Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is still not clearly understood, in terms of what it is and how it helps promote health and well-being. Aromatherapy means using essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to harmonize and give balance to your body, mind and spirit.

People who use aromatherapy are not necessarily ill. Some enjoy it because it soothes and relaxes them. Remember that when the mind is relaxed and at ease, the body becomes healthier too.

How is aromatherapy being used?

Aromatherapy is being used successfully in a number of areas. The central nervous system can be affected by certain types of oil, can reduce anxiety and depression, calm and relax you, even help you fall asleep. Other types of oils can energize and stimulate you. Aromatherapy has no side effects, it’s cheap, and you can use it anytime, night or day.

It is also used as a pain reliever during childbirth. Women nowadays prefer to experience the entry of their child into the world and don’t want the traditional methods used in most hospitals. Women have also been using aromatherapy to relieve menstrual cramps and those going through menopause.

Combining aromatherapy with massage can make the results of both therapies even greater, with huge improvements in well being and increased levels of relaxation. In those cases, the oils used aromatherapy are absorbed through the skin as well as through the nose.

Some Common Oils and Their Uses

You can do your own aromatherapy with the purchase of the oils and a burner, or you can add oils to your bath for a truly uplifting or calming experience, depending on the oils you choose. If you use a burner, you should know that the oil must be diluted in water before adding to the burner. Generally only about three or four drops of oil needs to added to about 10 drops of water.

Lavender is a commonly used oil with a variety of applications. It serves to calm you and also has antibacterial properties which help skin heal after being burned. The relaxing power of lavender is helpful at bedtime to allow you to fall asleep. It also relieves headaches.

When Lavender is mixed with peppermint, another widely used essential oil, it helps you overcome fatigue and exhaustion. It helps stimulate your memory, and improves your mood, and mental clarity.

Peppermint, and similar oils, like ginger, juniper, rosemary, clove, and eucalyptus decrease congestion. If you need to lower your stress levels, try jasmine or rose. When you’re feeling blue and your spirit needs a lift, the citrus oils will help. Use lemon, bergamot, or mandarin.

For women suffering from hormonal imbalance, sage and geranium are helpful. For those going through menopause, they can combine the two, along with lavender, chamomile, Melissa, bergamot, or ylang ylang.