Things You Should Know About Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses natural plant extracts to enhance physical and emotional health by relieving stress, anxiety and depression. It is a therapeutic practice that aims to improve the body, mind and spirit with the use of concentrated oils called essential oils. And with today’s growing awareness of using organic products, this has been used to treat certain disorders, especially the mild ones.
Maybe this is news to your ears, but aromatherapy has been around for centuries, and even as early as ancient civilizations. This is why it is no wonder how this practice has been passed down for years as a family tradition, and businesses like spas and resorts serving this type of service have flourished in every corner of the world. Thousands of books have been printed to spread understanding of its use and potential benefits. Now, aromatherapy is a staple in homes, and a myriad of research has been undertaken to prove the healing power of essential oils against illnesses including cancer.
photo/ Jürgen Rübig
What are essential oils?
Understanding essential oil can best be done by learning the two words, essential and oil. Essential means that it is an essence from concentrated plant extracts. The essence retains a plant’s scent, flavor and healing properties, and each one has a unique chemical composition depending on the type of plant extracted. By breathing in the aroma, you can already tell what plant the essential oil comes from without even reading product labels. The natural plant extracts are then processed through mechanical pressing or distillation. The essence is then combined with a carrier oil in a receptacle that is ready for use.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy works in two ways. For one, it is used through inhalation or using the sense of smell. The scent of essential oils provides several gains including emotional response, respiratory disinfection and psychological benefits. The aromatic smell stimulates the receptors in your nose, thus activating certain areas in the brain. This improves emotions, breathing, memory, hormonal balance and relieves stress. How do you inhale the essential oils? You can use a diffuser, inhalers, aroma sticks, sprintzers or have a steam bath to breathe in the aroma.
Another way is topical application. Aromatic oils are diluted and applied directly to the skin through a massage, bath, hot or cold compress, skin care products or simply rubbing oil into skin. Topical application helps address skin problems and muscular concerns, enhances blood circulation and eases certain types of pain. In addition, the aromatic oils have antioxidants that prevent cell damage and optimize the cellular renewal process. Make sure you visit your doctor first to check if you have skin sensitivity to any essential oil or if it affects your pregnancy.
What are the different types of essential oils?
With the healing benefits of aromatic oils, there have been almost 100 types already produced and out in the shelves of department stores. One of the favorites is the lavender. Its mesmerizing scent can help relieve stress and anxiety. For acne and skin blemishes, tea tree oil is the right one. There is also jasmine that helps with childbirth and depression. For digestion, vertigo, nausea and additional vigor, a rub of peppermint oil is going to work. Frankincense, on the other hand, fights against respiratory evils like cough, bronchitis and asthma. This is just a small number, and the other types also provide health benefits, emotional gains and enhanced brain activities.
Aromatherapy is a natural treatment that provides health gains. As you explore the essence of this, always practice caution. Never use anything unless you understand the methods, benefits and risks. Consult a physician just to ensure it is safe for you. Regardless of the potential benefits of this therapeutic practice, your safety still comes first.
Author: Mahendra
