Do You Know What Aromatherapy Is?
Aromatherapy is a kind of herbal therapy that uses necessary oils from plants and herbs. It is a kind of healing treatment that is termed as alternative therapy. Aromatherapy is an ancient healing treatment practiced by Italians, Chinese, Indians and Egyptians. People in Europe and North America have started to turn to aromatherapy just like in China and India. At times, there is usage of essential oils through massages, candles and various relaxation products.
A French chemist, Rene Gattefosse is credited with giving this branch of medicine the name aromatherapy way back in 1937 when he personally witnessed the amazing healing powers of lavender oil on skin that had been burnt.
How does aromatherapy work? The unique effects of the essential oils that include antiviral, antibacterial, diuretic, vasodilator, tranquilizing and stimulating are believed to have an effect on practically every organ in our body. You can use the oils in one of 3 ways: oral consumption, topical application and inhalation.
Aromatherapy through oral use of essential oils works to infuse health and well being in the human body. One thing about consuming essential oils orally should be clearly understood, it should never be taken without the proper medical supervision.
Among all the various methods, the quickest results from aromatherapy come from inhaling of essential oils. Extensive research has been conducted to prove that sense of smell is the strongest sense and it has a huge influence on body and mind. The olfactory nerve cells are activated in the nasal cavity due to the scent of the oil. This then sends impulses to that section of the brain that deals in emotions and memory.
Both, the physical and emotional aspects of the body get affected by aromatherapy. For instance you may have noted some time how the smell of peppermint or lemon invocates pleasant memories in your system and then you start feeling better on the emotional level. Aromatherapy works on the physical aspect by stimulating circulatory, nervous and immune systems of you body and gives you relief from stress.
Those who minister aromatherapy treatments are termed as aromatherapists. The most natural and purest forms of necessary oils that are rich in medicinal properties are used in aromatherapy. Perfumed bath shampoos and oils do not come in the category of aromatherapy.
When you combine aromatherapy with other forms of treatment it could be very effective. However, it is hardly used as the primary system of therapy. For instance, herbalist treatments and massage therapy combine the usage of essential oils.
If you use aromatherapy as alternative medicine you have to be honest and frank with your aromatherapist and give complete details of your medical history, levels of stress or factors influencing your life. Even the reasons you are consulting for aromatherapy must be explained. This will be of great help to the professional in understanding and treating your problem.
Some precautions to be adhered to are:
It is possible that some essential oils are not good for pregnant women.
You must first test the oil for any allergic reaction on a little patch of skin, may be near the elbow. It could take 24 hours to know if you are allergic. Then you must mix sunflower oil or other carrier oils with the concentrated oil before application on the skin and then it can be sealed using a band-aid.
There are many reasons to use aromatherapy as a means to aid in the healing or uplifting one’s mood: http://www.aromatherapy2day.info .