Wednesday, April 7, 2010 as of 11:14 AM ET
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health.
Read More at Wikipedia ›This past week I enjoyed attending an aromatherapy conference in Grasse, France.
Spring is in early bloom in the south of France at this time of year, creating a good atmosphere for this topic. What, you might ask, is aromatherapy? This branch of natural healing uses fragrant essential oils derived from flowers and other parts of aromatic plants for enhancing the health of body and mind. This isn't a new thing. Humans have used fragrant plant essences, also called essentials oils, since antiquity. The ancient Egyptians employed them in ceremonies, and in balms, incenses of various types, and in mummification. In the Indian subcontinent, the use of essential oils has been integrated into healing since recorded time, and are important in the practice of Ayurvedic therapeutic massage. But today, science is greatly advanced in this field, so now we know what compounds are found in various essential oils, and how they work on or in the body.The 12th Annual Symposium Of Aromatherapy and Medi...As a doctor, I get a lot of health questions both in my practice and in my email inbox. Today, I found one that I felt was particularly compelling, which I'd like to...
Sometimes, big surprises come from well-known plants. Case in point? A recent study shows that breathing the aroma of lavender oil can reduce the stress and pain cau...
A U.K. trial of a snore absorption room by Crowne Plaza Hotels promises relief for travelers without medication or specialized equipment. The new room is a result of...
As a doctor, I get a lot of health questions both in my practice and in my email inbox. Today, I found one that I felt was particularly compelling, which I'd like to...
Tired of counting sheep? Try one of these remedies and get a good night's sleep.1. Aromatherapy Try it: When you're drowsy but slightly tense.How to use it: Massage ...
As a doctor, I get a lot of health questions both in my practice and in my email inbox. Today, I found one that I felt was particularly compelling, which I’d like to...
TV's Andy Levy opens aromatherapy spa for cats
Budget-busted California wants aromatherapy for prisoners
This February, National Public Radio's "This American Life" program claimed to have uncovered Coca-Cola's legendary original formula, publishing it online for the wo...
Develop a scent that fits you!
Forget waiting to make that year-end charitable contribution to help your favorite nonprofit. These products let you contribute year-round
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — No money? No problem! Pay with time, instead.That's what Maria Villacreses did when the economy put a hitch in her wedding plans: She used "tim...
Don't let Daylight Savings slow you down
Epidurals and other drug-based treatments are the tried-and-tested way to ease labor pain, but also have side effects that make them less attractive, according to a ...
Yogis (people who practice yoga) come in all shapes and sizes. Contrary to stereotypes, not all practitioners eat vegetarian and eschew the luxuries of life. Some ha...
Most of us spent last weekend popping bottles of (cheap) champagne, passing cheese platters, or ordering in MSG-loaded Chinese food. Regardless of which indulgence y...
In the world of spa treatments, it all goes back to water-and travel. After all, the word "spa" itself comes from Spa, Belgium , a popular watering spot back in the ...
Iceland's Blue Lagoon is one of the picturesque places in the world to have a soak.(Courtesy Blue Lagoon/other/Courtesy Blue Lagoon)In the world of spa treatments, i...
For millions of Americans who experience regular headaches, the pain and irritation can affect their daily lives. Headaches are triggered by a variety of factors, fr...
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2012 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. All market data delayed 20 minutes.
