Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a type of therapy in which the therapist treats the user with essential oils.

The objective of the treatment is to relieve symptoms and generally enhance quality of life.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are strongly scented oils, which are extracted from plants. Unlike other types of natural medical treatment the plant extracts of aromatherapy are not used internally.

In Denmark aromatherapy is used as an element in the treatment of many different physical and mental symptoms.

Users typically approach aromatherapists with the following problems:

• Insomnia
• Headache
• Skin disorders 
• Muscle pain
• Respiratory problems
• Stress related symptoms
• Mild depression

The Cochrane Library is an international database, which collects and assesses scientific studies on the effectiveness of a treatment.

Via the link below you can see what Cochrane concludes about the effect of aromatherapy.

Effect of Aromatherapy

You should be aware that there might be a risk of adverse effects associated with aromatherapy.

• You may experience allergic reactions if your skin is treated with undiluted essential oils.
• Some oils in high concentrations can cause headache and nausea.
• Certain essential oils can increase the photosensitivity of the skin. This applies to e.g. essential oils from citrus fruits, Calendula marigold, angelica-root and caraway.

You should bear in mind that other kinds of adverse effects may also occur.

If you use aromatherapy you should be aware of the following precautions:

• Do not use essential oils internally or in the eyes.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oils to the skin.
• Take care not to use essential oil in children’s bath water. The oil will float on the surface of the water and could get into the eyes or mouth.
• Take care not to use essential oil before exposure to sun or tanning booth.

Groups at High Risk:

Pregnant women should avoid the following essential oils:

• Camphor
• Ho leaf
• Hyssop
• Indian dill seed
• Parsley leaf
• Parsley seed
• Spanish sage
• Savin

Epileptics should avoid the following essential oils:

• Camphor 
• Hyssop
• Rosemary
• Milfoil

When admitted to a Danish hospital you can choose to receive treatment from an aromatherapist from outside.

You will have to pay for the treatment yourself.

As yet there exist no surveys on the use of aromatherapy in Denmark. Thus there are no statistics in this field.

Here you will find other statistics on the use of alternative therapies in Denmark:

The Use of Alternative Therapies in Denmark

There exist no trade associations for aromatherapists in Denmark.

International Organisations

Via the following links you can get in touch with international associations for aromatherapists:

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy

The International Federation of Aromatherapists

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists