Using Aromatherapy And Essential Oils For Overall Well Being
Aromatherapy is defined as the use of the therapeutic properties of plant oils which
include essential oils to improve or maintain psychological and physical well-being. Through the powerful sense of smell, using aromatherapy and essential oils for overall well being benefits the body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to promote emotional and physical health as well as the balance and healing of the body, mind and spirit. It has only been identified as aromatherapy within the last century. It is a multi-billion dollar industry but took a while to catch on as people began recognizing its benefits on the psyche.
Scientific research backs up aromatherapy claims that the molecules in an essential oil used in aromatherapy are picked up by the sensitive nerve receptors in the nose and sent to the limbic system (emotional center of the brain). The brain then secretes different chemicals with various psychological effects that include serotonin that seeks to relax and calm, endorphins to reduce pain, etc.
Aromatherapy oils or essential oils are liquids that are distilled or cold pressed from plants and flowers. Although they are called oils, they are not oily but usually clear. These liquids which contain the true essence of plants and flowers are highly concentrated and usually a drop is enough for single use.
Because pure essential oils are highly concentrated, they are strong and can burn or irritate the skin. Using a carrier oil such as sunflower, almond and grapeseed to dilute the pure oil concentrate is highly recommended to prevent skin irritation. This dilution does not affect the scent. To make your own blend, mix one or true drops of aromatherapy oils with a few teaspoons of a carrier.
Essential oils should be distinguished from fragrances or perfumes because the latter are artificially created or contain artificial components and do not offer any therapeutic benefits to the body, mind and spirit.
Aromatherapy is applied through inhalation such as in an aromatherapy bath as bath oils or the use of an essential oil diffuser to release the scent throughout the home. Another method to administer aromatherapy is directly in a diluted form on the skin through massage therapy by aromatherapy associates or during reflexology.
Lavender oil is commonly used for massage for soothing and relaxation. Certain essential oils are also used in facial acupuncture. Aromatherapy can also be used in the shower with an aromatherapy soap with invigorating components to jump start our days.
Aromatherapy oils are typically sold in a small bottle for individual use. There are a lot of very good essential oil blends available for sale which makes it sometimes unnecessary for you to mix these oils yourself. It is however important when purchasing to make certain of the purity of the oil.
With the availability of aromatherapy oils, there remains a vast difference in price and quality. With regards to quality, watch out for phrases such as essence of..., extract of..., etc as these are not pure essential oils and you shall not get the full therapeutic benefits as you would with pure essential oils.
It pays to spend a bit more on pure oils to get the full benefit of vitamins, antibiotics, antiseptics, etc that are not available in synthetic mixes and they small nicer. Most mass market brands sold in drugstores and such are usually worthless and you would simply be throwing your money away. Health food stores, bath and body stores, quality pharmacies, etc, are usually the best places to purchase aromatherapy oils.
Mixing the the oils yourself allows you some level of control over the blend. Also look for organic essential oils which contain no pesticides or other dangerous chemicals from the plants and flowers used in the distillation or cold pressing.
by: Jenny Mays
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