Since ancient times, the oil obtained from trees and plants is being used to maintain physical health; it is called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapists enhance your physical and mental health by using oils extracted from plant roots, leaves, and flowers in the bath, steam, facials, candles, and massages.
Aromatherapy has been used as a reliable treatment for nearly 5,000 years in various cultures around the world. Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory (inflammatory-reducing properties) and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects of aromatic essential oils (natural oils extracted from trees) serve as natural remedies in Aromatherapy.
In this article, you will read in detail what is Aromatherapy, what is an aromatherapy kit, and how to do Aromatherapy. Besides, you will also learn the advantages or benefits and disadvantages of Aromatherapy can be.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is also called “essential oil therapy.” The art and science of using oils containing natural aromatic and properties extracted from plants to balance and promote the health of the body are called Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy promotes a person’s spontaneous treatment process by combining physical, mental, and spiritual processes.
René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French perfume specialist and chemist, used the term aromatherapy for the first time in his book published under the same name. The results of preliminary clinical research using essential oils for physical problems are described in this book.
In his book, the distinction between essential oil as a perfume and medical use is explained. That is why they named it Aromatherapy. Based on this, Aromatherapy can be defined as a treatment process that makes medical use of essential oil for the overall health of the body. As the use of Aromatherapy has grown, over the years, Aromatherapy has adopted a holistic approach to a treatment combining body, mind, and spirit (energy).
Aromatherapy Kits:
Aromatherapy kits include oils used in home remedies such as orange oil, lavender oil, mint oil, tea tree oil, lemon oil, frankincense oil, geranium oil, and cedar oil, etc. All these oils are given in separate packs in the kit so that they can be mixed and prepared according to their requirement. Along with this, instructions are also given in the kit on how to use these oils. Do not use this kit on your own without any training, and you may have problems. Seek help from an expert.
You can use these alone or in any combination. There are more than one hundred types of essential oils available in the market. Buy any essential oil from a reputable manufacturer as the oil is not regulated by our Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO, which regulates the quality of medicines in India).
The product is 100 percent natural. It should not contain any additives or synthetic elements.
You can get this essential oil at medical stores, Ayurvedic medicine stores, supermarkets, or online.
Each essential oil has an array of unique healing properties, uses, and affects—more than one essential oil mixture. Creating a synergistic mixture produces even more benefits.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils are:
- Clary sage
- Cypress
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
- Roman chamomile
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
- Vetiver
- Ylang Ylang
Right Method of Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy can use essential oils in the following ways:-
Massage:
This is the most commonly used method of Aromatherapy. A few drops of essential oil used with carrier lotion (almond, cocoa butter, Shea butter) can affect the body both physically and mentally. Use it only after learning the right way of massage. If possible, get a massage done by a massage expert.
Bath:
Add a few drops to hot water and take a bath with that water. This is the best way to take advantage of Aromatherapy.
Inhalation:
Asthma patients do not use it. Essential oils can cure a lot of respiratory problems, so pour five drops of essential oil in hot water and cover a towel on the head and put the pot in the front of the mouth, and let the steam evaporate for a while.
Lotion or cream or liniment:
For the treatment, use a few drops of essential oil in your favorite carrier lotion, massage oil, or cream (cocoa butter, Shea butter, or any other non-fragrant lotion).
Compress:
Mix some essential oil of your choice in a bowl of hot water and wet it in a clean cloth and place it like a compress on the painful area. Hot compress is also good for menstrual cramps.
Aromatherapy is an effective treatment, especially for stress-related problems and various chronic diseases. It can be used at any age, but training should be taken to use any of the methods mentioned above safely.
Benefits of Aromatherapy-
Every oil has different characteristics and can produce individually different types of effects which are as follows:-
- Promoting body relaxation
- Improving sleep quality.
- Curing Breathing Problems
- Helping Keep Skin Healthy
- Help in symptoms of cancer Relieve pain and inflammation
- Reduce fatigue, and increase alertness
- Improve libido
- Correcting digestion and reducing nausea etc.
Side effects of Aromatherapy-
Depending on the medical history, allergies, or sensitivity levels of the treatment provider, it is advised not to use certain types of oil. Most essential oils should be kept away from children.
If you are pregnant or the baby is milking the milk, always keep in mind that the essential oil you are using for Aromatherapy is safe for you.
Although there are very few losses from essential oils, there are some possible disadvantages as well.
Excessive use or misuse can cause toxicity, Skin irritation, especially when used in moderation. Allergic contact dermatitis (a form of skin disease caused by a reaction) Photosensitivity to sunlight (photo Sensitivity) etc. Use oils only through inhalation means of inhalation only if you are fully convinced that the oil is pure and that you are not taking any medication that can react with the oil. Always use aromatherapy oils only after consulting your doctor or by gathering the right information.
Attention: This article is for information only and not for giving any kind of medical advice. Decide which essential oil is right for you by talking to your doctor.
