Aromatherapy and Its Benefits

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a technique that utilizes the body's sense of smell to help boost moods, relieve stress and encourage better health. Various fragrant substances are used during aromatherapy sessions and each produces a different result. For example, peppermint and eucalyptus scents are often used to help stimulate the body. Lavender and chamomile can help a person relax. Lemon and rosemary are effective at revitalizing a tired body.

The sense of smell is powerful. In fact, the body can distinguish around 10,000 different scents! As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals. 

Aromatherapy also works by absorbing the essential oils that have been extracted from plants, fruits, herbs and flowers into the blood stream. This method is perfectly safe and if you've ever rubbed a fragrant lotion, cream or ointment into your skin or received a massage, you've already indulged in a form of aromatherapy.

The fragrances used in aromatherapy are many and they're commonly added to lotions, inhalants, gels, candles, bath salts, vaporizers, perfumes and room sprays. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, oils that have been extracted from naturally-occurring materials. They're natural and unlike synthetic fragrances and perfumes which can cause allergies and irritation, they're safe to use. The practice of applying essential oils has a long history, and evidence of its use has been found as far back as Ancient Egyptian civilizations.

Benefits of aromatherapy

- It's something you can learn to do at home

Many people seek out professional massage therapists or visit expensive spas for their aromatherapy sessions. While this is a great way to indulge if you can afford to, it's easy to learn how to do aromatherapy right in the comfort of your own home. All you need are some candles, essential oils or bath oils and a burner or diffuser. To achieve the maximum results, you'll also want to seek out a quite and comfortable space for your aromatherapy session!

- It's a natural approach to improve your health.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful, natural alternative to other treatment options such as prescription medications and caffeine. When used properly, there are few side effects. The side effects that emerge primarily are due to a person's sensitivity to certain ingredients. Most people are aware of the ingredients that trigger allergic responses or other type of sensitivity and in those cases, use of products containing those ingredients should be avoided.

- Aromatherapy alleviates minor discomforts

While aromatherapy does not cure major illnesses, it is effective at alleviating minor aches and pains in joints, improving the functionality of the immune system, relieving the symptoms of menstrual cramps, improving skin tone, relaxing muscles, lowering blood pressure, clearing congestion, improving circulation to the scalp which helps reduce dandruff and helps promote healthy hair growth, relieving tension that causes headaches, improving sleep and so much more!