This article is offered for free use in your ezine or on your web site, so long as
author resource box at
end is included, with hyperlinks. Notification of publication would be appreciated.Aromatherapy
Aroma – fragrance or smell Therapy - treatment
Aromatherapy is a based on
use of pure essential and absolute oils. It is a holistic form of treatment which has been found to work on
physical, emotion and spiritual levels. There benefit can be felt psychologically and physically.
The oils used come from a variety of plants and are prepared from flowers, fruit, bark or roots. There is a couple of different methods of preparation used; steam distilled or cold-pressed.
Essential oils are usually used through massage, baths, compresses or inhalation. When they are used in massage and bathing, essential oils are absorbed though
skin into
bloodstream.
Essential oils that are inhaled are believed to offer benefits both psychologically and physically. The oil molecules stimulate scent receptors in
brain that trigger a response in
part of
brain that influences heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.
Essential oils are often blended together for specific therapeutic action or just because they create a pleasing aroma. A blend of well selected oils can be of greater benefit than just one oil on its own.
Aromatherapy provides health and body care on a completely natural basis, and
subtle qualities of
oils lend themselves best to a gradual experience.
Only
highest quality of essential oils should be used in aromatherapy. The majority of essential oils produced in
world market are used in
food flavour and fragrance industry, so essential oils are often found on
market adulterated with similar essential oils, chemicals and synthetics.
Not all ready-made aromatherapy products labelled with
word 'aromatherapy' are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit
A look at some popular remedies.
Lavender For temporary relief of headaches. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage pressure points, or add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to 1 litre of cold water for compress. To help relieve nervous tension, mild anxiety, stress and insomnia. Add 6 drops to 10ml base oil or base cream and massage pressure points. Alternatively add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath; or add 6 drops to vapouriser. Temporary relief of bronchial coughs and
relief of symptoms of catarrh, cold and flu. Add 6 drops to 10ml Vegetable Glycerine and add mixture to bath; or 6 drops to 1 litre steaming water, cover head with towel and inhale for 5 minutes. Asthmatics should avoid inhalation method. If cough persists, consult a health care professional.