Aromatherapy - what is it good for?
Aromatherapy is a true holistic therapy, offering simultaneous healing on physical, emotional and energetic levels. Aromatherapy works by simply taking a deep breath or through massaging on the skin, where the aromatic molecules enter our blood stream and travel to all parts of our body.
It has been used for thousands of years. Aromatherapy uses concentrated oils that are made from the flowers, fruit, seeds, leaves, root or bark of plants. They are called essential oils.
There is some evidences that Aromatherapy may help with general health and well-being, anxiety and some side effects of cancer treatment. Aromatherapy is used to relieve stress, insomnia, anxiety, arthritis, to boost wellbeing, and even the pain of childbirth, among others.
The theory behind aromatherapy is that each essential oil has properties that give health benefits. Some essential oils are thought to:
- have an anti-inflammatory effect which may help with arthritis and muscular pain
- help to fight off infection
- help with sleeping problems and lessen anxiety
- change your heart or breathing rate or make you feel calm or excited
A research I read from a study of the Aromatherapy in the UK says that essential oil works in two ways:
- you absorb them through the skin into your body tissues
- they stimulate your sense of smell to set off a reaction in your body
As Aromatherapist I know that essential oils work because of chemicals in the oil. These bind with receptors in the part of our brain "the olfactory bulb" that has to do with smell. Therefore this affects the emotional centre of our brain limbic system. we have many systems when it comes to Anatomy & Physiology of the human body.
Aromatherapy massage
Today, aromatherapy is widely used in various health care settings: in hospitals for stress, nausea and cancer care; in senior care facilities for reducing agitation, improving sleep, and improving indoor air quality; and in massage therapy for relaxation and reducing body pain, due to sprains, strains, and tension.
Concentrated essential oils can cause severe skin damage. Some cancer treatments can make the skin more sensitive. The therapist will dilute the essential oils in a specific ratio of carrier oils and drops of essential oils, because the concentration of each essential oil is very powerful and should be used in moderation to get the effectiveness in the treatment goal.
Usually an aromatherapy massage is relaxing and soothing but sometimes can be invigorating. It all depends of the treatment goal the client is looking for.
Aromatherapy Safety
I do not recommend using essential oils without diluting them first. Add essential oils to a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut, almond, olive oil, grapeseed oil, or others, before using, but make sure you are not allergic to any of those carrier oils as some of them come from nuts. Diluting them in this way provides a measure of protection from skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even sensitization. Also citrus oils can be phytotoxic to the day light.
A general rule of thumb for diluting is to use fro children (6+), pregnant women, elderly adults, those with compromised immune systems, sensitive skin, or other serious health issues a 1% dilution (3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil).
A 2% dilution is acceptable for the average adult with no health issues. Higher dilutions can be used, depending on the situation and the health of the person they will be applied on.
I can give testimony of the wonders of the Aromatherapy has done on me and still use it on my children to help them to calm down specially my special needs son.
My first qualification was in 2007 back in UK, when studied a Diploma in Aromatherapy. I learnt a lot and I am still learning. It really is a glorious and effective treatment.
If you are ready to get the benefits of the Aromatherapy don't hesitate in contact me to create a special treatment goal with the essential oils.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only.
