Essential oils, also called fragrant oils, can make people addicted to their excellent aroma and relaxation effects. Aromatherapy has been getting more and more popular in Macao in recent years.

Essential oils caught the attention of a French chemist, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, in the 1920s. "Aromatherapy is a word combined by 'aroma', and 'therapy'," Ruby Sam Kin Heng, an I. F. A. (International Federation of Aromatherapists U.K.) recognized holistic aromatherapist said. "This word was created by the chemist. It means the treatment using pleasant smells. Many people are interested in aromatherapy because of its wonderful soothing function on distress, headaches and insomnia. In fact, the powerful function of aromatherapy comes from the essential oils. The essential oils are the soul of aromatherapy. When people talk about aromatherapy, they mostly refer to the usage of essential oils."

In recent years, Macao's economy has been gloomy. People always work under pressure. After a busy working day, they would like to have some ways of relaxation. Some prefer to do exercises, such as swimming, walking, jogging. Some would like to have a massage or bathe in a well-decorated spa or health centre. Aromatherapy seems to be a kind of popular way for people to relax.

Sam said that when people talk about the words like "relaxation", "distress", or "insomnia", they would connect them to something with a pleasant smell. And nowadays people always talk about the natural life. Aromatherapy comes from nature and it is just right for everyone. Therefore, essential oils and aromatherapy are gradually becoming popular.

In addition, when aromatherapy is mentioned, it always involves a spa. This is another way for people to relieve distress in hot and cold water with essential oils. Using essential oils is one of the elements in a spa, like an aromatherapy massage.

Sam said that several new spa centres engaged in aromatherapy, have been opened in recent years, such as the Cypress Aromatic Shop, Mandarin Oriental Spa Center, Angel Beauty and Natural Image Spa Center. Local people have enjoyed the aromatherapy massage.

Actually, from the Stone Age, plants had been used extensively as materials of natural therapy by the Romans, Egyptians, Greeks and Persians. People used the natural materials like fruits, flowers, leaves, roots or gum to extract essential oils. Sam said that some people would specify the essential oils as Western medicine versus Chinese traditional medicine. However, he believes that the origin of essential oils are the same as the Chinese traditional medicine, in that they both come from nature.

It is widely believed that essential oils have many functions. They could make people happy, calm, relaxed, more attractive, and balanced in hormones. For example, lavender can calm people's mind, make people fall asleep more easily; roman chamomile can cure sensitive skin; peppermint is good for the respiration, etc.

"The use of essential oils is one of the fastest growing forms of natural medicine and is indeed an excellent example of a holistic approach to health," Sam said. "Firstly, the treatment of aromatherapy addresses the body, mind and soul. Secondly, unlike conventional medicine, which uses drugs to eradicate a particular disease, the oils may have a specific effect on the disease by supporting and strengthening the person's immune system to ward off the disease."

On the other hand, the price of aromatherapy is not cheap for ordinary people. May Choi, a year four student in the University of Macao (Umac) said, "I like the aromatherapy very much because it gives me a fragrant natural feeling, but the price of essential oils and aromatherapy are too expensive for me. I will try them more often when I find a good job after my graduation."

A 26-year-old lady who is Sam's customer said, "It's wonderful. I have had insomnia for a few months due to working pressure. After I spent about 2-3 hours to have a holistic aromatherapy massage, I slept deeply that night. The price I think is a little bit expensive, but it has the value of health."

Most customers of aromatherapy in Macao are office ladies, civil servants and teachers. Sam said that these people usually have higher salaries and can afford it.

In this bustling city, everybody wants to find a way to relax. Combining the ideas of nature, health and relaxation, aromatherapy seems to be more and more popular. Why not have an aromatic break from your busy schedule?