Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, refers to a range of traditional, alternative or complementary therapies that use essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds.
芳香疗法，或称精油疗法，是指一系列使用精油和其他芳香植物化合物的传统、替代或补充疗法。
Essential oils have been used for nearly 6,000 years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood.
精油已被使用了近6000年，旨在改善人的健康或情绪。
In 1997, the International Standards Organization (ISO)
1997年，国际标准化组织（ISO）将精油定义为“从植物原料中获得的产品，通过水或蒸汽蒸馏，或通过机械过程从柑橘类水果的外果皮中获得，或通过干馏获得”。
A range of essential oils have been found to have various degrees of antimicrobial activity and are believed to have antiviral, nematicidal, antifungal, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical applications, and inhalation.
人们发现多种精油具有不同程度的抗菌活性，并认为它们具有抗病毒、杀线虫、抗真菌、杀虫和抗氧化性能。芳香疗法的应用包括按摩、局部应用和吸入。
However, users should be aware that “natural” products are also chemicals, and they can be hazardous if used in the wrong way. It is important to follow the advice of a trained professional when using essential oils.
然而，用户应意识到“天然”产品也是化学物质，如果使用不当可能会有危险。因此，在使用精油时，应遵循经过培训的专业人士的建议。
A range of essential oils may help boost health and wellbeing.
多种精油可能有助于提升健康和福祉。
Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application.
芳香疗法通常通过吸入或局部涂抹的方式使用。
Inhalation: the oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser container, spray, or oil droplets, or breathed in, for example, in a steam bath.Apart from providing a pleasant smell, aromatherapy oils can provide respiratory disinfection, decongestant, and psychological benefits.Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain.Molecules that enter the nose or mouth pass to the lungs, and from there, to other parts of the body.
精油通过扩香容器、喷雾或油滴的形式蒸发到空气中，也可以在蒸汽浴中直接吸入。除了为环境增添宜人的香气外，芳香疗法精油还具有多重健康益处。它们能够提供呼吸道的消毒作用，帮助缓解鼻塞，并带来心理上的舒缓与放松。吸入精油时，它们会刺激嗅觉系统，这是大脑中负责嗅觉的部分，包括鼻子以及与嗅觉相关的大脑区域。进入鼻子或嘴巴的精油分子会传递到肺部，并进一步扩散到身体的其他部位。
As the molecules reach the brain, they affect limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. In this way, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic effect on the body.
当这些精油分子到达大脑时，它们会作用于边缘系统。边缘系统与我们的情绪、心率、血压、呼吸、记忆、应激反应和激素平衡等生理功能紧密相连。通过这种方式，精油能够在不显眼的情况下，对身体产生全面而深远的影响，促进身心的整体健康。
Topical applications: massage oils, and bath and skin care products are absorbed through the skin. Massaging the area where the oil is to be applied can boost circulation and increase absorption. Some argue that areas that are richer in sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the head or the palms of the hand, may absorb the oils more effectively.
局部应用：按摩油、沐浴和护肤产品通过皮肤吸收。按摩涂抹油的地方可以促进血液循环，增加吸收。一些人认为，汗腺和毛囊较丰富的区域，如头部或手掌，可能更有效地吸收油脂。
Essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. They must always be diluted with a carrier oil. Usually, a few drops of essential oil to an ounce of carrier oil is the concentration. Most common carrier oils are sweet almond oil or olive oil.
精油不能直接涂在皮肤上。它们必须始终与基础油混合稀释。通常，几滴精油与一盎司基础油的浓度比即可。最常见的基础油是甜杏仁油或橄榄油。
To do an allergy test:
进行过敏测试：
Dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil at twice the concentration you plan to use
将精油以你打算使用的浓度的两倍与基础油混合稀释
Rub the mixture into an area the size of a quarter on the inside of the forearm
将混合物擦入前臂内侧大约25美分硬币大小的区域
If there is no allergic response within 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.
如果在24到48小时内没有过敏反应，则应该安全使用。
Some people report developing allergies to essential oils after using them many times before. If a new allergic response appears, the individual should stop using it immediately and avoid its smell.
有些人报告说，在多次使用精油后才出现过敏反应。如果出现新的过敏反应，应立即停止使用并避免闻到它的气味。
To achieve a 0.5 to 1 percent dilution, use 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier. For a 5 percent dilution, add 30 drops to one ounce of carrier.
为了达到0.5%到1%的稀释度，每盎司基础油中加入3到6滴精油。对于5%的稀释度，向一盎司基础油中加入30滴。
A maximum concentration of 5 percent is generally considered safe for adults.
一般来说，成人使用的最大浓度被认为是5%的稀释度。
Ingesting, or swallowing, essential oils is not recommended. Taken by mouth, the oils can damage the liver or kidneys.
不建议摄入或吞咽精油。口服精油会损害肝脏或肾脏。
They can also lead to interactions with other drugs, and they can undergo unexpected changes while in the gut.
它们还可能导致与其他药物的相互作用，并且在肠道中可能会发生意外的变化。
Benefits
好处
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions.
芳香疗法是一种补充疗法。它不能治愈疾病、皮疹或疾病，但它可以支持各种病症的常规治疗。
