Why aromatherapy works.

In his editorial accompanying our systematic review of aromatherapy (June Journal),1 Vickers2 concludes that ‘it is not of pressing scientific importance to know whether aromatherapy enhances the effects of massage, since the essential oils used in aromatherapy are not particularly toxic or expensive’. I believe that this statement is misleading, perhaps even unscientific. If massage therapy alone is effective, let’s use it. If the addition of essential oils isn’t, let’s not use it. In many countries, e.g. continental Europe, massage therapy is entirely mainstream and covered by the health insurance systems. Aromatherapy, by contrast, is considered worldwide as a complementary or alternative therapy and has to be paid for privately; one session may cost around £40 and a course of treatment might include six to 10 sessions.