|
|
Print-friendly version
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy
We all have heard of essential oils, and many of us have them in the house and use them occasionally, or even regularly. If you have children you are bound to have some Tea Tree oil in your medicine cabinet, to put on cuts and grazes, or in the bath to treat eczema or for the unpleasant job of getting rid of head lice. Or you might simply be a fan of nice “smellies”, using your oil burner to diffuse a soothing lavender or an uplifting orange or lemon essential oil. All of these are an integral part of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine, which basically uses essential oils, which are volatile plant materials for the purpose of changing a person’s mood, cognitive function or health in general for the positive. How does it work? Well, it is believed, that aromatherapy works in two main ways: One – the direct effects of the essential oils and two – the influence of the aroma on our brain, through our sense of smell. Whilst there doesn’t appear to be any firm proof in the medical, scientific sense, it is widely believed that the aromatic oils have healing properties by working with nature and not against it.
By this practitioners mean, that aromatherapy treats the whole person, not just physical symptoms, like modern medicine often seems to do. That way it helps our bodies’ natural ability to balance and heal itself. It is the direct opposite of modern western medicine. Therapists accept, that aromatherapy cannot cure conditions, but it can help the body to find natural ways to build a better immune system and, therefore, strengthen overall health. The beauty of aromatherapy is, that by its nature it is often accompanied by deep relaxation and clarity of the mind, making you feel instantly better, calmer, cleansed.
Aromatherapy can be practised anywhere – you can enjoy a pampering treatment, such as an aromatherapy massage as part of your relaxation escape or your spa break, or you can purchase your preferred essential oils in health shops or over the internet and make your own aromatherapy baths or air fresheners. It is an excellent way to unwind and relax, as many of our symptoms (headaches, stomach upsets and many many more) can be our bodies trying to tell us to stop. So a little aromatherapy can reduce your stress and even the causes of stress.
Often the most natural remedies are the best. Whether we inhale essential oils with vapour to clear our noses and throats – and cleanse our skin pores as well at the same time, put a few drops of a scent we like or one that relaxes us in a bath, instantly moisturising our skin or get a collection of great healing and smelling essential oils for our oil burner, we are bound to benefit from the soothing or uplifting as may be effects the oils and their scents have on us and our stress levels. It is easily done and creates a bit of me time, especially, if you haven’t got a lot of time to spare.
What is it?
Aromatherapy is the art of applying essential oils, to suit a person's needs. The oils work directly on the chemistry of the body, via the skin and bloodstream.
Essential oils are extracts that contain the substances that give plants their smell. They are produced by tiny glands in the petals, leaves, stems, bark and wood of many plants and trees. In nature, they are released slowly, but when heated or crushed, their oil glands burst, releasing the plant's aroma more strongly.
It isn't known exactly when or where the art of aromatherapy began. It is thought that Chinese knowledge of medicinal oils and healing herbs may have reached the west by way of the Egyptians, Greeks and Roman. The first recorded use of plants in Britain was in the 13th century and from then on, manufacture increased and essential oils became widely used as perfumes, antiseptics and medicines.
Usually by massage, they can be given as a relaxing treatment covering "stress" areas such as back, shoulders, face, legs.
Essential oils can also be inhaled by being used in oil burners or breathing in an infusion and can also be very beneficial when added as bath oils.
Who can aromatherapy help?
Aromatherapy is believed to be suitable for people of all ages, even babies. Aromatherapists claim that they can treat many conditions, and often see a great improvement in nervous disorders, such as depression, anger, stress and other related symptoms such as headaches and insomnia.
Practitioners say that aromatherapy is safe for home use, but the following general guidelines should be observed:
Only high quality essential oils should be used, bought from specialist aromatherapy suppliers.
Essential oils should not be swallowed unless they are supplied by a fully trained aromatherapist and used under his/her supervision.
Some essential oils must be avoided by pregnant women. Check with a trained aromatherapist.
| You are viewing results 1 to 6 of 6 |
| You are viewing results 1 to 6 of 6 |
|
|
