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A little self-care goes a long way in improving one’s well-being, and aromatherapy is one that has become increasingly popular. Aromatherapy has been around for a long time, and it is used to promote health and wellbeing. You may have stumbled on other websites where it is also referred to as essential oil therapy, as both terms can be used interchangeably. Just in case you wonder what aromatherapy really means, how aromatherapy can be used, the benefits of aromatherapy and even the side effects of aromatherapy, this article is for you.
What Is Aromatherapy All About?
Aromatherapy uses essential and aromatic oils medicinally and in other contemporary forms to boost the health of the mind, body, and soul. It improves both emotional and physical wellness which is what has made it so popular. Aromatherapy is more than just the act, it is also an art that applies scientific processes.
Essential oils are mostly used in aromatherapy and have been used for over 6000 years. These oils are used to treat medical conditions and have proven to be effective. Essential oils are gotten from various plant extracts and can sometimes be mixed with other oils or substances to give a more potent mixture.
Aromatherapy can be applied in different ways and I’ll be discussing some of these methods below.
How To Use Aromatherapy
The versatility and different ways of using aromatherapy are what has made it one of the best forms of self-care. Have a little R&R moment and indulge in all the various ways aromatherapy can uplift your body and mind.
1. Surface Application
One of the significant ways to use essential oils is to apply them topically. Skincare products, massage oils, and bath products are all absorbed through the skin. A full body massage does wonders, and it is made better by massaging essential oils into the body. It can boost the circulation of blood and improve the flow and absorption of these oils. The best thing about essential oils is that they can also be applied to the head for a scalp massage. Some essential oils used in aromatherapy or aromatherapy essential oils include; sweet orange, tea tree oil, frankincense, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, to mention but a few.
It is important to note that some essential oils are never applied directly to the skin. They are mixed with carrier oils to dilute the potency or concentration. Some common carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil. A few drops of essential oils to an ounce of carrier oils is how it’s usually mixed.
2. Inhalation
Diffusers, sprays, scented candles, oil droplets, and inhalers are some of the ways essential oils can be used. Aromatherapy oils give off pleasant and soothing smells and also provide decongestion, respiratory disinfection, and improve your overall respiratory abilities.
There are also psychological benefits to using aromatherapy through inhalation. The molecules from the essential oil diffused into the air travel through the olfactory lobes, into the brain, and affects the limbic system. The system is responsible for your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, hormonal regulation, among many other things. So, aromatherapy has an encompassing effect on the entire body.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Although aromatherapy has been used medicinally, it is not a cure for illnesses and diseases. It is used to aid conventional treatment and boost the healing process. Some of the well-known benefits of aromatherapy include:
- Reliving fatigue
- Improving sleep
- Reduces pains and body aches when used for a massage
- Helps alleviate emotional distress like depression, anxiety, stress, and agitation.
- Helps with menstrual and menopausal problems.
- Improves circulation and respiration.
There are other problems that can benefit from aromatherapy. Before embarking on the use of any essential oils as an additional treatment for illnesses, you should consult with your doctor first.
Essential Oils Used In Aromatherapy
Some essential oils used in aromatherapy or aromatherapy essential oils include;
- Sweet orange
- Tea tree oil,
- Frankincense,
- Lavender oil,
- Eucalyptus oil
- Rosemary oil
- Peppermint oil
To mention a few.
Also, before using aromatherapy topically, a patch test should be conducted before use to avoid severe reactions to the oils. An allergy test should also be done to make sure you don’t react to any of the essential oils.
In conclusion, aromatherapy and essential oils are very powerful oils that can help emotions, mind and body in different ways. Practising some self-love doesn’t have to cost much, and aromatherapy is a great first choice.
