What Is Aromatherapy And Its Benefits!

AROMATHERAPY

Scents affects our mood in a vast manner. It can either stimulate our energy or make us feel deprived of it. Certain fragrances also holds the ability to trigger our ocean of memories and feelings.

Aromatherapy is the similar type of comprehensive therapy that mostly works via activating smell receptors present in the body. The therapy involves use of natural plant extracts, mostly  essential oils along with addition of other aroma compounds such as Menthol, Wine lactone, etc. Therefore, It is many a times, called as Essential oils therapy. It is an art and science which if used in a proper way holds the ability to heal the whole mind, body & spirit.

HISTORY :

The therapy was unknowingly used by the common people from number of years. Many people used them for some religious purposes while many used them for some medicinal purposes. Popular ancient cultures of china, egypt, India also have the incorporation of plant components in resins, balms, and oils.

Aromatherapy was officially coined by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a french chemist who discovered the amazing ability of lavender for treating burns in 1937. Altough, he coined the term in 1937, the overall concept was used since 17th century.

The most popular use of essential oils was during World War II as an antiseptic by Jean Valnet for treating and curing wounded soldiers.

How Does the therapy work?

The therapy takes whole body and soul into consideration while healing the patient. It activates the smell receptors present in your nose and then send the impulses directly to the brain's limbic system which then shows amazing and appropriate actions.

Oils can be either inhaled or applied topically onto the skin utilizing diffusers, massage oils, bathing salts, hot and cold compressors, inhalers, spritzers (kind of perfume mechanism), body oils, etc. They're often diluted before use as it can be much powerful if used directly.

Most popularly used essential oils as described by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy are :

Eucalyptus

Lemon

Lavender

Mandarin

Patchouli

Peppermint

Roman chamomile

Rose, etc.

BENEFITS :

Imagine yourself reaching home after a day filled with stress. Suddenly, you find a calming odour in your room, maybe of Rose or Lavender. How does it feel like? Anxiety and stress much reduced? Calmness in the soul & peace arriving to your spirit? So, along with this promoting relaxation, Aromatherapy have many other benefits and uses.

1. Reduces Stress

As we began, the primary use of Essential oils is reducing stress which is a part and parcel of our daily life.

The magic power of oils can lower blood pressure to bring it back to normal range, it can also lower the heart rate, and lastly, it also tackles the stress hormones released to help us become more calm.

Most commonly used oils for this purpose are lavender, lemongrass, geranium & Jasmine.

2. Strengthens Immune System

We all know how much we are getting resistant to antibiotics. To overcome this, essential oils have got a property of acting as anti - inflammatory.

Example - We have oils of Oregano, Eucalyptus, Ginger, etc to strengthen immune system and fight against various infections.

3. Simplifies Digestion

Constipation & Diarrhea have been a common issue to all of us at some or the other point in life. We rush to have tablets during it instead of using our grandma's ideas of applying oils.

To relieve gas, ginger oil is the best solution following with peppermint, fennel & juniper berry.

4. Decreases Muscular Pain

As per research, aromatherapy has a better impact in dealing with muscular pain, specifically gynaecological & post operative pain.

The popular analgesic oils are of eucalyptus, chamomile, turmeric, thyme, and ginger.

5. Stimulates Hair growth

The wish of many women as well as men to have stronger & longer hair cannot be ignored. Essential oils doesn 't have any toxic chemicals in it to harm the hairs and thus is beneficial.

It is well proven by various studies conducted across the world. The tea tree, rosemary, myrrh, and helichrysum oils are better oils for this purpose.

6. Heals anxiety issues

Anxiety disorder is increasing due to loads of stress in the world. Nevertheless, it leads to severe mental illness.

The natural solution to work towards this is the use of essential oils such as of rose, lavender, bergamot & chamomile. With the massage of same, the depression & anxiety heals to a greater extent.

7. Regulates hormonal levels

Many women are struggling with PCOS & infertility. The levels of estrogen play a role in these disorders. As per a article published in Neuro Endocrinology Letters, Essential pils can help to bring a change.

The oils - Sage, geranium and thyme can upbring the estrogen level & help womens to cure the same.

Some other benefits includes :

a. Improves focus

b. Reduces sleep problems

c. Boosts Energy

d. Ease few side effects of cancer treatment, like nausea & pain

e. Soothes Sore joints

f. Help asthamatic patients, etc.

With the end of this, we have came to conclude the discussion. Essential oils have variety of beneficial effects while side effects are much less. But before using any oil, one must ensure that they don't have any kind of allergic reactions to it. So, next time, if you feel any kind of muscular pain or sudden stress, don't rush to have tablets. You can use the magic Aromatherapy, as suggested by the therapist for healing and getting rid of the issues.