Aromatheraphy Benefits

Definition
Aromatherapy is the use of fragrant, concentrated oils from parts of plants, such as their flowers, fruit, stalks, roots, and bark, for the purpose of improving a person's health and well-being.

Purpose
Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine that uses the essential oils found in plants for their healing or medicinal properties. Although its name suggests that it is primarily a form of aroma or smell therapy, the essential oils are, in fact, intended mainly to be absorbed into the body via the skin, through massage, and the lungs, through inhalation. Aromatherapy is widely used to reduce stress, as well as to rejuvenate and detoxify the body. It is also used to treat a wide variety of other conditions.

Precautions
There are several things to be concerned about when using essential oils, in addition to the purity of the oils themselves. Some individuals experience a skin reaction (dermatitis) to certain oils when they are applied, whereas others suffer skin irritation from overuse. More serious are instances in which oils are incorrectly taken internally. Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or epilepsy should never treat themselves, and young children and pregnant women should be especially careful.

Description
As a holistic therapy, aromatherapy is believed to benefit both the mind and the body. As far back as the time of the Egyptians, fragrant oils were recommended for bathing and massage, and plant fragrances were used against the plague in both ancient and medieval times. However, not until the 1930s was aromatherapy formalized by its advocates as a specialized branch of herbal medicine.

Aromatherapists select particular oils for certain conditions, using a plant's essential oils or aromatic essences, which are the concentrated substances produced by plants for specific purposes such as repelling insects or enemies, storing energy, or attracting pollinating insects. Each oil has its own scent, as well as its own claimed healing characteristics. Some are considered antiseptic, some anti-inflammatory, and others stimulating or relaxing.

These oils enter the body through inhalation and absorption. Inhalation can be as simple as putting a drop of oil on a handkerchief (to promote relaxation) or a few drops into steaming water (to relieve congestion). Massage is the most common form of absorbing the oils directly into the body through the skin, and is considered the most effective method.

A visit to an aromatherapist could last as long as one and a half hours and usually begins with an interview. After the therapist gains an understanding of the patient's concerns and needs, whether for stress relief or a physical condition, the therapist will select a blend of oils and mix them in a neutral carrier like vegetable oil. After the patient undresses and lies on a massage table covered by a towel, the therapist begins the massage. A full massage may last as long as 45 minutes and is usually fairly gentle. For maximum results, the patient may be advised not to shower for a few hours.

Proponents of aromatherapy argue that it works on the mind as well as the body. The body is affected directly, since the tiny molecular structure of the oils allows them to penetrate the skin and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Then, depending on the particular "healing properties" of the specific oil, the oil produces an internal effect that can be diuretic, anti-inflammatory, or antiviral. Other oils support the immune system or energize, pacify, or detoxify the body.
The mind is affected by aromatherapy via the sense of smell. Whether inhaled directly or as a result of the fragrance emitted by an oil massage, the concentrated aroma is said to initiate a complex chain of events within the body. First, the aroma enters the nose and is received by the cilia or fine hairs that are linked to the olfactory nerve, which then transmits its converted, electrical message to the brain itself. This message is received in the limbic system, the more primitive part of the brain, which has been called the "emotional switchboard of the brain." Stimulation of the brain's limbic system is considered a direct pathway to influencing an individual's mood, emotions, and overall alertness. Aromatherapists emphasize that essential oils can affect the chemical activity of the brain and therefore produce both psychological and physical changes. Consultation with a well-trained, skilled aromatherapist may determine the effectiveness of the treatment on specific conditions.

Risks
Essential oils can be dangerously toxic if taken internally. Oils applied externally also can have a powerful, unintended effect, such as producing uterine contractions in a pregnant woman. In general, it is important not to overestimate the healing properties of oils. A physician should be consulted if a critical situation occurs.

Normal results
Certain scents are known to soothe and relax the body and mind. Aromatherapists claim regular relief for patients with physical conditions like headaches and emotional situations like anxiety and irritability.
Aromatherapy is often talked about like it is the next big thing, but in reality the practice of using volatile plant oils and essential oils for various purposes is thousands of years old and has links to ancient Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman customs.

Aromatherapy are the essence of a plant, and there are many different kinds of oils that can be used in aromatherapy for many different uses. For example, one you’ve probably heard of is citronella, which is a natural insect repellent and is often added to candles to be burned outside in order to keep the bugs away.

They can be calming, energizing or sleep inducing, relieve anger, anxiety and depression. They are said to be helpful for arthritis, cramps and bruises and can be used in all sorts of beauty products to increase their effectiveness and fragrance.

Essential oils are useful because of their smells, but some of them have other uses related to the chemical compounds within the oil. To give you an idea of some of the uses of some of the more popular and widely available essential oils, here is a list of five common oils and their uses.

Lavender:
This is one of the most common essential oils and it is said to help all sorts of things, from acne to anxiety, headaches to whooping cough. And it smells good, too, so it is used for fragrance, stress relief and depression.

German chamomile:
You may have heard of chamomile tea for calming and stress relief, but the scent of chamomile essential oil is also effective for this purpose when you don’t have a tea pot and stove handy. Chamomile is also used for stress-related woes such as insomnia and PMS, as well as other ailments including arthritis, insect bites and nausea.

Patchouli:
A great oil for all sorts of skin problems, patchouli also has a deep, earthy smell you might remember for the 1960s. Added to a carrier oil such as almond, avocado or peanut oil (because essential oils are too strong to be applied directly to skin) patchouli oil can be used as a treatment for dry skin, eczema, rashes or athlete’s foot. To make a body-friendly oil out of any essential oil, add five to seven drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Add less essential oil if you are particularly sensitive to fragrance or other allergens.

Rose:
Another scent you are sure to find anywhere you shop is rose essential oil. Rose oil is great for stress relief, depression, menopause symptoms and for use with a carrier oil on mature skin. Rose smells wonderful and would be great to use with an oil as a massage oil to use on that special someone (or yourself).

Tea Tree:
One of the essential oils that is showing up in all sorts of skin care products these days is tea tree oil, which is great for acne and a wonderful antiseptic. It can be used on insect bites or anywhere itching is taking place and is also a good treatment for ringworm, athlete’s foot and cold sores.
Of course there are many more oils sold than this selection, but this gives you some idea of the potential uses for these oils. You can find essential oils at health food stores and even some supermarkets. Buy the highest quality, most natural products you can find. If you go to a natural foods store you will likely find someone there you can talk to about your particular ailment who can recommend the right oils to use for your aromatherapy.

You can use essential oils in a variety of ways. For a quick boost, but three or fours drops of oil on a tissue and inhale. You can also add a few drops to two cups of steaming water in a bowl and put your face about a foot from the bowl for a few minutes. This method will also fill the room with the oil’s aroma. You can also place a few drops of oil anywhere there is something smelly in your house (garbage can, laundry room) to cover up the odor. If you add the essential oil to a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil, you can use it for massage purposes or in a bath. Essential oils can also be added to bath salts for extra luxury.

Of course you don’t have to use just one essential oil at a time. If you are using tea tree oil in a facial scrub or other product you will probably want to add another oil to mask the fragrance (lavender is good for this, but there are many other possibilities. You may even be able to find blends at the store where you buy essential oils that are made for particular ailments such as stress relief or depression formulas.

If you want to experiment with your own blending of oils, try some of the following recipes.
For a calming foot rub, add 10 drops of chamomile (German or Roman, though Roman is preferred) and five drops of lavender to one ounce of carrier oil (almond or avocado would be particularly nice). Mix well and give yourself or someone else a foot massage. It could also be used on the person’s hands or back.

An energizing air freshener can be made by combining any number of essential oils for a total of about 30 drops mixed with three ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Some combinations include grapefruit and ginger, rosemary and bergamot or peppermint, lemon and frankincense. Mix well and spray around the room for an instant energy boost. A combination of rosemary and lemon would also boost your concentration.

If you’re feeling irritable, why not try a nice long bath with a bath oil made from two ounces of carrier oil and a combination of essential oils adding up to 15 drops. Lavender alone or combined with mandarin or chamomile would be great, or try sandalwood and mandarin. Add about a quarter of an ounce to the bath water; do not use the whole bottle at once. Store in a dark colored bottle in a cool place or in the refrigerator between uses.

To keep your essential oils fresh, store them in a cool, dark place in dark bottles (don’t buy oils if they don’t come in dark brown or blue bottles, as light will have damaged the oil). Ask your doctor before using essential oils on your body if you have chronic health problems or are pregnant. And have fun with this ancient art that’s sure to brighten up (and freshen up) your home.