WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being, also called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses fragrant essential oils medically to improve the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Aromatherapy is considered to be both an art and a science. Aromatherapy is gaining more and more recognition in the scientific and medical fields.
HOW IT WORKS
Experts believe that aromatherapy activates areas of the nose called olfactory receptors, which send messages to the brain through the nervous system.
The oil activates certain areas of the brain involved in emotions, such as the limbic system. It may also affect the hypothalamus, which may respond to oil by producing beneficial brain chemicals such as serotonin.
Some experts believe that applying essential oils to the skin causes reactions in other parts of the body, such as the skin and joints.
THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY
- Manage pain
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety
- Soothe sore joints
- Treat headaches and migraines
- Alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
- Ease discomfort of labour
- Fight bacteria, virus, or fungus
- Improve digestion
- Improve hospice and palliative care
THE BENEFITS OF EACH OIL
- Lavender Oil: Relaxes, aids sleep, relieves headaches and tension.
- Peppermint Oil: Eases nausea, boosts clarity, soothes headaches, cools muscles.
- Tea Tree Oil: Antiseptic, treats acne, clears airways, soothes skin.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Clears congestion, relieves pain, repels insects, aids focus.
- Lemon Oil: Uplifts, energises, boosts immunity, detoxifies.
- Rosemary Oil: Sharpens memory, eases pain, stimulates hair growth, uplifts mood.
- Chamomile Oil: Calms, aids sleep, soothes skin, eases digestion.
- Frankincense Oil: Reduces stress, boosts immunity, nourishes skin, enhances spirituality.
- Ylang Ylang Oil: Lifts mood, reduces stress, enhances libido, balances skin.
- Sandalwood Oil: Relaxes, aids meditation, soothes skin, uplifts mood.
RISKS
Because each essential oil has its own unique chemical structure and intended use, consult a licensed aromatherapist, nurse, physician, physical therapist, massage therapist, or pharmacist before applying or using any oil for healing purposes. Consultation is important.
A trained professional can recommend and teach product use, providing correct application or dilution instructions.
Some beauty and household products such as lotions, cosmetics, and candles contain products that look like essential oils when they are actually synthetic fragrances.
Like medicines, essential oils must be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and follow instructions carefully.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to prevent irritation.
- Perform a patch test before using a new essential oil to check for any allergic reactions.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
