What is aromatherapy?
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,
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!
Solvent Extraction of Essential Oils
Essential Oil Extraction by Expression
Buying Products and Ingredients
Absolutes
Blending
Carrier Oils
Essential Oils
Essential Oil Extraction Methods
Sitemap
