Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is probably the most increasingly popular holistic treatment of our age. Since prehistoric times, aromatherapy was used to promote physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Almost everyone has experienced some of the aromatherapy benefits often without even realizing it. Today, modern medical science comes to agree with our ancestors and prove that essential oils can be used for therapeutic purposes.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy combines the physical and emotional effects of gentle massage with the medical and psychotherapeutic properties of essential oils. It not only alleviates stress and improves mood but it also is a successful treatment for many minor disorders for which doctors cannot always find a gentle solution. Together with a well-balanced diet, enough exercise, and a daily intake of plenty of spring water or herbal teas aromatherapy helps to keep our bodies in top condition.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, or blossoms of plants. Each essential oil contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix determines the healing properties of the oil.

How Does It Work?

With methods such as bathing, massage and poultice, the oils are absorbed directly into the skin. This can be beneficial for soothing physical pain in muscles as well as calming anxiety and easing other negative emotions. Inhalation and infusions can have a positive effect on respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. These methods can be very simple as they can be in the form of a joss stick, candle or aromatherapy burner. As these are inhaled, either directly (infusion) or indirectly, using the right oils can promote improved respiratory health.

How to use Aromatherapy?

When massaging, the oils need to be mixed with a base oil. Usually, this base will be grapeseed, almond or coconut oil. Grapeseed is usually preferred as this can be used on most people including children and people with nut allergies. Any products you wish to make yourself should be according to the following scale: Up to a total of 5 drops of oil per 30ml of base.

What is the history of aromatherapy?

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes. More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he applied it to a burn on his hand after an explosion in his laboratory.

What are the benefits?

The Benefits can be listed below:

• It reduces muscular aches and pains and increases muscle relaxation and tone.
• For women's problems like PMS or menopausal distress it is particularly helpful.
• Stress level or Blood pressure can be reduced.
• The immune system can be stimulated and infections can be fought with.
• Tension headaches can be relieved.
• Various emotions like anxiety, grief and depression can be alleviated.
• Digestion can be improved. Constipation and abdominal spasm can be decreased.
• The circulation and lymphatic drainage can be enhanced to eliminate cellulite and toxins from the body.
• Some essential oils are good skin care agents.
• The circulation of the scalp can be increased and dandruff can be prevented.
• Aromas can be used as a first aid measure for minor burns and cuts.
• Common problems like sore throat, stuffy or blocked noses can also be modified.
• Lavender Essential oil is a good relief to dry and inflamed skin.
• Tree Essential Oil is good to use for warts, rashes, insect bites, cuts and coughs.
• The discomforts of asthma, arthritis and allergies can be relieved.
• Nausea can be treated using aromas.
• The essential oils like lavender, marjoram and Roman chamomile help in relaxation and anxiety in palliative care.
• Irritable bowel syndrome can be assisted with the help of an oral intake of peppermint oil.
• The essential oils of Ylang ylang and Rosemary affect Alpha-wave activity.
• Linalool is a terpenoid constituent that interacts with cell membranes and suppresses cell action. It is mildly sedative in nature.
• The pulmonary function of children with asthma can be improved with a 20 minute massage routine each day.
• The treatment of acne, athletes foot and onychomycosis nail infections can be done by Tea Tree oil.
• Aromas can be used to facilitate communication, decrease difficult and self-stimulating behavior and provide very meaningful communication.
• Aromatic massage reduces cortisone levels in children having juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Should anyone avoid aromatherapy?

• Women in the first trimester of pregnancy as well as people with severe asthma or a history of allergies should avoid all essential oils.
• People with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil.
• People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.
• Those with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage.
• Caution should be exercised when considering use of aromatherapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Finally, something that must be cleared is that aromatherapy is an alternative complementary medicine and should not be used as the major treatment, but as an addition to the healing process of the standard medical care.