Expert: Judy Frayne - 1/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a question regarding aromatherapy and incense.  My understanding is that Aromatherapy is the use of plant oils and compounds to affect a persons mood or health.  That said, if incense uses natural oils and/or resin than couldn't it be defined as aromatherapy?  Or is only essential oils (rather than resins) considered to be aromatherapy?  All I know is that it has to be from a plant and it has to be natural.  Any help would be appreciated!

ANSWER: Hello Brian - thanks for your question.
In as much as actual aromas affect the human psyche - then yes - natural incense and resins could be considered to have a therapeutic effect.
However aromatherapy is mainly about the use of the natural plant extracts on the physical body, when applied directly to the skin. The oils sink in through the pores and react on the systems of the body.
It's a shame that the term 'aromatherapy' doesn't really convey this most important aspect of the therapy, and gives the impression that just the aroma of something will provide the therapy.
Aromas of essential oils alone can help to clear the head, or make you wake up, or make you feel drowsy,( my favourite is Frankincense - that makes you quite giggly after a while) but they only work through steam inhalation.If you have a bad back, the aroma of an oil will not help.It is only by applying oils to the affected area directly - such as with massage or soaking in a bath - that you will help  the ailment.
Personally I have always found that when I burn incense or resin, there is a heavy, smokey atmosphere in the air, and I prefer the aromas of essential oils on hot water over a burner, as they seem much lighter. However I know quite a few people who like to burn incense to relax.
What ever your choice, I would always advocate the natural based aromas as opposed to synthetic. I hope this answers your questions !
Best wishes
Judy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Judy,

I already thanked and rated you (a perfect 10 by the way) and I was wondering if you could answer a follow up question…it’s more of your opinion really…

I run a small website where we sell home spa products.  We recently got into aromatherapy, which is what started the whole incense question.  In your opinion, should we be carrying incense at all?  The reason I ask is because a spa is geared towards health and there is nothing really healthy about incense.  I find most incense smells more like smoke then the stated aroma.  And after its done burning, the room just smells like smoke.  It also seems that most people that like incense want the traditional Indian Nag Champa incenses for spiritual reasons and not the aromatherapy benefit.  We aren’t really catering to the New Age crowd but more to the spa goers.

What are your thoughts?


Answer
Well you really hit the nail on the head Brian ! After I trained in aromatherapy I worked for a year with a company that import and bottle their own oils, and then set up in business in a small shop, doing treatments and selling aromatherapy products.I had to make the same decision about the image I wanted. Aromatherapy can go down several routes - of course the New Age, but also the beauty clinic as well as the health and well being routes. It was the latter image that I wanted to create. I think the New Age thing is fine and has it's place, but there are many who are put off by it. Whereas if you are selling the idea of health and well being, it will automatically embrace all the spiritual side, but customers will feel it's a more practical and 'mainstream' approach. I naturally work with energy when I am doing my treatments, but if I went into a treatment rattling on about working with energy, some people would think I was mad ! I let the oils and the treatments do what they do find customers become natural converts.
I agree with you about incense - I personally didn't have it in my shop, although I did have a few oil scented candles for sale.I would stick with your spa products and pure essential oils if you are getting into aromatherapy.
I wish you great success with your website. I had been thinking myself that I'd love to set up a website where people could have prescriptive orders made up for them. I just never seem to get the time. Let me know your website address.
Thank you for your most excellent rating !
Best wishes
Judy