What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants, usually through distillation, to restore balance and harmony and promote health of body, mind and spirit. It is used as both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or disease.
Essential oils can be used in a variety of products or on their own to enhance health and well-being. Consulting a professional Aromatherapist can ensure the safe and effective use of aromatherapy for a variety of health conditions.
Holistic Treatment
Treatment is designed to affect the whole person, not just the symptoms. The oils work in harmony to assist the body’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and maintain itself, promoting physical and psychological well being.
Inhalation is the quickest way to benefit from the essential oils, entering the body through the lungs. It can relieve headaches, clear throat, sinuses, ears and lungs.
Massage facilitates the absorption of oils through the skin, allowing them to enter your blood stream. The combination of the oils and the therapeutic power of touch provide an intensely powerful treatment. Meanwhile, the aroma of the oils stimulates your emotions through your limbic system. Smells can trigger emotions instantly.
The aromas from the essential oils have powerful effects on the emotions and mood. Our sense of smell is of major importance to our quality of life and specific scents can trigger memories or emotions that we've held for years.
Other applications
Other applications of essential oil blends include compresses, baths, lotions and salves. Bathing in essential oils is one of the most efficient treatments. Taking a bath by candlelight can certainly enhance the relaxing effects of the oils. After your treatment, you’ll be given the remainder of the blend to continue using at home.
Conditions helped by Aromatherapy
Some of the many conditions that can be helped by Aromatherapy treatment include: Airborne Illnesses, Addictions, Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Bites, Burns, Cancer, Candida, Colds & Flu, Cuts, Cystitis, Depression, Digestive Upsets, Eczema, Gallstones, Gout, Grief, Hormone Imbalance, IBS, Lymphatic Congestion, Menstrual Disorders, MRSA, Pregnancy, Rheumatism, Skin Disorders, Stress
Caution and Essential Oils
While there are multiple uses for essential oils in your daily life, caution should be exercised. Oils should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil.
If you have sensitive skin or use these oils on children, dilute with a carrier oil. Do not take oils internally; even oils that are safely used topically can be toxic if taken internally.
Oils taken internally can interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to consider factors such as who should not use oils, how to treat children and the elderly, how much to use, what to do if oils burn the skin, get in the eyes or mucous membranes, and which oils are toxic.
For the best and safest treatments using aromatherapy, it is advisable to consult a trained and qualified Aromatherapist.