What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. It is a tactic that has been used for centuries.
When the oils are inhaled, the scent travels via the nerves to the brain, more specifically to the amygdala, which is the emotional centre of the brain.
Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, therefore creating other ways to get your therapeutic fix.
For example, you may decide to book a therapeutic massage where they use essential oils to help relax the muscles; or you may use essential oils when taking a bath by dropping them into the water or using certain bath bombs or bath salts.
What Do Essential Oils Do?
Although studies around essential oils have shown limited results; they are believed to be beneficial for various illnesses such as depression, anxiety and sleep problems.
Some popular essential oils are:
- Lavender Oil: Believed to promote relaxation and helping to relieve stress and help you to get a better night’s sleep.
- Tea Tree Oil: This has been used for many many years as a method of healing wounds. Today, it is more commonly used to treat acne, athletes foot and to soothe insect bites.
- Peppermint Oil: There is some evidence that states peppermint oil can be an effective way to help with symptoms of IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) when taken in the form of a capsule (purchased from a trusted provider) It is also known to treat headaches when used topically.
- Lemon Oil: Many people have reported that the citrus scent of lemon is a mood booster!
Safe Ways to Use Essential Oils:
Most essential oils are safe to use, providing they are used as directed by the company.
It is recommended that you DO NOT use an oil diffuser, especially in a household that is shared by other people and / or people of different ages as the vapour from the burning oils can affect people in different ways with some having negative effects.
One of the best ways to use essential oils is via specific jewellery items which have absorbent materials on them.
To use them, you would simply dab the absorbent part of the jewellery with your oil of choice and wear it throughout the day.
Another safe and recommended way of using essential oils is via a bath or therapeutic massage, although you can also rub them into your own skin.
If you do choose to rub them into your own skin; it is important that you mix the oils with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil as this take away the harshness of the chemicals within the essential oil and reduces the risk of having a reaction to them.
https://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/blogs/our-journal/how-does-aromatherapy-work
