Like Chinese Medicine aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. Ancient cultures from all over the world have used various forms of aromatherapy ranging from burning incense to utilizing the extracted oils from various plants, herbs and flowers
Essential oils have been used particularly for many psycho-emotional conditions because of the effect that smell has on our emotions and behavior. In the past this was not understood, but today we know that when we smell, the aroma goes to our Limbic system via the olfactory pathway. The Limbic system is the region of the brain that acts as the link between high cognitive function, and emotional response. The Limbic system provides the hypothalamus with emotional input which can affect homeostasis and physiological response. The Limbic systems' link to emotions and physiological functions is important in the use of aromatherapy and psycho-emotional uses.
In TCM mind and body are inextricably linked, hence our emotional life can cause imbalances in the same way as our physical body, for example, excessive or suppressed anger is associated with the Wood Element and can result in a stagnation of the Liver Qi. On a psychological level this may result in frustration and depression, problems regarding the physical plane may be painful periods as the Liver organ and its channel have an intimate relationship with the reproductive system. Furthermore as Qi flows, so does the blood and so an obstruction in the flow of Qi may result in stagnant blood with symptoms both before and during menstruation. In this case an appropriate oil would be chamomile which helps to smooth the flow of the body’s Qi energy. The oil of chamomile is known to relax the nerves, relieve spasm, and ease pain. Combined with Bergamot the regulating effect on the nervous system is even increased and has the ability to relieve nervous depression and anxiety. Acupressure points such as Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4 will support this process. Together these points move the Qi and Blood and are also known as the Four Gates.
Generally aromatherapy in TCM can be applied in two ways:
Aromatic Acupressure
The essential oil is applied to specific points on the skin. Every point has a number of different oils that could enhance one or more of its actions. For instance, if we wanted to treat someone coming down with a cold and the main points selected were LI20 and St3, we would choose oil with the same action, such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus or French basil.
Because each point has more than one action, there a several oils that could potentially be used with it, as the situation would demand it. An important acupoint such as HG6 opens the chest (all chest problems, stagnant type chest pain), subdues rebellious Stomach Qi (nausea and vomiting, travel sickness, stomach pain) and also calms the mind (irritability and anxiety). Depending on the function we would like to activate the appropriate oil has to be chosen. In case of nausea that can be Cardamom or Ginger. Equally however, HG6 can be oiled with sedative oils such as Lavender to enhance the point’s calming effects.
How does it work? The basic premise is that essential oils, being energetically active, have the ability to stimulate the points in a similar way as needles. However, the difference between them lies in the fact that unlike acupuncture needles, essential oils are also able to provide a content of information to the point that will suggest a particular type of therapeutic action. The basic aim is always to select oil that possesses the same function as the acupoint.
Aromatherapy and the 5 Elements
The Five Element theory is based on the observation of the natural cycles and interrelationships in both our environment and within ourselves. The foundation of the theory rests in the correspondences of each element to a variety of phenomena and is together with the theory of Ying and Yang one of the main pillars of Oriental medicine. The Five Elements, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal may be understood as five phases or movements of yin & yang energy, which together form a dynamic whole.
Apart from other phenomena each element also corresponds to a different pair of bodily organs; while each of the five main yin organs are said to 'house' one of the five root emotions and five 'spirits'.
Water: The Kideney houses the Zhi (Will) and is associated with fear and courage.
Wood: The Liver houses the Hun (Etheral soul) and is associated anger and humour.
Fire: The Heart houses the Shen (Spirit/Mind) and is associated with joy and hysteria.
Earth: The Spleen houses the Yi (Thought) and is associated with empathy and contemplation.
Metal: The Lung houses Po (Bodily Soul) and is associated with grief and positivity.
Health is a harmonious balance of all the elements. If one of the elements is destabilized this can result in physical as well as mental-emotional problems. Because of the affect that smell has on our emotions and behavior essential oils are very useful to treat psycho-emotional conditions. From the TCM perspective, fragrances greatly affect the Lung and Heart energy system and the Spirit (Shen), mainly because of its direct access to the brain (through the nose) and its resulting psycho-emotional effect on the Spirit (Shen). The theory of the five elements hereby is very helpful to analyze and classify the various psychological states and choosing the appropriate oil.
For example people with a healthy Water element rest in themselves, they have a strong will and zest for life. They are stable and even if life gets difficult and stressful they remain calm. However if the Water element is out of balance this may result in phobias of all sorts, lack of confidence, chronic anxiety and the inability to relax and may even lead to a burn out. All of these conditions are related to the root emotion of the Water element which is fear.
An example for an essential oils that supports the Water element and tonifies the Qi of the Kidneys, which houses the Will (Zhi) that is responsible not only for our will power but also but also of our innate inner strength and capacity to endure is Geranium. Geranium nourishes the still, receptive aspect of the Will (Zhi) and is therefore indicated for nervous exhaustion due to stress and overwork.
Another useful oil is that of Thyme which is known for its uplifting and fortifying abilities. Also instilling courage it may be used for poor self-confidence.
Why use essential oils in TCM?
Even though today the use of essential oils in TCM practice is not yet very common, the use of aromatic oils was first recorded in China between 2697-2597 B.C.E during the reign of Huang Ti, the legendary Yellow Emperor. His famous book “The Yellow Emperor’s Book of Internal Medicine” contains uses for several aromatics.
Essential oils work as trigger therapy, like acupuncture, working primarily by triggering a healing response in the body and mind.
They can be an alternative if someone just doesn't like needles. Then there are people who have to be careful with herbs. Of course essential oils will never be as nourishing as herbs (furthermore the function and indicdations of an essential oil are not always identical to that of the whole herb) which can tonify deficiencies and make up for minerals missing in the diet. But they can function quite well at dispersing blockages and fighting infections of the various categories. They also can dispel pain and move blood.
Together with acupressure it is an alternative therapy that is easy, effective, and can be done at home once the correct points and oils have been selected. A carefully chosen oil will support and strenghten the therapeutic effect of an acupoint.
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