Aromatherapy oils and essences are absorbed into the body through the respiratory system. The body then sends signals to the brain that trigger a response from the limbic system, according to the Natural Healers Web site. The limbic system contacts the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems, which can release hormones or chemicals into the bloodstream that can either stimulate or sedate organs and systems, according to Natural Healers. For extracts that can be inhaled, the oils can be heated until vaporization or may be solidified and burned. The Egyptians burned frankincense at sunrise during a ceremonial offering to their sun god, according to the Aromaweb Web site.
Topical application includes using the oils for massage purposes.
The Romans would follow a bath with aromatic massages. With an increased demand for aromatic products, the Romans began to import new essences and oils from East India and Arabia, according to Aromaweb. In addition to the massages, Roman bathhouses offered immersion therapy. Used previously by the Egyptians and the Greeks, aromatic baths regained popularity with the rise of public bathhouses in Rome. Aromatherapy was not a strictly Western tradition.