Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that makes
use of the body's sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress as well
as encourage better health.
Aromatherapy uses volatile liquid plant materials called essential oils, and
other compounds from plants for the purpose of healing.
Various fragrant substances are used during aromatherapy
sessions, such as aromatherapy soy candles, and each smell can produce a
different result. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used
to help stimulate the body for people who are feeling sluggish. Lavender and
chamomile can have the opposite effect as it helps a person relax.
Lemon and rosemary are effective at
revitalizing a tired body.
Our sense of smell
is very powerful. In fact, the body can
distinguish around 10,000 different scents! As
a scent is inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside
the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our
memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and
when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good'
chemicals. In other words,
aromatherapy triggers various responses in the body.
Aromatherapy also works by absorbing the essential oils
that have been extracted from plants, fruits, herbs and flowers into the blood
stream. This method is perfectly safe and if you've ever rubbed a fragrant
lotion, cream or ointment into your skin or received a massage, you've already
indulged in this type of aromatherapy.
Fragrances used in aromatherapy are many and are commonly
added to:
•
Lotions
•
Inhalants
•
Gels
•
Candles
•
Bath salts
•
Vaporizers
•
Perfumes, and
•
Room sprays
Aromatherapy oils
extracted from naturally occurring materials are unlike synthetic fragrances and
perfumes which can cause allergies and irritation.
Essential oils are safe to use for every one and evidence of its use has
been found as far back as Ancient Egyptian civilizations.
Benefits of
Aromatherapy
You don't have to pay
someone a fortune to do it - it is something you can learn to do at home
Many people seek out professional massage therapists or
visit expensive spas for their aromatherapy sessions. While this is a great way
to indulge if you can afford to, it's easy to learn how to do aromatherapy right
in the comfort of your own home. All you
need are some candles, essential oils or bath oils and a burner or diffuser.
You will also want to find a comfortable
space for your aromatherapy session where you can totally relax.
There's nothing
unhealthy about it - Aromatherapy is a completely natural approach that will
improve your health.
Aromatherapy is a great alternative to other treatment
options such as prescription medications and caffeine.
When used properly, there are no or very
few side effects. Some of the side
effects that can emerge are due primarily to a person's sensitivity to certain
ingredients that they might have an allergic response to.
Most people are aware of their particular sensitivities so you can easily
avoid those.
Aromatherapy is great
for alleviating minor discomforts before they become a big deal!
While aromatherapy isn't going to cure a major illness, it
is very effective at:
•
alleviating minor aches and pains in joints
•
improving the functionality of the immune system
•
relieving the symptoms of menstrual cramps
•
improving your skin tone
•
relaxing muscles (something you can do every day
if you want)
•
lowering
blood pressure
•
clearing congestion
•
improving
circulation to the scalp which helps reduce dandruff and helps promote healthy
hair growth
•
relieving tension that causes headaches, and
•
improving
sleep
For more information about essential oils go to
The Reference Guide for Essential Oils
