aromatherapy

aro·ma·ther·a·py

noun \ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē\

Definition of AROMATHERAPY

: massage of the body and especially of the face with a preparation of fragrant essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits; broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

— aro·ma·ther·a·peu·tic \-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik\ adjective

— aro·ma·ther·a·pist \-ˈther-ə-pist\ noun

Origin of AROMATHERAPY

French aromathérapie, from Latin aroma + French thérapie therapy

First Known Use: 1949

aro·ma·ther·a·py

noun \ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural aro·ma·ther·a·pies

Medical Definition of AROMATHERAPY

: massage of the body and especially of the face with a preparation of fragrant essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits; broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

—aro·ma·ther·a·pist \-pəst\ noun

aromatherapy

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Therapy using essential oils and water-based colloids extracted from plant materials to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health and balance. Single or combined extracts may be diffused into inhaled air, used in massage oil, or added to bathwater. Inhaled molecules of these extracts stimulate the olfactory nerve, sending messages to the brain's limbic system (the seat of memory, learning, and emotion) that are said to trigger physiological responses (e.g., eucalyptus relieves congestion, lavender promotes relaxation). Mainstream medical practitioners question the claim of independent physiological effects; they consider many of the benefits more likely due to the conditioned responses that odours can reinforce or help create. The oils and solutions used have been shown to have certain effects but are not standardized. The few risks involved include allergic reactions.