Aroma Therapy: The Best Way to Relieve Stress And Anxiety
What Is Aroma therapy?
Aroma therapy is a type of treatment that adapts a holistic approach. It is a healing treatment that uses plant extracts to promote health and well-being. This is also known as essential oil therapy because of the use of essential oils to improve the overall health of the spirit, mind, and body.
It enhances physical as well as emotional and mental health. Aroma therapy is a combination of science and art. In recent years this kind of therapy has gained more importance and recognition.
History
Aroma therapy has been used for thousands of years now. Ancient cultures and traditions of various countries like India, China and Egypt used aromatic plant based materials like resins, balms and oils. These substances that are derived from nature are used for medical and religious purposes. They are known to have effects on physical and mental health.
It is known that persians in the 10th century were responsible for the distillation of essential oils. Theory of Essential oils was first published in Germany. French physicians in the 19th century realized that these oils have the potential to heal various diseases.
In 1937 French chemist and perfumer Maurice Gattefosse coined the word aroma therapy. Lavender had medicinal properties to heal burns.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy works due to smell and skin absorption using products such as:
- Diffusers
- Aromatic Spritzers
- Inhalers
- Bathing Salts
- Body Oils For Massage
- Body Lotions Or Lotions For Topical Applications
- Facial Steamers
- Hot And Cold Compresses
- Clay Masks
You can use any of these products alone or in pairs. There are nearly hundreds of types of essential oils available. People tend to use the most popular and the branded ones. Different essential oils have their own unique healing properties, uses and effects. To gain more benefits and health you can mix various essential oils and create a synergistic blend.
Benefits Of Aroma Therapy
Aroma therapy has a large array of benefits. Some of them include:
- It helps to ease and manage pain.
- Improves sleep quality.
- Reduces stress, anxiety and irritation.
- Helpful in treating migraine and headaches.
- Works in soothing the side effects of chemotherapy.
- Helps to boost immunity.
- Improves Digestion.
- Reduces Muscle soreness
Conditions Treated
This therapy has the potential to treat many conditions like:
- Asthma
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Menstrual Issues
- Arthritis
Uses Of Essential Oil
Different types of oils have different uses and effects:
Basil
The Basil Essential Oil is utilized to sharpen the concentration power and alleviate symptoms of depression. It is used to relieve migraine and headaches.
Bergamot
This oil is said to be beneficial for the digestive tract. When used in combination with eucalyptus oil it can be used to treat skin disease and allergies including the spots caused due to chickenpox.
Black Pepper
Black Pepper oil is used to stimulate the circulation thus soothing the soreness, pain, aches and bruises. It is also used to improve flexibility and reduce arthritis pain.
Clove
Clove essential oil is typically used as a painkiller or analgesic. It is most commonly used to treat toothache. It also helps to prevent vomiting and nausea.
Jasmine
Research shows that the odor of jasmine increases the beta waves which are linked to alertness. It also increases the penile in blood flow.
Tea Tree
It is said that tea tree oil has antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant qualities. Tea Tree Oil is largely used in hair care and skin care products. It treats various skin problems like acne, burns and bites. For hair it is used to treat fungus and dandruff.
Choosing The Right Aromatherapist
Many people wish to visit a certified aromatherapist at least when they are trying for the first time.
When you visit a specialist for the first time he/she should take a thorough medical history including information about your diet, lifestyle and any existing medical conditions that need to be addressed.
This therapy aims at treating a person as a whole. It works on all aspects of a person’s health. Based on your need the therapist may suggest you any single oil or blend of various oils.
Frequently Asked Questions About Essential Oils
What specific ailments does aroma therapy address?
There is a specific oil for every specific ailment. Whether you want to work on your physical health or emotional or psychological health there is an oil available for you.
How are the essential oils administered ?
Diffusers are used to disperse essential oils as a fine vapor throughout the air so they can be gently absorbed by your body through the respiratory system.
Is it safe for children?
These oils are safe for children specially when used topically or through inhalation. There are various different benefits of using essential oils. They can be used along with the traditional therapies for many conditions like ADHD, anxiety, mood swings and insomnia.
Conclusion
As you dive deep into the usage of essential oils keep in mind to notice which oil affects you positively or negatively. Before starting to use the aroma therapy consult your doctor to know its benefits and side effects better.
