What Is Aromatherapy And How Does It Work
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Although it has only recently been called Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils for healing is documented in many of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Egyptians used many essential oils as a remedy against common illnesses. Since then most other civilizations have used the essential oils of plants and fruits as a healing balm or for changing an emotional state through scent. In Europe of the middle ages, a form of aromatherapy was used by apothecaries and witches. It was only in 1920’s that it was termed aromatherapy by the French chemist Rene Gattefosse.
How Does Aromatherapy Work ?
Aromatherapy works on all parts of the body. It can benefit skin complaints by massaging the essential oil into the skin. Some essential oils have a warming affect when applied to the body so they are good for soothing aches and pains. Aromatherapy also works by creating a scent that can change a person’s mood. They can make a someone who is stressed and uptight into a relaxed and calm person. They can help to lift people out of depression. In terms of massage an essential oil can be blended with other oils so that it is less concentrated and will not irritate the skin. For scents you can use air diffusers or scented candles.
Getting Started With Aromatherapy
The key to Aromatherapy is knowing what properties the various oils have and how to blend oils so that they are compatible. Once you have an idea of the kinds of essential oils you want to make then it is a case of getting the raw material and extracting the essential oil. This is normally done by steam distillation.
If you want to see an aromatherapist for advice or about problem then you could consult the International Journal of Aromatherapy web site (it lists licensed aromatherapists in various areas.) for an aromatherapist or look at your local holistic health.
As with anything else, there are some people who should not use aromatherapy. If you are pregnant the vapors from the essential oils may cause you to vomit or hyperventilate. If you have a serious heart condition, fever or swollen ankles from a heart or kidney condition you need to avoid essential oils because they can cause heart palpations or increase one’s blood pressure. If you have epilepsy, you cannot use essential peppermint oil because its vapors can trigger seizures. If one has varicose veins, recent scar tissue, inflamed areas of skin, or skin infections you cannot massage essential oils over these areas because they may become infected.
Aromatherapy can be a useful way to treat common and everyday problems that you face. It can also be an interesting hobby and source a relaxation in itself.
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