Aromatherapy Guide 1

There's been a lot of hype about aromatherapy over the past few years, yet many people still don't know what it is, or what it does. Some of the myths surrounding aromatherapy suggest that you need to spend a lot of money, have fancy equipment, or practice new-age philosophies to enjoy the art of aromatherapy, when in fact that's really not the case.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function.

It is believed that the inhalation of essential oils stimulates the part of the brain connected to smell - the olfactory system; a signal is sent to the limbic system of the brain that controls emotions and retrieves learned memories.

This causes chemicals to be released which make the person feel relaxed, calm, or even stimulated. If the aromatherapy includes massage the effect is to further relax the person.

Aromatherapy is generally applied in one of three ways:

 Aerial diffusion - the oils evaporate into the air. The aim is to give the air a specific fragrance or to disinfect it.

 Direct inhalation - the person breaths the evaporating oils straight in. This is commonly used for respiratory disinfection, decongestion, as well as for psychological benefits.

 Topical applications - applied onto the skin. Commonly used for massage, baths, and therapeutic skin care.
When used at home, most people use aromatherapy oil candles, apply natural products containing oils to their skin or add oils directly to a soaking bath/warm shower.

The key to achieving results from aromatherapy is to use pure, therapeutic-grade oils rather than those with synthetic ingredients or fragrances. The effectiveness of aromatherapy practices always depends on the quality of the oils used, plus the dosage.

Some Benefits of Aromatherapy:

1. Promotes Relaxation
2. Helps Improve Sleep Quality
3. Treats Respiratory Issues
4. Improves Skin Health
5. Can Help Manage Symptoms or Side Effects of Cancer
6. Soothes Pain and Inflammation
7. Helps Reduce Fatigue and Raise Alertness

Whatever your condition, and whatever essential oils you choose to use, always consult your doctor before embarking on a new treatment plan.

Also, be sure to only acquire essential oils from approved sources and don’t attempt to mix and use oils unless you have been trained as a professional aromatherapist.

Download Introduction to Aromatherapy Guide..

To your good health