Although the term aromatherapy wasn't invented until 1928, aromatic plant oils have been used to treat various conditions for thousands of years, and the therapy is available at several State College locations.

Aromatherapy uses scents extracted from the plant kingdom such as flowers, trees and herbs, said Julie Wolin, president of Central Pennsylvania School of Massage, 336 S. Fraser St.

The process for acquiring aromatherapy oils involves taking the relevant part of the plant, whether it be the petals of a flower, the wood of a tree or the rind of a lemon, and putting it through a distillation process. This process creates a highly concentrated liquid essential oil.

The oil is then diluted with unscented carrier oil; almond oil is most commonly used, Wolin said.

The body has the ability to heal itself when aided by natural substances such as aromas. Aroma in the skin can help trigger certain responses in the body, Wolin said.

"Aromatherapy reduces tension and stress as well as physical ailments while helping well-being and piece of mind," she added.

At Spa Americana, 511 E. Calder Way, therapists use aromatherapy through water therapy and in massages. Therapists make sure that clients smell the scent before application to ensure that it doesn't trigger any bad thoughts or memories, said Dr. Kimberly Trainer, director of Spa Americana.

Rosanne Capone, herbalist and assistant in the wholesale department of Sweet Annie Herbs Inc. in Centre Hall, agrees. "The smell is personal, what smells good to you might not smell good to me. The scents can trigger different memories."