Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological, physical and spiritual well-being.
The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
For over 5,000 years, aromatherapy has been a trusted practice among cultures spanning the globe. Natural healers turn to aromatherapy for the many antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of aromatic essential oils.
Some of the most common reasons that people use essential oils, according to research done by the PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Board, include managing pain, improving sleep quality, reducing stress, overcoming symptoms of depression, soothing sore joints and much more.
Essential oils are the fragrant essence of a plant. These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties.
Essential oils are concentrated and should be applied to the skin with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Applying oils to the skin can cause harmful reactions, such as rashes or burns. When inhaled or applied to the skin, therapeutic-grade essential oils have been shown to help people overcome various health problems without the need for medications.
Aromatherapy can be performed in many different ways:
Aromatherapy has been studied in connection with improving both short-term health problems, along with more serious disorders. Research shows that anyone with the following health conditions can likely benefit from aromatherapy:
A growing pool of both human and animal studies has shown that aromatherapy oils can have both sedative and stimulant effects, plus positive effects on the immune system and central nervous system. Recently, studies conducted using functional imaging scans have showed that fragrant aromatherapy oils have positive effects on the primitive region in the brain called the limbic system, which helps control both emotional responses and behaviors.
The key to achieving results from aromatherapy is to use pure, therapeutic-grade oils rather than those with synthetic ingredients or fragrances. The effectiveness of aromatherapy practices always depends on the quality of the oils used, plus the dosage.
Custom crafted essential oil blends are a special aromatherapy blend (synergy blend) to help support self-help healing. In my role as an Aromatherapist, health advocate and aromatherapy self-help educator, I'm always interested in researching "what is right for you" specifically tailored to your needs. It's a wonderful, innovative process in the ability to discover any unique blends.
Blends are tailored to help the body psychologically and physiologically enhances the individual's innate process of healing.