What Is Aromatherapy?

« « Essential Oils : The Basics | Aromatherapy Reduces Stress » »

Monday, June 22nd, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

by Evan Tannaer

Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant oils to enhance well being and was first developed through the use of various kinds of natural plant extracts and essences. Typically, aromatherapy blends would contain pure essential oils, which are yielded from different plants. Roots, flowers, barks and peels are distilled or cold preserved in order to get the oils used in aromatherapy. Of course, they make sure that the process doesn’t do anything to change its purity.

For centuries the use of aromatherapy to helped people care for their mind, body and soul. But aromatherapy was first introduced to the modern world by a chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse who became interested in the idea of healing ones body through the use of various essential oils. He was the first to use the technique of distilling plants to produce these oils. He was also the first, in the modern world, to learn about the healing effects of these oils.

Aromatherapy has been proven to help reduce stress. It can relieve discomfort and anxiety as well as feelings of pain, like a headache, and helps the body relax. There are various kinds of aromatherapy oils and each and every one of these oils has a specific effect on the mind and body. Thus, the person has to choose the appropriate one for whatever it is they are feeling.

There is a long list of aromatherapy products that don’t just include oils. In fact, there are all sorts of aromatherapy products out there including candles, body salts, creams, shampoos, lotions and even aromatherapy perfumes. It just goes to show how popular these products are and how many people are looking for ways to help relieve the stress they are feeling the homeopathic way.

Lavender has proven to be the most popular aromatherapy scent. Lavender is the most effective when it comes to relieving stress and many salons as well as spas mix it with their products to help their clients relax and feel more comfortable. Aromatherapy has an effect on a person’s mood and emotions which is why many service oriented businesses, such as the ones mentioned above, always have them handy.

The use of aromatherapy is so effective that hospitals use it to help patients relax and put their minds at ease. In fact, even the staff themselves uses it to relieve stress. These help would them concentrate on their tasks better instead of being bothered by various aches and pains throughout the day. After all, in a hospital, the top priority would be the patients and how they are feeling. Besides, it would be less stressful for everyone if the patients are feeling nice and comfortable.

Aromatherapy acts on the central nervous system which reduces any feeling of anxiety and even depression. It gives the person a sense of inner calm as it signals the part of your brain which controls the way you feel. The oils that are used on the body also find their way to the bloodstream via the skins pores. From there, it would travel until it reaches your brain and gives you a relaxing sensation.

One of the best things about aromatherapy is that it is very inexpensive. Light up a candle, an incense stick or soak yourself in a bath using aromatherapy salts and oils. Whichever aromatherapy product you use, the results would remain the same. You’ll have a calmer, clearer mind and a totally relaxed body which is free from tension and any form of stress.

About the Author:

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries for a wide variety of conditions. You can take advantage of these alternative methods yourself by using my just released guide “Aromatherapy Use”. You’ll be amazed at the variety of different aromatherapy uses. Explore the possibilities yourself!

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.