Archived Newsletters 2010-07-30 Aromachology and Arochology
Aromachology and
Arochology - 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. Arochology is divided
into many fields of study. We will discuss them one by one. The field which
links with Acupressure is the study of Reflex Stimulation. The field which
links with Aromachology is the study of Somatology.
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. Arochology:Arochology is divided into many fields of study. We will discuss them
one by one. The field which links with Acupressure is the study of Reflex
Stimulation. The field which links with Aromachology is the study of
Somatology.
Somatology is a multi-disciplined profession in which somatologists treat a variety of skin and body conditions in a holistic and health-related manners. The programme encompasses training in basic and advanced skin and body care, various spa massage techniques such as hot stone massage, hydrotherm, Indian head massage, Hawaiian massage, and so forth, as well as aromatherapy, reflexology and manual lymph drainage. The programme also includes training on the aesthetic aspects of the skin and body such as make-up, temporary and permanent hair removal, hand and feet treatments. Somatologists work with the skin and healthcare industry. A holistic approach is the cornerstone of all treatments, where all aspects of the individual are taken into consideration, i.e. the body, the mind and emotions, diet and lifestyle. The term “somatology” comes from Greek
roots meaning “body” and “study,” so somatology is the study of the
body. This term is used in a number of different ways to describe a variety of
activities related to studying the body. Several colleges and universities have
departments of somatology which may cover
various aspects of this field. The confused uses of
this term can sometimes be disorienting, but the meaning of the term is usually
clear from the context of a discussion. (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-somatology.htm)
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