Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Why Aromatherapy ?

Aromatherapy is not just about nice smelling oils. What are aromas? Aromas are tiny molecules of liquid that float through the air. These molecules, when inhaled, come into contact with the receptor cells inside the spongy pads along the walls of your nasal passage. Your blood stream absorbs these tiny droplets and transfers it to your limbic system. The Limbic system is the olfactory area of the brain and deals with a person's basic drives like hunger, thirst, memories, intuition, sleep, emotion and the like.

The limbic system is actually a link between the two sides of our brain. The left side of our brain deals with logical facts whereas the right side of the brain deals with emotional aspects. 

Aromatherapy Oils

Bark, roots, leaves, seeds, resins and flowers of plants provide the essence for aromatic oils. The aromatic oil is blended with the carrier oil before usage. Carrier oils include sesame, sunflower, wheat germ oils, grape seed, almond and jojoba. Why is the aroma oil blended with carrier oil?  Because concentrated aromatherapy oils, if used directly, could have a negative impact on your skin.

Aromatherapy oils refresh your mind and impact your moods. The aromatic oil is also effective in reducing your stress and inducing sleep. You are wrong if you think that aroma therapy oils just impact your inner self. Some aromatic oils have a glowing effect on your skin, thus making your skin look healthy.

Aromatherapy Stress Relief

There are many complaints and problems that can be relieved with aromatherapy. Stress is one of them. Aromatherapy stress reduction is particularly beneficial because a nice scent by itself can have a calming effect. For instance, the smell of roses, homemade bread or fresh fruit can decrease stress levels. What makes aromatherapy so helpful in stress relief is that particular oils are used which have therapeutic properties that actively work to lower stress. So you have the calming effect of a nice smell and the therapeutic effect of essential oils and aromas.

Stress Relieving Oils and Blends

There are a number of aromatherapy stress blends available. You can also buy aromatherapy blends with a number of different oils that are mixed together. There are also aromatherapy stress products, which contain essential oils that relieve stress such as massage oils, bath oils, body lotions and aroma candles or incense.

Aromatic oils that help relax both your body and mind are: Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Cedar wood, Clarysage, Vanilla, Frankincense, Lemongrass and Ylang Ylang. Vanilla and Ylang Ylang are especially used to reduce stress and can be used in combination as bath oils. Eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and sandalwood oil can be helpful in soothing the respiratory system.

Applications of Aromatherapy Oils

Pulse Points

Pulse points are found where a major artery runs close to the surface of the skin. Perfumes are usually applied on the wrist or behind the ear for the quick dispersion of the aroma.

Compress

The equipments used are aromatherapy oils or bath salts, bowl of water and a cloth. This method is useful in treating body pains, muscular aches, sprains, varicose veins and respiratory congestion.

The hot compress is helpful in relieving chronic pain whereas the cold compress relieves pain, swellings and headaches. The process involves adding 4-6 drops of the oil into very hot or cold water and mixing them well.  Place a cloth in the water and let it soak, wring out the cloth and place it on the affected area.

Bath

Aroma therapy oils can be used for a fresh bath at the end of a tiring day. All you have to do is to add 4-6 drops of essential oil to your warm bath tub and soak for 15 minutes.

Massage

Massage is considered to be the best method of enjoying aromatherapy, as the oil is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have normal skin, you could add 5 drops of essential oil to your carrier oil. Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. Using body lotions, shower gels, soaps and shampoos containing essential oils, will have the same desired benefit.

Inhalation

Inhalation is also an effective method to incorporate essential oils into your system. The inhalation method helps you reduce respiratory tract problems. Add 3 or 4 drops of essential oil to a large bowl of warm water. Lean over the bowl and breathe deeply till you feel relieved.

You could inhale the aromatherapy oil through vaporization, personal perfumes, room sprays and shower gels. Simple inhalation is the easiest method of inhalation where you open the bottle, keep it 6-8 inches under your nose and waft the aroma towards your nose with your other hand. Another method is to place a drop of undiluted oil in your hand. Then rub your hands together and cup your hands over your nose. Then take a deep breathe and check out your response. If you feel relaxed and content, repeat the process.

Mists

Mists are considered to be an inexpensive method of diffusing the oil into the air. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle containing purified or distilled water. Since water does not mix well with oil, shake the bottle well before misting its' contents. Then spray up all over your body and then allow the mist to fall all around you. Note that the mist water lasts for about 2 weeks. You could use glass misters or colored bottles. If you make use of glass misters, remember to keep it in a dark place, as sunlight could affect the essential oil.

Diffusion

Diffusion is a method of introducing essential oils into the air for inhalation. There are many diffusers including vaporizers, humidifiers and simple evaporation devices. Vaporizers or humidifiers may be used for respiratory problems, including cold and flu. Peppermint oils and lemon oils can be added to vaporizers and humidifiers to oxygenate the air.

Candles

Aromatherapy candles do more than simply making your home fragrant. They are made up of essential oils that can boost your mood and even lift your spirit. Many people who have used Aromatherapy candles feel that it has even healed them out of their tensions.

Glass nebulizers

Glass nebulizers ionize the oil molecules appropriately to make sure that the droplets are suspended in the air for a long period of time, thus providing maximum therapeutic benefit. Diffusion with glass nebulizers are especially recommended for patients with respiratory conditions.