We are all aware of the need to reduce general pollution in the atmosphere as well as the earth and waters of our plants because of the damage caused by chemical substances and fumes and the wastes of industry. It is not likely that we will witness legislation that bans the manufacture of these chemicals and substances so anticipate that the problems will continue into the future for some time. Some scientists predict the harmful ramifications will continue for many centuries into the future until ethical science demands a total ban on toxic chemicals in question.

So we are aware of disasters occurring when fires destroy buildings and commercial factories to release enormous clouds of toxic chemicals to wreak their havoc in our air. Fumes from plastics and chemicals continue to create mini disasters in the industrial communities as arson is added to the social terrorist mentality of sabotage tactics and weaponry. Many human and animal casualties result from these ‘accidents’ in industry.

There seems little we can do to affect the larger social issues but can make a small contribution to improve our individual environment and reduce domestic pollution. Although it may seem of little significance, the aromas and fumes from burning natural essential oils does make a positive contribution by releasing perfumes that help to counter toxic fumes in some small measure. The delightful scents of lavender and eucalyptus, lemon or frankincense certainly encourage us all to breathe more deeply, instead of being inhibited by chemical smells and obnoxious with atmospheres polluted by chemical odours. The custom of burning incense in the home and during outdoor entertainment is gaining in popularity.

Aside from personal toilet, perfumes are used now as they always have been, to smother unpleasant smells and odours. Whereas in the past, they were used to attempt to cover up the smells of poor sanitation, this is no longer of vital importance. The focus has shifted to the need to cover up chemical stenches and industrial effluents. But we have it in our power to neutralise or reduce their negative effects through our employment of beautifully fragrant essential oils in our homes as well as on our person. Their influence extends to give pleasure to others as well as yourself.

Human sense of smell is generally limited compared with the extremely acute sense in animals. Although it plays an important role in our lives in helping us discriminate in judging quality of things, we are not faced with self preservation or hunting for food as the animal but rather have developed our olfaction as a tool for our sensory enjoyment.

Learning breath control produces physical results and psychological benefits beyond the most obvious one of maintaining and even strengthening the hold we have on life, through the link between body and soul. Not only does conscious breathing increase body energy but deeper breathing, in particular, stimulates all our mental faculties and sharpens our spiritual awareness.

Aromatherapy is coming to the fore now that modern scientists have established a satisfactory basis for its acceptance as a legitimate therapeutic method of altering and correcting irregular conditions of the body, emotions and the mind.Find a good aromatherapist and you will want to visit the clinic for treatment time after time as it is a totally pleasant therapeutic method that encourages a feeling of total well being.

In therapy it is interesting to study the subtle healing influences of the essential, or pure, natural oils when they are applied externally or inhaled. They are now regularly used in naturopathic clinics and by physiotherapists, aromatherapists and in conjunction with massage in beauty parlours. In addition the methods are drawing the attention of psychologists and psychiatrists who seek less invasive methods than psychiatric drugs to lift our spirits and heal our souls.

Many scientists over the centuries have contributed to the furtherance of the science behind perfumes and aromatics leading to the modern science of Osmics that verifies the use of aromatics by the ancients. Interest is increasing in the use of alternative, non invasive therapies including the subtler means of relieving ailments of mind and body.

Bath oils provide opportunity for inhalation of the lovely perfumes and aromas in the range of products available, as well as being available for absorption through the skin when natural oils provide many benefits.

The burning of aromatics is an ancient practice throughout the world. Instruction regarding its preparation is included in the Biblical texts and incense became widely adopted by the Christian church. It quickly replaced the earlier devotional offerings of pagans to their many gods. In religious worship in all churches, censing was relied upon as an integral part of ritual as it proved helpful in inducing a devotional mood amongst members of the congregations.

To improve our enjoyment and the benefits of subtle perfumes, aromatics and essential oils we must cultivate our breathing and particularly learn to deepen our inhalation.

Perfumes always have their fascination for both men and women. Their elusive qualities keep us wanting more of the ones that make us feel good and enhance our personal aura. It is a voyage of discovery to find perfumes that suit your particular personality, or provide a particular influence at work or in the home. Enjoy!