Archived Newsletters 2010-07-30 AROMACHOLOGY
AROMACHOLOGY
Aromachology and Aromatherapy - Do you know the difference? A simple definition; aromachology is the study of aromas. However, it doesn’t just stop there because the study tries to find out the benefits of pleasant smells to man. A more accurate, acceptable and encompassing definition is therefore needed. Thus Aromachology can be defined as the study of aroma and the effects this fragrance have on humans especially on their psychology and behavior. Aromachology was first described by the Sense Smell Institute, a division of Fragrance Foundation about 20 years ago, a non-profit organization involved in research programs for the international fragrance industry. In this scientific study, researchers are not limited to the study of only naturally occurring fragrance but also take into consideration, the psychological effects of the synthetic forms. Basically Aromachology draws a lot of interest from the business world especially from perfume manufacturing industry, so the studies are mostly bank-rolled by them. An understanding of the differences between
aromachology and aromatherapy is necessary especially if one is in the relevant
industry. While Aromatherapy, an ancient art of healing aims to enhance
well-being through the pure essential oils of aromatic plant stems, leaves or
flowers, Aromachology, in contrast, describes the science that studies how a
pleasant aroma--derived from the laboratory synthetically or naturally--affects
human psychology.
Many dubious manufacturers offer products containing
synthetic fragrances and fillers with little or no trace of true natural plant
essences, yet claim they have aromatherapeutic effects and users only end up
with aromachological effects which makes a case for why people should
understand the differences between these two in order to be properly guided. A
lot of people, who desire aromatherapy, have ended up with aromachology effects
and vice versa. A quick glance through the ingredients list of popular
aromatherapy room deodorizing spray, for example, rarely will show the
exclusive use of genuine natural essential oils as a constituent. When present,
are in very insignificant amounts.
So what is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is
the use of plant essential oils to improve physical health as well as
psychological health in bath water, as air fresheners or as massage oils.
Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was the first to describe aromatherapy and the
healing properties inherent in plants’ aroma. However, the use of oils from
plants has always existed for thousands of years. Aromatherapy practice is a
popular form of alternative health care increasingly gaining popularity across
the globe. Aromatherapy uses only pure, natural essential oils, each being
ailment specific.
http://hubpages.com/hub/aromachology-and-aromatherapy---do-you-know-the-difference
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