Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of fragrances to maintain and promote physiological and physical well-being. The basis of aromatherapy lies in the essential aromatic plant oils. Essential oils are extracted from the plant materials—leaves, flowers,roots, bark, etc. These oils are highly concentrated but it can be used either in the pure or the diluted form to produce the desired effect.
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Essential oils have been found to produce healing effects to treat physical illnesses as well as improve the mental and spiritual well-being. Some medical plants that produce essential oils include lavender, lemon, cedarwood, rosemary, ylang ylang,etc.
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The sense of smell
The sense of smell in human beings may not be as sharp as those, animals although human do have the capacity to detect even a minute odor. Smells can have a profound impact on you, evoking strong emotional experiences. Pleasant fragnances are found to be associated with therapeutic benefits in all age groups.Additionally, the sense of smell is also crucial to the sense of taste. |  |
The tongue can only distinguish sweet, sour, bitter and salt, all other sensations perceived as taste are detected by olfactory receptors in your nasal passages.
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Odors directly affect the central nervous system triggering certain reactions in the brain. Studies suggest different odors stimulate different centers in the brain to release neurochemicals, which can affect your mood in many ways. For example,the pleasant odor of grapefruit stimulates the production of neurochemicals called enkephalins in the brain.
Enkephalins give a general sense of well-being. Likewise, inhalation of the sedatives or of marjoram stimulates the production of neurochemicals called serotonin which induces sleep. |  |
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Modes of application
In aromatherapy, essential oils are rarely used in their original concentrated form but are taken via a carrier substance into the body. Carrier substance can be oil,water, vegetable oils and creams, etc. The fragrance of essential oils are either inhaled directly or externally applied.
Inhalation: Inhalation therapy can be accomplished by inhaling the fragrance directly or indirectly with the help of devices like vaporizer, which converts the liquid to gaseous form of oil for inhalation. Inhalation is the easiest way for oils to enter your body.
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External application: External application includes massaging of essential oil on the skin or adding essential oils to a warm bath. For massaging,essential oils are diluted with other oils called carrier oil.
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Types of aromatherapy
Holistic aromatherapy: Holistic aromatherapy works on to improve a person’s physical situation by taking into account factors such as his or her lifestyle, emotional and mental well-being. It is the fastest stress releasing therapy as it works on the whole body. Mode of application is usually external and often used for the treatment of low back pain, arthritis, depression, anxiety, etc.
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Medical aromatherapy: Medical aromatherapy is practiced by physicians usually in conjunction with other therapies like homeopathy or all opathic therapies.It is particularly suited for severe or acute forms of physical ailments, such as serious bacterial infection.
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Clinical aromatherapy: Clinical aromatherapy works on to improve both the physical and mental well-being, with a strong emphasis on using aromatherapy as a support modality during serious illnesses.
Benefits of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy improves a person's sense of well-being by acting on the area of the brain that regulates emotions via the sense of smell. |  |
Following are some of the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy:
- Aromatherapy enhances your body’s natural regenerating and healing process helping you to restore balance to your body, mind and spirit.
- It can help prevent common illnesses by boosting the Immune System.
- It can minimize discomforts during illness and can speed up its recovery.
- It can reduce stress and minimize the physical discomforts they cause.
- It can elevate your mood and soothe your emotions.
- It can revitalize your skin, adding a healthy glow to your complexion.
- It can fight off cold and bacterial infections.
- It eases menstrual-associated problems.
- It relieves headaches and digestive problems.
- It relieves headaches and digestive problems.
- It eases muscles aches and pains.
- It promotes relaxation and enhances the quality of life.
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Precautions
Essential oils are powerful agents and some of them may cause irritation and skin sensitivity if they are not used in the correct way. They should be used only for the conditions to which they are best suited. Always seek the advice of a qualified aromatherapist. |