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What is Aromatherapy
ShareAromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, mental and spiritual well being.
Aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, mental and spiritual well being. It is where a plant’s essential oils are taken from its flowers, leaves, bark or roots. The oil is the massage into the skin, inhaled it used as a fragrance in a room.
As far back as Egyptian times, essential oils were made by soaking plants and filtering the oil through a linen bag.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, these then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions.
Many essential oils aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, but have been shown to be safe when used as directed. When applied directly to the skin (apart from lavender oil), adverse side effects may occur.
If you're considering aromatherapy, it is important to consult your doctor and a trained aromatherapist about any possible side effects.
What is Aromatherapy used for?
Aromatherapy is used both emotionally to invigorate, calm, relieve stress and more, and physically to help relieve certain conditions such as lavender oil for some skin conditions.
Essential oils can be applied by a qualified aromatherapist, who can mix a custom blend of oils for a specific complaint, or can be bought individually in health food stores.
Traditionally, essential oils are used by:
- Mixing them with a carrier oil or a lotion and massaging them into the skin.
- Inhaling during an aromatherapy session.
- Adding them to bathwater.
Promotes Deep Sleep
A 2005 study published in the journal Chronobiology International found that lavender essential oil acts as a mild sedative and promotes deep sleep. In the study, 31 healthy sleepers spent three nights in a sleep lab: one to adapt to the study, the next with lavender oil administered into the air and the third with a control (distilled water) stimulus.
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