and feelings, enhance emotional equilibrium, relax, energise and promote sexual feelings as well.These oils also have several medicinal properties-antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory."More than 200 oils are used in aromatherapy with vastly different therapeutic properties. In the hair and beauty profession, aromatherapy oils are used to treat ageing and wrinkled skin and other skin complaints" says Dr Kochhar, a cosmetologist also.But some of the beneficial oils can prove harmful under certain conditions. Concentrated oils are very strong and just because a product is natural doesn't mean it is harmless.Inappropriate use can often lead to adverse and damaging effects, warns Dr Kochhar adding such "contra-indications" have to be ascertained from a qualified aromatherapist."During pregnancy, basil, jasmine, rosemary, peppermint should be avoided as it can lead to complications and even abortion in worst cases. Similarly, in high blood pressure, pine, rosemary and thyme should be avoided," she elaborates.One should also not go for this therapy along with homeopathy, as it counter-effects its benefits, though aromatherapy is considered to be both alternative and complementary therapy.A vast majority of the essential oils are produced by distillation. There are different processes used, however, in all of them, water is heated to produce steam, which carries the most volatile chemical of the aromatic material with it.The steam is then chilled (in a condenser) and the resulting distillate is collected. The essential oil normally floats on the top of the hydrosol (distilled water component) which is separated.Dr Kochhar, Phd in aromatherapy has been working on this "alternative therapy" for some time and has been striving to get it due recognition."This therapy has been considered a folk-lore and it is only recently that people are getting aware of its valuable properties. I am working on the project to bring out its scientific background so it gains legitimate acceptance."