It is a branch of therapy in which fragrance (aromas) of an oil or a combination of oils, is used to treat certain problems. These oils are known as essential oils which are used in drops and mixed into certain base oil with relevant properties which is actually used in large quantity. Base oil and essential oils are mixed just before massage.The essential oils are aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties, which improve and prevent illness. There are about 35 types of essential oils and about 7 types of base oils. Essential oils are highly volatile substances which should be handled, mixed and stored with care. The power of these oils is quite subtle.Never try to sniff or smell a pure essential oil straight from the bottle. Base oils ( carrier oils ) play an important role in carrying and diluting highly concentrated essential oils, which are only used in small quantities measured in drops. These base oils dilute the pure essentials, inhibiting the evaporation rate and encouraging quick absorption of the therapeutic oils into the skin. Base oil should be naturally processed and not chemically derived.

Basic necessities for AROMATHERAPIST:
# 1 :- You must know how to massage various body parts with specific aromas for specific remedies.
# 2 :- You must have knowledge of various aromas i.e. essential oils and base oils or carrier oils.

BASE OILS:
Almond oil is probably the best all purpose carrier oil because it is neutral and non allergenic. Other base oils are Walnut oil, Apricot kernel, Primrose oil, Sesame oil, Peach kernel, Sunflower oil etc. with different properties. You should select a base oil whose properties can be best utilized with essential oils that are going to useD.

ESSENTIAL OILS & PROPERTIES

Bergamot - It is strongly antiseptic and effective against infections in any part of the body.

Cinnamon - It is digestive and antiseptic. It helps fight the common cold, produces heat and is a good stimulant.

Clove - It is powerful antiseptic against infections of the digestive tract and an analgesic.

Cypress - It has antispasm properties and is indicated for problems relating the air passages.

Eucalyptus - It is mainly used against infections of the respiratory tract such as bronchitis or sinusitis.

Frankincense - It helps breathing and is astringent, tonifying and antiseptic.

Jasmine - It regulates menstruation and fights frigidity, headaches and cramps. It has a calming and relaxing effect.

Juniper - It is antiseptic, diuretic and helps fight anxiety states. It is stimulating to the circulatory system.

Lavender - Effective in treating problems that have to do with nerves. It fights HBP, muscular pains, lymphatic congestion etc.

Lemon -It has a soothing effect on insect bites and is useful against anxiety, insomnia and headaches.

Marjoram - It is antiseptic and antispasmodic, sedative and acts against insomnia and stress. It is useful against rheumatism, bronchitis etc.

Nutmeg - It helps digestion and fights intestinal infections. Also effective against toothaches, muscle pain and fatigue.

Orange - It is the calming oil. It helps combat stress, insomnia, depression, palpitations, hysteria and panic.

Oregano - It is antiseptic, bactericidal and antiviral. Peppermint - It is a great substitute for aspirin. It fights diarrhea, car sickness, stomach aches and flatulence.

Pine - It is antiseptic, anti inflammatory, deodorizing, refreshing and cures disorders in the respiratory tract.

Rose - It is suitable for all anxiety related problems such as insomnia, headaches, depression and tension.

Sage - It is antiseptic, digestive, purifying, stimulating and disinfectant.

Sandalwood - It is an antiseptic and helpful in skin irritation. It is also deodorizing.

Ylang Ylang - It is relaxing and aphrodisiac. It stimulates the production of adrenalin and is antiseptic.