Aromatherapy with Essential Oils: A Class Of its Own
Today, alternative and complementary therapies, with regular medicines, have grown much in importance. Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, refers to a variety of traditional or complementary therapies, that involve using essential oils and some other aromatic plant extracts. Aromatherapy is usually used as a topical application or through inhalation. Did you know the idea of aromatherapy by the use of essential oils? Don't worry if you are new to this concept. We will take you through this striking feature of essential oils.
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary medicine that uses smell to improve your health. Recent studies have shown that essential oils may help: mood alleviation. They improve performance, and activity through reduced stress and increased attentiveness. Further, they have been used for nearly 6,000 years, to improve our mood or health.
Ways to get aromatherapy :
Generally, aromatherapy is used through inhalation or as a topical application.
- Inhalation
Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system. Molecules that enter the mouth or nose pass to the lungs, and other body parts. Upon reaching the brain, the limbic system is affected, which is linked to the heart rhythm, emotions, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. In this way, these oils can have a subtle, yet the holistic effect on the body.
- Topical applications
Essential oils are absorbed through the skin. Massaging the area of application can increase absorption and boost circulation. However, essential oils can never be applied directly to the skin. They must be diluted with a carrier oil before use.
Warning:
Swallowing or ingesting essential oils is strictly forbidden as it can damage the liver or kidneys.
Benefits in aromatherapy
This complementary therapy, however, does not provide a cure for diseases, illnesses, or rashes. Still, it offers conventional treatment for multiple conditions. It is known to reduce nausea, pain and body aches, muscular pains, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress and agitation, circulatory problems, menstrual and menopausal issues, hair loss or alopecia, etc.
Essential oils and their uses
The uses of essential oils in aromatherapy include the following:
- Basil
It is used to alleviate depression symptoms by sharpening concentration and improving your focus and overall mental clarity.
- Bergamot
It may be useful for the urinary and digestive tract. When added with eucalyptus oil, helps to relieve stress-related problems.
- Black pepper
This oil is commonly used for stimulating muscular pains, aches, and improving circulation. Reduces arthritic pain and improves flexibility.
- Clove
It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. This essential oil is used as an anti-emetic, antispasmodic and carminative.
- Eucalyptus
This helps relieve the airways during the flu or cold. The oil reacts with mucous membranes, not only reducing mucus but helping loosen it so that you can cough it up.
- Jasmine
This essential oil is described as an aphrodisiac. Research shows that it increases beta waves, which are linked to attentiveness.
- Lavender
Lavender oil enhances sleep and relaxation. It interacts with GABA neurotransmitters to help rest the brain and nervous system.
Thus, the above benefits show the use of essential oils as a holistic approach to aromatherapy, as it aims to treat the complete individual & relieve symptoms of various conditions along with medical treatments. Today, the use of essential oils can be widely seen in therapeutic and medicinal fields, with its usage continuously expanding across segments.