Aromatherapy is a technique that
utilizes the body's sense of smell to help boost moods, relieve stress
and encourage better health. Various fragrant substances are used
during aromatherapy sessions and each produces a different result. For
example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used to help
stimulate the body. Lavender and chamomile can help a person relax.
Lemon and rosemary are effective at revitalizing a tired body.
The
sense of smell is powerful. In fact, the body can distinguish around
10,000 different scents! As scents are 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.
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 a form of
aromatherapy.
The fragrances used in aromatherapy
are many and they're commonly added to lotions, inhalants, skin
care products, gels, candles, bath salts, vaporizers,
perfumes and room sprays. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential
oils, oils that have been extracted from naturally-occurring materials.
They're natural and unlike synthetic fragrances and perfumes which can
cause allergies and irritation, they're safe to use. The practice of
applying essential oils has a long history, and evidence of its use has
been found as far back as Ancient Egyptian civilizations.
Benefits of
aromatherapy
- It's
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. To achieve the maximum
results, you'll also want to seek out a quite and comfortable space for
your aromatherapy session!
- It's a
natural approach
to improve your health.
Aromatherapy is a
wonderful, natural alternative to other treatment options such as
prescription medications and caffeine. When used properly, there are
few side effects. The side effects that emerge primarily are due to a
person's sensitivity to certain ingredients. Most people are aware of
the ingredients that trigger allergic responses or other type of
sensitivity and in those cases, use of products containing those
ingredients should be avoided.
-
Aromatherapy
alleviates minor discomforts
While aromatherapy
does
not cure major illnesses, it is effective at alleviating minor aches
and pains in joints, improving the functionality of the immune system,
relieving the symptoms of menstrual cramps, improving skin tone,
relaxing muscles, 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, improving sleep and so much more!
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