 "Photo: Special to The Gamecock")
 "Photo: Special to The Gamecock")
After a long day of bustling from class to class, most students relish the sweet thought of a relaxing moment. Some seek this type of moment with a catnap, but others experience relief with aromatherapy treatment.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as "the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." This type of therapy uses oils, salts, scrubs, lotions and more to work toward its goal of enveloping the body in the tranquility of a still lake.
Some intense believers swear by aromatherapy and its medicinal purposes. It is said to be a beneficial agent for relieving a wide variety of ailments such as depression, hysteria, poor memory, moodiness, panic attacks, strains, burns, fatigue, athlete's foot, acne, dry skin and stretch marks. Many more conditions can be treated with these products.
Plants such as eucalyptus, bay laurel, tea tree and rosemary are used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold. Female students will be interested to know that clary sage, chamomile and tarragon are said to assist with menstrual cramps, mood swings and bloating. For those stressful and homesick moments that leave even the brightest co-ed feeling blue, lavender and geranium are said to be helpful.
There are several ways to get in touch with the healing powers of nature's own cup. Typical methods include inhalation, diffusion and the use of aromatherapy products in massage, bathing and hot/cold compresses. Inhalation is used mostly for problems stemming from the respiratory system. Diffusion is using the oils, in a diluted form, as an air-freshening spray. Compresses are most often used for bruises, sprains, strains and headaches.
NAHA's Web site, www.naha.org/, offers easy-to-follow instructions for creating your own blends, baths and salts. They also provide safety data for the experimental novice. A list of frequently asked questions is also available.
Those looking for a place to receive these treatments might want to spend some time at one of the local day spas. Tonic Day Spa is located at 5910 Garners Ferry Road in Columbia. It offers different types of massages such as "pure relaxation," "leg remedy" and "happy feet". Each approximately 30-minute treatment costs $40-$50, with a $15 surcharge for the aromatherapy feature. The spa also sells aromatherapy candles.
For those who want to experience aromatherapy but are on one of those restrictive college budgets, several area stores offer products at a reduced price. Target stocks different massage oils, spritzers, candles and scented oils. Wal-Mart carries plenty of books on the subjects of massage and aromatherapy. Bath & Body Works is perhaps the best store in the area to find a wide variety of aromatherapy products. They carry body wash, lotions, scrubs, salts and lots of massage oils. Prices for many of their products start at $10 and go up to $30.
On the Web, sites such as www.homespaorganics.com and www.fieldofheather.com offer complete line-ups of aromatherapy care. Home Spa begins prices at around $9-15 dollars. Field of Heather products start as low as $2.50 Another Web site, www.healthbasket.com.au, provides customers with not only typically used products, but also aromatherapy insect repellents and toothpastes.
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