Lis-Balchin M
School of Applied Science, South Bank University, London.
J R Soc Health. 1997 Oct;117(5):324-9. doi: 10.1177/146642409711700511.
'Aromatherapy' is one of the most actively growing forms of alternative medicine combining massage together with counselling and a nice odour. Most clients suffer from some kind of stress-related disorder and aromatherapy encourages the healing process largely through relaxation and the relief of stress. Stress is also a major problem in hospitals, hospices and homes for the aged and physically or mentally-challenged. Aromatherapy is welcomed by nurses who want to be closer to their patient and doctors who can refer patients with stress-related disorders who do not respond to conventional medicines. The actual mode of action of essential oils in vivo is still far from known, although there is strong in vitro evidence that essential oils can act as an antimicrobial or antioxidant agent or have a pharmacological effect on various tissues. Studies have shown that essential oils have an effect on brainwaves and can also alter behaviour. It is possible that most of the effect of the oils is probably transmitted through the brain via the olfactory system. Used professionally and safely, aromatherapy can be of great benefit as an adjunct to conventional medicine or used simply as an alternative.
“芳香疗法”是替代医学中发展最为活跃的形式之一，它将按摩与咨询服务以及宜人的香气相结合。大多数客户患有某种与压力相关的疾病，芳香疗法主要通过放松和缓解压力来促进康复过程。压力在医院、临终关怀机构以及养老院和身心障碍者之家也是一个主要问题。芳香疗法受到那些希望更贴近患者的护士以及那些可以将对传统药物无反应的与压力相关疾病患者转诊过来的医生的欢迎。尽管有强有力的体外证据表明精油可以作为抗菌剂或抗氧化剂，或者对各种组织具有药理作用，但精油在体内的实际作用方式仍远未明确。研究表明，精油对脑电波有影响，还能改变行为。这些精油的大部分作用可能是通过嗅觉系统经大脑传递的。专业且安全地使用时，芳香疗法作为传统医学的辅助手段或单纯作为一种替代疗法都可能大有裨益。
