Aromatherapy

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of therapy in which essential oils are used to promote healing and well-being. The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are derived from plants—some oils come from bark, fruit, leaves, flower tops, and more. Inhalation of these scents (as well as ingestion of the oils) is thought to have many positive healing effects on the body.

Aromatherapy practitioners say that aromatherapy scents have effects on emotions because the nerves involved with a person’s sense of smell are directly linked to the part of the brain that controls emotion.

How is aromatherapy put to use?

Aromatherapy is a form of therapy that can be performed by a practitioner or done at home. If you will be ingesting any form of essential oil, it is imperative that you speak with a practitioner or health care provider first. Many essential oils that are used in aromatherapy need to be diluted in a certain manner before they are ingested into the body in any way. To do so incorrectly could result in harm.

Many times, a patient who is seeking therapy for a certain situation or illnesses will seek the advice of an aromatherapy practitioner to obtain advice on which scents should be used for their particular condition. Some forms of massage therapy also use aromatherapy during the massage session. This is often done to enhance relaxation, therefore allowing the body to absorb and utilize the massage therapy with better results. Essential oils are also often used in massage therapy because, while the patient is inhaling the scents, the oils are also being absorbed by the body, which causes even greater reaction.

Aromatherapy is becoming more and more popular all the time. While there are many massage therapists who use them on a regular basis, and there are aromatherapy practitioners, it is also being widely used (even if on a smaller level) by individuals. There are currently many products available for use at home that already have the essential oils diluted to the point necessary, making it very easy for the untrained person to use them. The following are many products that are available in aromatherapy scents:

• Bath products—there are many different forms of bath products that utilize aromatherapy scents, including bubble bath, bath salts, bath beads, bodywash, and more. All of these items focus on a mental reaction, such as relaxation, as well as allowing the essential oils to be absorbed into the skin while bathing.
• Sprays—many forms of aromatherapy sprays are available, including air spray and linen spray. By spraying these scents on pillows, furniture, etc. as well as in the air, you can benefit from their effects.
• Candles—one of the most commonly known and commonly used forms of aromatherapy at home is candles. There are tea light candles, essential oils that are heated with candles, as well as large room candles that are scented. These scents can affect everyone in the room or house that they are being burned in.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy?

There are many benefits of aromatherapy, including such things as relaxation, rejuvenation, stress-relief, sleepiness, and more. The most commonly used aromatherapy scents are those that nearly everyone has access to (in candle, bath product, essential oil or spray form):

Lavender—known for its calming, soothing, relaxing effects, this aromatherapy scent is available in many forms and is one that is often used for baths and beds. Many people may not realize, though, that lavender is also thought to soothe many physical ailments as well, including headaches, menstrual pain, and nausea.
Rosemary—stimulates and invigorates the whole body. This is a commonly used aromatherapy scent, as well, and also provides health benefits. It can relieve gas and indigestion and even fight off illnesses, such as the flu.
Peppermint—another common aromatherapy scent, peppermint relieves pain and stimulates the liver. It can also aid in bronchitis and motion sickness.

What are precautions that should be taken with aromatherapy?

Just as with any other form of therapy or treatment, if you have any chronic or serious illnesses or medical conditions, it is important that you seek the advice of your health care professional before using aromatherapy. This is especially true with pregnancy, epilepsy and high blood pressure. While many essential oils are safe for everyone, it is important to find out from your doctor if there are any that you should stay away from. And, while many massage therapists use essential oils and aromatherapy, there is no license that is required to be an aromatherapy practitioner. This is why it is best to get a medical opinion before taking any risks.

It is also important, if the oils will be rubbed onto the skin, to be wary of allergic reactions. If you have any forms of allergies to plants, etc., you should test the oil first on a sensitive area of skin, such as the forearm. This way, if you break out in a rash, it is just in one unnoticeable spot as opposed to all over the body.

Once you have taken the necessary precautions, you can use aromatherapy to cure many ailments or to relieve stress and tension in your daily life. You can visit an aromatherapy practitioner near you and then you can follow up at home with many of the products available.