Aromatherapy Benefits And How To Get Them

By Janelle Burnett


The theory of aromatherapy is pegged on the scientifically proven finding that breathing in a nice scent can alter the state of the mind inducing feelings of relaxation. Aromatherapy benefits come through inhaling scents as well applying essential oils topically. The oils are sourced from over 100 different botanical plants. The oils can be added into bath water, used as massage oil, they can be diluted and inhaled directly and they can be used as a spray to spread scent around a room.

The effect of scent comes from the inside through the immune system which is boosted by scent. It stimulates the system indirectly through the reactions that different scents bring on. A lot of the botanical plants from which essential oils are extracted from have different kinds of therapeutic properties. There are those that are effective as an anti-inflammatory, others are antiviral, pain relievers, anti-depressants and others have expectorant qualities. Oils that are stimulating, relaxing, that aid digestion and those that are diuretics are also available.

A lot of people are unaware of the strong effect of scents. Stopping to take in the scent of flowers relaxes one relaxed. The aroma of food being cooked when one walks through the door immediately makes one feel relaxed as they feel they can wind down and look forward to a hot meal. Also, babies have their own unique smell that makes one want to cuddle them. A whiff of feminine perfume stimulates men to do the same.

These reactions which are backed by scientific research prove that the section of the brain where emotions are processed and where the sense of smell is controlled is the same. A scent affects mood in a powerful way. Today, a variety of scented products are available on the market to exploit this. They come as essential oils, perfumed bath products, other body products like body creams and lotions, fragrant candles and many others. It has also become a part of several professional beauty services such as facials and massages.

There are three different types of aromatherapy. All three of them require essential oils to be diluted prior to use. Cosmetic aromatherapy involves the process of using essential oils with body products such as bath products and body care products like lotions and creams

The second option is massage therapy where essential oils are used to do massages. The third is olfactory aromatherapy where the fragrances from essential oils are released into the air and inhaled. With inhalation, the oil is applied to a cloth or sprayed into the air and then inhaled. There is also diffusion where the fragrances are evaporated into the air using devices like burners and diffusers.

Scent therapy is successfully used to alleviate stress, problems induced by psychosomatic conditions, skeletal and muscular pain, digestive problems, female health niggles like the cramps that come with menstruation as well as skeletal and muscular pain. Essential oils like eucalyptus also east coughs and colds, improve insomnia, sexual dysfunction in men, behavioral problems and disorders related to stress.

It is important that essential oils are used under the direction of a certified aromatherapist. This is because the oils are very concentrated and some have additional properties that users need to beware of. This is because the oils are extracted from live botanical plants. Some, for instance, can set off allergic reactions. People with hypertension, epilepsy, allergies and expectant mothers should be especially carefully when using different products for their aromatherapy benefits.




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