Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of the concentrated extracts that are taken from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of plants with healing properties. All the extracts contain their own mixes of active ingredients, which determine what the oils are applicable for. Even though there are nearly 400 essential oils which can be used for aromatherapy, only 40 of them are commonly used. Some of the popular essential oils for aromatherapy are geranium, lemon, marjoram, jasmine, chamomile, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, and ylang-ylang. These aromatic substances are applied to the skin or inhaled.

Today, aromatherapy is one of the major and popular therapies used to provide a wide range of effective treatments for both acute and chronic stages of illnesses. The regular use of aromatherapy helps in strengthening the immune system and, hence, establishes a protective approach to our overall health issues.

How Does It Work?

Aromatherapy is mainly self-administered or performed by a practitioner. Many professional practitioners are trained in massage therapy and use oil as part of their practices. The oils can be used individually or can be combined and used for applying on the skin or for inhaling. For the inhaling process, a few drops of oils are placed in atomizers or humidifiers, so as to spread the water vapor and the oil throughout the room. When applied to the body, the oils go deep into the skin via the hair follicles and are absorbed into the body fluids. This makes them capable of killing bacteria and viruses and also helps in stimulating the immune system. Since no two essential oils have the same qualities, they exhibit their own properties, like eliminating toxins, increasing circulation, or promoting the growth and regeneration of cells, and they contribute these properties in the therapy process.

Methods of Use

There are many methods of using aromatherapy, and the correct method is to dilute and apply the oils to receive the majority of the benefits from the oil. Some of the popular techniques for use are:

· Massage Oil: Massage is one of the most relaxing ways of enjoying aromatherapy. People get benefit from the oils as well as from the healthy massage.

· Bathing: A warm bath always soothes the mood of a stressful day. By adding the essential oils, the experience can be even more relaxing.

· Footbath: After a round of exercise or walking, using essential oils while your feet are hot soothes and refreshes the mind and the body.

· Compress: This is one of the effective methods to kill pain or to provide first aid. Hot compresses are mainly effective for chronic pain, cramps, sprains and muscle aches.

· Steam Inhalation: From ancient times, we have been used the method of inhaling hot steam to help all types of respiratory tract problems. This has been a promising and highly-effective method to deliver the essential oils into our systems.

· Vaporizers and Burners: These can be used for clearing stale odors from the kitchen. We can also use the oils to give a relaxing and harmonious atmosphere around our homes.

Safety

· The oils must be diluted before applying on the body or inhaling.

· If the seeker of aromatherapy is a pregnant, she should consult a doctor and seek his or her advice. She should avoid camphor, rosemary, sage and savin oils.

· Babies, infants and young children should use essential oils according to their weight.

· The essential oils should not be taken directly inside of the body, unless advised by a professional aromatherapy practitioner.

· Some essential oils are photosensitive, causing irritation and itching. Some are flammable, so care should be taken while using these oils.