Posts Tagged ‘Alternative Medicine’

Aromatherapy Benefits

There is a rumor going around that there are certain oils that not only leave you feeling fresh and light, but also have certain healing properties. Have you heard that rumor? Yes? I have too, which prompted me to want to find out more. In my research, I was led down a path toward aromatherapy. Do you want to know more? Let’s explore together!

According to my research, aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other scented plant compounds in order to positively affect a person’s mood or health. On the technical side, the reason that the essential oils are different than other herbal products is because of the distillation process which recovers the lighter “phytomolecules.” Trust me; I don’t know what they’re talking about either. However, what I do know is that many praise its benefits and highly recommend it, so my research took me in the direction of learning what different types are available, and why they are so helpful.

History

Before we go into the types, I wanted to look at the history of this great medical tradition. Unlike many other natural medical alternatives, the roots of aromatherapy are grounded in the West. The term was coined by a French chemist named Ren

Benefits of Essential Oil and Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy, the treatment using scents, is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential and absolute oils. Essential oils are complex, highly fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degrees of complexity, fragrance, and volatility. Aromatherapy stimulates the immune system, strengthens resistance to disease and helps to combat infections. It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for a variety of applications such as pain relief for women in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effects of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancer patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. Many essential oils are also superb skin care agents – balances sebum and tones complexion – and can heal athlete’s foot, cold sores, ringworm and scabies.

Aromatherapy is also extremely useful as a first aid measure for all the little accidents most likely to happen at home – minor burns and cuts – and common problems like sore throat, blocked or stuffy nose, etc. The benefits of using essential oils are as varied as the oils themselves. Physical pain that may be caused by stress and anxiety, such as muscle cramps or rheumatism, as well as digestive problems, are thought to respond particularly well. Aromatherapy can be used in different ways. It can be used as a “pot pourrie” style fragrance where a relaxing scent is released into the air. It can also be used during a massage for a totally relaxing experience. It is important that person giving the massage be experienced in aromatherapy techniques. Roses, jasmine, lotus blossoms, citrus flowers, and lavender are just a few of the flowers that are used to create the wonderful fragrances of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is also used as a medical aid to treat people who suffer from anxiety, stress and tension. The most common way for people to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at home is with an aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy is very effected to treat stress related problems like insomnia. It has proved to work quite well on the majority of people. The benefits of aromatherapy can be dated back to ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. These cultures have known for centuries that aromatherapy can have many properties beneficial to overall mental health. Today, most of the flowers that are used in aromatherapy are grown around Egypt. The most recent discovery is that rose oil, which has always been associated with innocence and purity. It can also be used as an aphrodisiac with the right mixture of the right oils, and have been proven to be quite effective in that role.

Aromatherapy also works by absorbing essential oils into the skin and blood stream. Aromatherapy burners or diffusers can be used in order to create a soothing atmosphere in your bedroom that helps you relax. Aromatherapy candles can scent any room and have positive effect, too. Benzoin is warming, relaxing and sedative. It is very effective for emotional exhaustion, bronchitis, tension, coughs and insomnia. Neroli is non-toxic, non-irritant and relaxing. This essential oil is very effective for panic, irritability, shock and insomnia. Sweet marjoram is very effective to treat anxiety, catarrh, muscular pain, headaches, joint pain, colds and insomnia. Jasmine is soothing and relaxing. Some essential oils must be strictly avoided during pregnancy. People with high blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme, while diabetics should avoid angelica oil.

By: Juliet Cohen

About the Author:


Juliet Cohen writes articles for aromatherapy and beauty tips. She also writes articles on makeup tips.

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