Aromatherapy:
That Certain Something

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, July 30 and November 19, 2005

Show 220

The term aromatherapy was coined in the 19th century by French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé. His research describes the physical and mental benefits experienced when people are exposed to pure essential oils derived from aromatic plants. Aromatherapy or essential oils therapy uses the plant's aroma producing oils for treatments. Essential oils are taken from flowers, leaves, stalks or roots and mixed with oil, alcohol or lotion.

I'm here at Spa Aerial, located in Chicago's South Loop, where their aromatherapy treatments promise to relax, refresh and revive the body, mind and spirit, starting the moment you walk in the door. There are different types of aroma lux massages with the use of balancing oils. Relaxing, energizing and detoxifying.

Massage for one hour with delicately aromatic precious oils—your body will be free of stress and recharged with new energy. Their signature treatment, LaGrande Classe, begins with aroma therapy to clear your mind and revive your senses. The mask used with rosemary detoxifies, rejuvenates and reconditions the skin and strengthens capillaries. A purifying mask on the face and neck is the last step before hydration. Finally, the Pampa Mousse Moisturizer is applied to refresh your skin.

You could do aromatherapy at home, by buying the individual oils found at your nearby health store or pharmacy. Your benefits can be obtained by massaging oils into the skin, inhaling the scents, or adding the oils to a bath. The results of aromatherapy are very individual. No two people are affected by the same essential oil in exactly the same way, depending on surroundings, time of day, or mood.

Experience it for yourself.