Argumentative Essay On Aromatherapy

Following in the tradition of ancient Egyptians and Greeks, Aromatherapy refers to the alternative treatment in which “essential oils”, extracted from plants whether it be from flowers, bark or roots, are believed to have positive lasting effects for one’s psychological and physical well-being. The word “Aromatherapy” itself was not coined until the 1930s when a French chemist took an interest in possible curative powers of essential oils after a burn incident-the precursor to what Aromatherapy has grown to become. The central claim is that this treatment will achieve balance between the mind and body, soothe biological processes, and prevent diseases. Currently, numerous websites promote aromatherapy as a natural alternative for scientifically
Although there is evidence, albeit few, that supports the short-term mood changes concerning essential oils, the evidence supporting physiological improvements is lacking. As stated in a Yale Scientific publication by Cynthia Deng “Aromatherapy: Exploring Olfaction”, it debunked the “evidence” aromatherapist have pointed to as “anecdotal rather than scientifically grounded”. In fact, Deng references a recent study by Ohio State University in which it found that aromatherapy did improve moods, but did not effect stress hormone levels, wound heeling, or blood pressure-essentially physiological responses. This is further expanded upon in a study presented to British Psychological Society Annual conference in which Dr. Neil Martin of Middlesex University related how 60 volunteers participated in a cold-pressor test. For fifteen minutes, the subject would have their arm immersed in cold water. A third was exposed to the lemon oil, a third to the smell of machine oil, and a third to no smell at all. After five minutes those who were not exposed to any smell reported the least amount of pain. This study, among others, illustrated the non-existent alleviation the essential oils claimed to