Aromatherapy

Archive for January, 2007

Increasingly, aromatherapy is one of the most fashionable types of alternative medicine in the world today. Perhaps one of the reasons it is so popular is that it is quite helpful for a number of different applications. In the world of medicine, there are a number of different applications. Women use it to ease labor pains on a regular basis. It has even been used to help rehabilitate people with heart problems. You don’t have to be sick to benefit from aromatherapy, though. It can simply help you to focus your mind. It can improve your memory, improve your mood, it can even invigorate you after a long night. In order to truly understand the world of aromatherapy, though, you must also understand the meaning of the term “notes.â€

Aromatherapy is based on the use of essential oils. There are a number of different essential oils that are used in most aromatherapy circles. Most recognize more than 150 different essential oils as important to the practice of aromatherapy. In order to help classify these essential oils, notes or the characteristics of the scent are used. There are three types of notes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes.

Top notes, on a general basis, are essential oils that tend to evaporate rather quickly. For the most part, essential oils that are classified as top notes tend to have anti-viral properties. Top notes are almost always quite fresh. They usually have properties that make them seem uplifting. They are also lighter scents than most. If you go to purchase essential oils that have been classified as top notes, they are usually quite inexpensive. They act very quickly. They usually have very little substance, and the first whiff of a top note essential oil will give you a good impression of the oil itself. Top notes do not last as long as some others. Top notes include basil, bergamot, cajuput, cinnamon, clary sage, corriander, eucalyptus, grapefruit, hyssop, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mandarin, tangerine, neroli, verbana, nialoui, orange, peppermint, petitgrain, ravensara, sage, spearmint, tagetes, tea tree, and thyme.

Most essential oils fit in the category of middle notes. Middle notes tend to be most helpful in giving a sense of body to whatever essential oils blend they are being used in. They do a good job of balancing the blends, which is one of the reasons they are so popular. For the most part, when you go to smell an essential oils blend, the middle notes will not always hit you at once. It may take a few minutes before you even notice them in any essential oils blend. Middle notes are warmer style fragrances. They have soft overtones that make them perfect for blending. Middle notes include bay, black pepper, cardamom, chamomile, cypress, fennel, geranium, ho leaf, ho wood, hyssop, juniper, lavender, marjoram, melissa, myrtle, nutmeg, palma rosa, pine, rosemary, spikenard, yarrow.

Essential oils that are called base notes tend to be heavier than any other notes. They have a very solidified scent. Base notes stay present for a much longer period of time than any other oil, and they can truly help to slow down the level of evaporation most other essential oils experience. These are very intense experiences. Their rich nature tends to be relaxing for most, and they also tend to be the most expensive of all aromatherapy essential oils. Base notes include balsam peru, cassia, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger, jasmine, myrrh, neroli, oak moss, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, valerian, vanilla, vetiver, and ylang ylang.

If you intend to make your own combinations of notes, there are several important points to keep in mind. Remember that top notes hit hard to begin with, but leave quickly. Try balancing them evenly with a blend of middle notes and base notes. Remember that you want your final blend to be emotionally enjoyable. Blending your own notes to make sure that you get a scent that works for you or anyone you intend to give it to is essential for the perfect aromatherapy procedures. Enjoy your blending experience.

Aromatherapy has around for thousands of years. Ancient Egypt, Italy, India, and China used plant essential oils. It uses the medicinal properties of the essential oils of herbs and plants. Aromatherapy is widely practiced in North America and Europe as a part of spa treatments and holistic treatments of illnesses. The oils are extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, and roots. Diffusers are used to project the scent into a room in a fast and efficient way.

Aromatherapy oils can affect almost any part of the body. It can be used as an antiviral, tranquilizer, diuretic, and antibacterial and for stimulation of the senses. The molecules from the essential oils are pulled in through the nasal cavity and goes to the limbic system in the brain. This part of the brain influences emotions, memories and is linked to the adrenal, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. These glands are important because they regulate heart rate, reduce stress, improve memory, keep your hormones balanced, and help with breathing. Essential oils used in aromatherapy can immediately balance the emotional and physiological parts of our brain. They are toxic if taken internally but can be used orally with the guidance of a professional trained in this field.

Diffusers put the essential oils into the atmosphere and start healing almost instantly. Various ailments such as allergies, stress, burns, earache, PMS, insect bites, and insomnia showed improvement with the use of aromatherapy. There are many more illnesses that aromatherapy is able to help.

There are several means of diffusing essential oils and using them in treating various ailments and allergies. You can start with something that is simple and with items we normally all have in our homes. Drop little drops of essential oils on a tissue and put it on a table close to you. This is an easy form of diffusion. Any movement in the room or by you will release a new wave of scent into the atmosphere.

Steam inhalation is also used for respiratory problems, Remember the Vicks rub on the chest with your head hanging over a kettle of steam? We experienced a sense of relief and easier breathing after it was over. Placing a few drops of oil into a bowl of boiling water can set up steam diffusion. It should be around 10 drops to be effective. The steam will allow them to spread quickly throughout a room by evaporation. This is a quick diffusion method but doesn’t last long.

Candle diffusion is another way of sending the scent throughout a room. Allow a candle to burn for about five minutes, blow it out, and then place one drop of scented oil in the melted wax. Be sure not to get it on the wick, and then relight the candle. Essential oils are flammable, be careful when using the candle diffusion method.

Lamp rings are also favorites for essential oil diffusion. They are inexpensive and the scented oil is placed in a groove around the ring and then placed on the lamp. The oil if dropped on the lamp can cause the bulb to burst, so care should be used.

As with all the above heat methods of diffusion, it’s important to remember that heating can reduce the ingredients in the essential oils and they may not be as effective.

The cold method of diffusion is one that is most recommended. It consists of a small pad that you place a few drops of oil on and then place it on a tray. The fan will then blow across the pad and fill the room with fragrance. You will need to be sure the fan size will fill the room you are using it in. Some may be too small for rooms and the benefits are reduced. You can buy these diffusers as either battery operated or by electricity. Some will have the ability to convert from battery to electrical with an adapter.

Fan diffusers can be found in many different shapes and sizes. It will be easy for you to find the size you need for the room you wanting the aromatherapy. Fan diffusers are portable and can be moved from room to room. It’s easy to change the pad in the diffuser and place it in your child’s room to ease cold symptoms.

Why is it that losing weight is such a difficult thing to do? Human beings continuously fight added pounds with diets, pills and surgery. There are an abundance of fad diets, even some useful diets, but all of these must be scaled to the individual. You must be in good health and a doctor’s recommendation never hurts. Then you need to find a suitable diet with an appropriate program for your lifestyle. There’s no point in trying to shed pounds with a regiment of diet and exercise that you can’t commit to.

Or you can try to lose weight with the help of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the art of using essential oils to benefit you both physically and mentally. These essential oils are distilled from various plant materials including flowers, berries, bark, fruit or leaves. These essential oils are easily available at your local grocery store or from any health shop and are reasonably priced.

One method of benefiting by using aromatherapy in your weight loss program is to use some of the essential oils in either therapeutic massage or by putting them in your bath. The essential oil juniper helps rid your body of its poisons. Fennel oil is a diuretic and rosemary helps your body to remove waste by stimulating the lymphatic system. While these may seem like little steps, it is with little steps that the big picture can be accomplished.

Another way to use the essential oils of aromatherapy is for appetite suppression. It’s the ones that are most related to food that may help. Try to inhale deeply for five to seven minutes one of either cinnamon, ginger, grapefruit, orange, oregano, tangerine or vanilla. This can help to contain your need for a big meal or even stop you from wanting something to snack on at that moment.

For many, being overweight is caused by not being happy, food replaces that which is missing in our lives. Remember the link between aromas and emotions are very strong. Ever try to eat a favorite food while holding your nose? The taste just isn’t the same. By using aromatherapy to improve the well-being of the body and the mind you an help the weight loss process be more successful.

What you want to do to begin with is decide what you are suffering and so what you want help with. That is the starting point of any weight loss program.

If what you want to do is try and increase your feeling of well-being then try breathing in a little jasmine oil. Or if you want to make yourself feel more contented try using lemon, grapefruit, orange, or sandalwood oils. To lift you up if you’re dealing with feeling depressed try clary sage, lemon, jasmine, grape fruit or sandalwood oils. All of these essential oils will make you feel better about yourself. Many of the same essential oils will also help melt the stress away. At the same time using vanilla oil will help control your cravings for sweets and we all know what weight gainers these can be.

Now, there are several ways to use the essentials oils mentioned. A therapeutic massage with aromatherapy is one. That wondrous feeling as a trained therapist massages the stress away while at the same time treating your everyday woes with essential oils. But there are several other methods available. You can put the essential oils in a pot or use a burner. Scented candles not only put the fragrances you need into the air, but add a calming accent to any room.

How about trying a few drops on your pillow before you go to sleep? Then all night long you’ll be inhaling the oils. You’re bound to wake up feeling great. What about when you’re at work, driving somewhere or out for an evening and you still want to keep those good feelings to help you control the munchies? Simply put a few drops on a hanky and breathe it in when you feel the need for a pick me up. As long as you use aromatherapy as your partner in weight loss it will help you to succeed with careful calorie intake and the right exercise protocol.

The use of aromatherapy to ease symptoms of postpartum can be quite effective. At one time, the diagnosis of postpartum as a form of depression was not recognized or given the attention that it was due. These days, things have changed and there are many treatments for this ailment. Aside from aromatherapy, other methods are used. Some have cited the ingestion of the placenta after birth as a way of relieving the depression associated with postpartum. Obviously, this is an extreme treatment. Another treatment involves the injection of Progesterone. This chemical has the ability of reintroducing certain hormone levels that are lost during the process of giving birth. All of these treatments are effective, but for those who prefer a more natural approach, aromatherapy poses a perfect substitute.

The technique of using aromatherapy to help alleviate the symptoms of postpartum is very simple. By introducing essential oils to the mother, this helps redirect the hormonal balance that is lost in the process of childbirth. The normal stresses of motherhood, such as changing diapers, getting up with the child in the middle of the night, feeding the child (this especially includes breastfeeding) and all of the other errands associated with taking care of the baby is only intensified by the hormonal imbalance produced by childbirth.

New mothers needn’t be reluctant to request some ‘alone time’ in order to relieve the stress of motherhood, escape the pressures of child rendering and receive regular treatments of Aromatherapy. Social stresses are often the most strenuous, especially for a new mother. The opportunity to get away from such tumultuous stimuli and ease the tension that she has received as a result is important. Just the very relaxing, soothing atmosphere related to aromatherapy is, in itself, a therapeutic activity. Getting alone in a room where all sources of stress are removed is not only a common sense remedy, but it undoubtedly reserves some psychological and emotional appeasement that will ease the symptoms of postpartum.

But, not only is aromatherapy helpful in just being a source of solitude and quiet, but it actually helps maintain and re-enact the hormonal/chemical balance which is associated with postpartum symptoms. By mixing the essential oils of geranium, grapefruit and neroli and pouring the mixture in a bath, one can enjoy the relaxing setting of a bath or aromatic essential oils that are inhaled. This inhaled batch is good for re-balancing the hormonal mess that is what is left after childbirth. But this is only one method.

Another method is, preferably after taking a bath, rub any mixture of oils, such as what was listed above, or clary sage, rose and bergamot, onto your tummy. This will not only produce an immediate calming sensation, but the absorption of the essential oils into the skin will again help regain that chemical imbalance one had before pregnancy; and help keep your sanity. This tummy rub can be done from the area between the breasts all the way down to the pubic line. Not only will absorption occur, but inhalation will as well. It is best to breathe deeply the aromatic oils released on your body as you rub. This will have the twofold effect of skin receiving the essential oils through it and it will be breathed in.

For the best results, doing this about three times a week will ensure that it will be effective. Ask for a babysitter or have your husband or partner watch the child, or children, while this is done. There are a variety of mixtures that can be used in concert with the fore mentioned blends. These include angelica, bergamot and geranium or mandarin, neroli and immortelle to just name a few. These mixtures can all be either diffused in a bathtub, a diffuser, or simply a rub. The methods are numerous, but the results are usually similar. But, the important thing to remember when treating postpartum by aromatherapy is time. It is not a method that should be rushed. This is because it is not just the chemical effectiveness that is involved, but also the discontinuity from the daily drudgery. It is of the essence of ‘getting away’ from everything and removing one’s self from the stress of daily motherly duties that works in concert with the chemical side. These techniques are the ones most likely to make aromatherapy for treating postpartum successful.

Aromatherapy is one of the most powerful homeopathic ways to change your mood and your sense of well being. Deciding which aromatherapy scent is right for you, though, can be a bit tough at times. Following these guidelines should help you decide on an aromatherapy scent to match your needs.

Eucalyptus is more than just Koala food. It’s the number one aromatherapy scent. The long, pale green leaves have a distinct scent that opens and clears the nasal passages. Eucalyptus oil has long been an active ingredient in cough drops and medicines. Holistic practitioners use eucalyptus to treat respiratory problems, such as coughs, colds, and asthma. There are many different ways you can use Eucalyptus in your aromatherapy practices. Applying eucalyptus in a carrier-oil to the chest when you’re coming down with a cold or feeling congested can help open up breathing. Eucalyptus also helps to boost the immune system and relieve muscle tension. It’s nice to add a Eucalyptus ingredient to a warm bath after a long day. It will have you feeling like yourself in no time.

Ylang Ylang is the flower of the Canaga tree, which is native to rainforest climates. The curly flower has been used for years in other cultures to help with a number of ailments. Ylang Ylang has a fresh, floral fragrance. This essential oil can do a number of things in your aromatherapy regiment. It can help with relaxation not only of the mind, but also of the body. It makes a good antidepressant. It can help to relieve stress. Some say it can even help relieve hypertension. It is important, though, not to overuse this oil, as it can cause headaches or nausea when inhaled too much.

Geraniums are not just for your spring garden. They are one of the single most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy today. Geranium oil is a woman’s miracle. One of its most important functions comes in relieving menstrual cramps, which is always a blessing. Geranium oil, though, can also help to balance the hormone swings you may feel each month. It’s not just to help you deal with your cycle each month, though. It can also help with the toning and balancing of the skin, which means you don’t have to add all of those expensive anti-aging products to your morning regimen. Geranium oil has both sedative and stimulant qualities, so it is important not to use it right before bed, as it may keep you up all night.

Peppermint oil is another one of the most important oils in any good aromatherapy kit. Peppermint is used commercially in various forms already, like breath mints, toothpaste and antacids, but it has many other great properties. This essential oil can relieve many different aches and pains. Use it the next time you find yourself with a headache. If lunch just didn’t sit well with you, try it to soothe digestive disorders. If your workout is a bit too rigorous, try rubbing it on your sore muscles for some pain relief. Peppermint is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, and with the aid of a doctor, is also known to help dissolve gallstones.

Lavender is a common perfume fragrance, used commercially in fabric softeners and air fresheners, but it is also one of the most popular aromatherapy scents. It not only has an uplifting, relaxing effect, but is also used to treat burns, cuts, scrapes or other mild wounds. It’s also great for the skin, as it can help with the toning and lifting you may need.

Lemon is a refreshing, clean aromatherapy scent. Lemon oil is a great deodorizer and household cleaner, but it also has health benefits. It’s used with a variety of ailments, such as athlete’s foot, flu and colds, as well as varicose veins and warts.

While you may only think of sage as you make your Thanksgiving stuffing, it is also one of the most popular aromatherapy scents on the market. It is a natural painkiller that is helpful in treating muscular aches and pains. It is very relaxing, and it can help with insomnia. It can also be quite helpful in restoring a hormone balance throughout the body.

Tea Tree oil is another great aromatherapy scent. As natural anti-fungal oil, it is wonderful for dealing with infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast problems. It can help to boost your immune system to keep you healthy on a year round basis.

Chamomile, one of the oldest aromatherapy scents, can help to soothe sleeplessness and anxiety away. This relaxing oil might also be a good solution to any muscle aches or tension you are experiencing. Ancient cultures used it to treat infection and soothe patients.

Rosemary is also a very popular aromatherapy scent. This uplifting oil offers your body the stimulation you may need to get going. It helps to fight off infections by stimulating the immune system, and it may help to stimulate your digestive tract if you are having any problems.

Choosing the right aromatherapy scent for you is an essential step in proper use of this homeopathic procedure.