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dayspamagazine.com • january 2018 • [ 61 ] Extracting the Oils There are as many as 100 essential oils used in aromatherapy. The concentrated extracts are taken from diff erent parts of a plant using specifi c methods—for instance, citrus oils are pressed from the fruits' rinds, lavender is distilled from its fl owers and sandalwood from the tree's heartwood. Don't let the name fool you, however—essential oils are in fact non-oily plant and fl ower essences. Their unique molecular compositions are what determine how they smell, as well as how they are absorbed and used by the body. Pure essential oils should not be confused with fragrance oils or even aromatherapy oils, which tend to be synthetic copies with less therapeutic value. "In the same way that we might choose the ingredients that we consume with care, fi nding the purest essential oils makes a qualitative diff erence during treatments," says Fender. "If the plant matter is processed too harshly, the benefi ts can be lost." That's why the skincare pro recommends always reading the fi ne print on the oils you select to ensure they are organic, therapeutic grade, sustainably harvested and that the manufacturer has maintained the extracts' molecular integrity. Another good indicator that you're getting the real deal is price. "Bulgarian rose is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world—one drop comes from the extract of up to 60 roses," notes Janel Luu, CEO of PurErb. "Still, a small amount goes a long way, so think of paying for quality oils as an investment that will last." Delivering the Benefi ts Essential oils are believed to address a wide range of health concerns. Experts aren't entirely sure why they possess such powers, but one theory is that when compounds from the oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, chemical messages are transmitted to the part of the brain responsible for regulating mood. "Certain scents are known to relieve stress and anxiety," says Lynda Solien-Wolfe, LMT, vice president of massage and spa at Performance Health. There are endless ways to incorporate essential oils into spa products and services. "They may be used in a diff user, misted onto towels and robes, or mixed into massage creams to promote relaxation and give clients a sense of well-being," says Luu. "They may also be blended into unscented skincare products—such as balms, facial oils, cleansers and moisturizers—to boost hydration, brightness or suppleness." © GETTY IMAGES A College students with self-reported sleep issues saw an improvement in their energy and sleep quality following lavender inhalation in a 2016 study (Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing). A The use of a lavender- sandalwood aromatherapy tab reduced anxiety among women undergoing breast biopsies in an April 2017 study (Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing). QUICK FACTS