{"id":13,"date":"2024-08-10T16:52:46","date_gmt":"2024-08-10T15:52:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/shuhan-zhang\/?p=13"},"modified":"2024-08-18T21:41:26","modified_gmt":"2024-08-18T20:41:26","slug":"aromatherapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalists.org.uk\/shuhan-zhang\/2024\/08\/10\/aromatherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Aromatherapy: From Tradition to Science in Modern Healthcare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent years, aromatherapy<\/a> has gained popularity as an alternative treatment. Despite this, the science behind aromatherapy, its effectiveness, and future prospects are still debated. This article reports these aspects in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit: International Federation of Aromatherapists<\/em> (IFA) website<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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How Aromatherapy Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: screenshot from the UCLH website<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aromatherapy relies on the active compounds in essential oils, which the body absorbs through inhalation or skin contact. Some healthcare centers, like The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine<\/strong> and University College London Hospitals<\/strong>, are incorporating aromatherapy into clinical care. In these settings, the focus is on its potential healing benefits rather than just relaxation. For example, some essential oils have expectorant, mucolytic, and decongestant properties, which make them effective in the treatment of respiratory conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lauren Allen<\/strong>, an operations manager<\/strong> at the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)<\/strong>, explains that aromatherapists often work with doctors to create personalised treatment plans. “Lavender and chamomile essential oils are commonly used in post-operative care to help patients relax and improve their sleep quality,” she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit: Shuhan Zhang<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Credit: Elina Fairytale on Pexels.com<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kim Gyusoo<\/strong>, who has used aromatherapy for sleep relief. “At first, I just wanted to see if lavender essential oil would really help me sleep,” she recalls. “I didn\u2019t expect it to help me relax so much and really improve my sleep quality.” However, Kim<\/strong> just thinks aromatherapy as a complement to medication. “I know it can\u2019t replace medicine. I still use some medication for pain.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other Views<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research on the scientific basis of aromatherapy is still in the early stages. Some experts believe its effectiveness might be related more to the placebo effect. There isn’t enough scientific evidence to support its widespread use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Right now, most studies on aromatherapy are quite small and not very detailed. So, we need to be careful and do more thorough trials to really prove how effective it is in medical settings. \u2014\u2014\u2014 Lauren Allen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Xubin Zhao<\/strong>, another interviewee, raised concerns about aromatherapy products. He believes consumers should be cautious when choosing these products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n