Aroma Therapy uses essential oils, that are the distilled essences of herbs, plants, flowers and trees. These oils smell wonderful and are a pleasure to use. It’s this smell that usually attracts people to them for treating a variety of physical and mental conditions, from skin infections to stress.
An essential oil’s effectiveness is due to its unique molecular structure and its ability to penetrate the skin. When inhaled, a true essential oil travels to the olfactory bulb (nose) and is then transmitted to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls memory and emotional response. The subtle effects of essential oils can produce changes in relaxation, stimulation, and skin condition. The term “Aromatherapy” was coined in 1928 by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefoss. His interest in using essential oils therapeutically was stimulated by a laboratory explosion in his family’s perfumery business, in which his hand was severely burned. He plunged the injured hand into a container of lavender oil and was amazed at how quickly it healed. Research done by Dr. Rachel Hertz found that, memories evoked by our sense of smell are more emotional than memories evoked by our other senses, including sight, sound and touch. Our odor memory bank is housed in the brain’s limbic system. Limbic system controls or modifies our emotional and sexual response, hunger and thirst responses, artistic abilities, perceptions of space, body temperature, and cognitive ability. This portion of the brain also receives and stores information experienced by all the other senses. The electrical signals released by the sense of smell may trigger our strongest memories of the past. Positive or negative, our reaction to odor depends on our own personal and unique odormemory association.
Types Of Aroma Therapy
a) Cosmetic Aroma therapy
b) Massage Aroma therapy
c) Olfactory Aroma therapy Cosmetic
Aroma therapy uses essential oils in facial, skin, body and hair care products. Essential oils can be toning, cleansing, drying or moisturizing. Certain oils are appropriate for various skin and hair types. An aromatherapy facial demonstrates the versatility of essential oils in promoting healthy skin. A full-body or foot bath is a simple way to experience cosmetic aromatherapy on a personal level. A few drops of the appropriate oil in a warm bath will create a rejuvenating, revitalizing experience .Essential oils supplement the healing touch of massage aromatherapy with wonderful aromas.
Add a few drops of oil to one ounce of pure vegetable carrier oil, such as almond, grapesed or jojoba, and apply liberally during mass age. The benefits of olfactory aromatherapy are experienced when essential oils are inhaled. Direct inhalation or diffusion will enhance emotional wellness, calm, relax or rejuvenate. Pleasurable scents unlock odor memories, trigger our emotions and release stress. Essential oils bring the body back into harmony with itself by encouraging the natural forces within to realign. It is a complement to, not a replacement for, medical treatment. History The following is a short history of Aromatherapy and Aromatic medicine.
As you will see, Aromatherapy has its roots firmly implanted in human history as one of the oldest and purest forms of treatment for medicinal reasons and for human wellness. Aromatic medicine, the ancient beginnings of the art of aromatherapy, was recorded in both Egypt and India more than 4,000 years ago. The Egyptians used aromatic plants to create massage oils, medicines, embalming preparations, skin care products, fragrant perfumes and cosmetics. Plant aromatics were also utilized in India as part of the ancient medical practice known as Ayurveda. Many of these practices are still in existence today. At the beginning of this century, particularly in France and England, a movement by noted doctors and scholars in the naturopathic and medical communities prompted a reawakening to the benefits of natural medicine and aromatherapy. Today in England and the United States, aromatherapy is a commonly accepted alternative medicine. In France, it is common to find doctors who practice aromatherapy, pharmacies that sell essential oils and health insurance companies that reimburse for treatments using these approaches. Casual ways of using the Aromas.
– In Bathing
– In Massage
– Perfume
Your Room In your Bath- Add 5-10 drops of your chosen oil to your bath then sink in and relax. Inhaling the wonderful aromas will soothe your mind, and the oils will have a beneficial effect on your body. Only pour oil into your bath once its been run otherwise the oil will evaporate with the heat of the water and you\’ll loose the therapeutic properties before you even get in! For Massage- Mix 3-4 drops of essential oil into 10ml (2 teaspoons) of a neutral carrier oil such as sweet almond oil, and use to massage your body -or ask someone to massage you! Alternatively, choose one of the pre-blended oils currently on the market. Most aroma-therapists believe that you are naturally drawn to the oils that will do you most good at that time. To perfume you\’re room- Fragrance your room and indulge in the beneficial scent. Clay burners are readily available to diffuse oils into the air. You add the oil to some water in the bowl at the top, the light the night candle underneath. This will prevent the oil from burning and help to create sweet smelling steam, alternatively put a few drops of your favourite oil on a light bulb in your room.
AROMA THERAPY TIPS
1. If you don’t want to buy individual essential oils buy them ready blended, or treat yourself to bath and body products that contain them.
2. Some oils are thought to carry some risk during pregnancy. For this reason, consult a qualified aroma-therapist for advice if you are expecting a child and want to use essential oils.
3. Don’t try to treat medical conditions with them – always consult your GP.
4. Essential oils go a long way so they are worth it even if they are expensive.
5. Don’t apply essential oils to the skin undiluted, as they are far too concentrated in this form and can result in inflammation. The only exception is lavender, which can be used directly on the skin, otherwise essential oils should be used with carrier oils.
6. Don’t take essential oils internally. They are 50-100 times more powerful than the plant they are extracted from.
7. Don’t apply oils to areas of broken, inflamed, or recently scarred skin.
8. Using Aroma therapy shut the door of the room to prevent the aromas from escaping.
9. For immediate results try inhaling the steam. Add about 4 drops of your chosen oil to a bowl of hot water, lean over and cover your head with a towel. Inhale deeply for about 5 minutes.
10. Place a few drops of your favorite oil on a tissue, so you can inhale it whenever you like. Eucalyptus is great if your sinuses are blocked and you have a cold. Alternatively sprinkle a few drops of chamomile or lavender on your pillow to help you sleep.
