Aromatherapy and Its Benefits

For many centuries, aromatherapy has been a practiced art, utilizing the essence of plants and the sense of smell to stimulate and evoke emotions, feelings and healing of the body. Utilized throughout the ages, the practice of aromatherapy has been and has even been found as far back as ancient Egyptian civilizations as mentioned in various Egyptian, Indian, Greek Chinese and other literatures.

Using the sense of smell, certain fragrances can promote relaxation, revitalization and boost a person's mood. Peppermint and eucalyptus are used to stimulate the body while lavender and chamomile can promote calm and relaxation. Each variety of scent is used to evoke different results.

In a report released by Howard Hughes Medical Institute call "Seeing, Hearing & Smelling the World" - The body has the ability to distinguish between 10,000 different scents. The sense of smell is actually quite powerful as only a simple fragrance can trigger memories, emotions and feelings. As a person inhales, the scent is sent to the olfactory nerves and then travels to the limbic system. This system is in the brain and its purpose is to control our mood, memories and ability to learn. By stimulating this area with fragrances, the limbic system will then start to release endorphins, neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain that create that "feel good" feeling.

This form of therapy is also used by absorbing the essences of fruits, plants and blossoms into the blood stream. While this thought may seem a little scary, it is actually very safe. In fact, anyone who has rubbed lotion or creams on their skin or has partaken in the wonderful relaxation of a body massage has in fact experienced aromatherapy.

There are wide arrays of different fragrances utilized in aromatherapy. Essential oils are the practicing therapist's tool of choice as they are an all natural product obtained from the plants using an all natural extraction process. This process allows for these essential oils to remain pure, unlike synthetic made fragrances which can sometimes be harmful, harsh or cause allergic reactions.

Benefits of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is so simple; anyone can learn to practice it right in their own homes. There are many people who seek out massage therapy sessions and long, wonderful days at a spa in order to experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Although these methods are great if your pocketbook allows, there are simple and cost effective ways to create your own aromatherapy session right in the comfort of your own home. All that is required are candles, essential oils or bath oils, along with a burner or a diffuser. The next step in creating your own at home therapy session is to ensure that you have chosen a quiet, peaceful and comfortable room in the house in order to experience the maximum benefits.

- With aromatherapy being all-natural, it makes for a pure and natural approach to your health and well being.

As an alternative, all natural treatment option, aromatherapy does not pose the same severe side effects most other options such as prescription medication can cause. For the most part, any side effects from the essential oils will be due to a person's sensitivity towards certain oils. Most people are well aware of which plant extracts can cause an allergic reaction or other sensitivity, so it is best to avoid any therapy that contains those particular elements.

- Aromatherapy alleviates minor discomforts

Although these all natural remedies can not cure illness, various studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute also reveal that they can assist in alleviating many things such as headaches, joint pain, menstrual cramps, muscle tension, improve the function of the immune system, lower blood pressure, clearing congestion, improve circulation, relieve tension , improve sleep and many, many more.

Reference:

Howard Hughes Medical Institute - Seeing, Hearing & Smelling the World

Touch Research Institute Aromatherapy Research Studies