If you've ever wondered how does aromatherapy work, you're not alone. Aromatherapy has grown in popularity over the past few decades. Although herbal concoctions were once reserved for the organic or natural lifestyle, aromatherapy has become mainstream, and the benefits are enjoyed by many.
How does aromatherapy work? Essential oils enter the body through the olfactory senses or through the pores in the skin. Once aromatherapy is absorbed, it enters the body and stimulates the brain's limbic system, affecting both the mind and emotions. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to stimulate the senses and impact an overall sense of wellness.
Introduction to How Does Aromatherapy Work
Aromatherapy can be calming and relaxing, stimulating and energizing, or warming and sensual. In aromatherapy, fragrant herbs and their oils are extracted and bound with other fillers or agents to create a therapeutic scent. Once the oil has been created, or the herbs have been prepared, they are ready to be used in aromatherapy.
There are any aromatherapy methods available. The most popular are listed below.
Inhalation Method
The inhalation method is by far the most popular method of experiencing aromatherapy. Opening a bottle of essential oil and inhaling the aroma is a great way to feel the emotional effects of a scent. If you're new to the world of aromatherapy, take a visit to the natural section in your grocery store or specialty shop and inhale the essential oil testers. Some scents will uplift you, while others will warm and impart a general sense of comfort. The inhalation method is perfect when determining a scent that works for your mental and physical needs.
Pulse Point Application
For quick and convenient aromatherapy treatment, pulse point application is easy and foolproof. Pulse point applications are perfect if you need to perk yourself up throughout the or to decompress and relax during stressful moments. Many essential oils designed for pulse point application are packaged in an easy to use roller ball vial. Comforting oils such as lavender or chamomile are often used to reduce stress. To treat headaches, peppermint oil may be applied to pulse points and temples as needed.
Aromatherapy Mists and Vaporizers
Aromatherapy mists are wonderful when flu season rolls around. When thermostats heat up and inside air becomes dry and stuffy, vaporizers add moisture and humidity in home environments. To create a handheld mist, fill a spray water bottle with water and a few drops of essential oil. Mist your face and body as needed. Misters can be sprayed to freshen home environments and can also be used while cleaning.
For vaporizers, fill the unit as directed and add a few drops of lemon, lavender or peppermint oil and place the unit in the populated room. This is especially beneficial while recovering from the colds or flu. For those seeking chemical free treatment for small children or infants, a home vaporizer filled with essential oils is a wonderful way to soothe stuffiness and aide in breathing.
Diffusion Method
Many people find introducing aromatherapy to their home surroundings is a welcome and convenient way to experience the vast benefits of essential oils. Popular home scents include lavender, clove, and orange.To release aromatherapy into the home setting, an essential oil diffuser is used. Because diffusers rely on heat to release scent, they are available in two forms: electric or candle burning. Once a few drops of oil have been warmed in the diffuser, the scent will begin to dissipate and travel throughout the home environment, creating a comforting scent that is not heavy on perfume or chemical aromas.
A newest addition to home fragrance is scented reeds. Fragrant oils are mixed with a base oil and placed is a clean jar, and filled with absorbant reeds. The reeds diffuse the air with the selected scent and require no heat. Essential oil reeds are perfect for those seeking a non-flammable alternative to traditional diffusion methods.
Enjoy the Benefits
Once you've begun to experience aromatherapy, you'll find yourself attracted to different scents during changing times. To fully benefit from aromatherapy, keep a large stock of oils at your disposal for mixing and blending as needed.
