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The word Aromatherapy suggests that it is a therapy using aromas or smells. And to be honest this pretty much sums it up. It is not hard to understand or do, but a lot of people get put off 'doing' Aromatherapy because it all seems so time consuming or too expensive. If you take the time to look into it further you will see that this is not the case. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular and widely used therapies that can be implemented into your everyday life with ease. It is not a new therapy, in fact there are documents suggesting it has been around for over 4,000 years, but it has enjoyed a new renaissance in the last century since a professor named Gattefose coined the term Aromatherapy in the 1930's. It is used in the health and beauty industries worldwide with many products on the market today embracing their positive health benefits.
How does Aromatherapy Work?
Aromatherapy works on different levels in particular it affects our emotional and mental well being but it also can affect us in a physical way. As we inhale an aroma tiny particles travel up the nasal cavity and hit a certain part of the brain called the limbic system. This is where a smell is identified and registered. Depending on how we feel about the smell will depend on how we respond to it. For example the essential oil of Lavender is said to be relaxing and calming. When we inhale Lavender our body may release endorphins and chemicals that help us to relax and unwind. If however, we inhale an uplifting oil such as Peppermint we may respond quite differently. More alert, more refreshed and more focused.
When an essential oil is used on the body in a massage blend the oil is absorbed via the hair follicle and into the blood stream. Here it is transported around the body and again depending on the oils used will depend on our reaction. If we are feeling run down and have a cold coming on then a blend of Eucalyptus, Thyme and Lemon may indeed help boost our immunity and increase our resistance. If we find sleeping at night is a problem then a blend of Lavender, Marjoram and Orange may in fact help us to calm down and prepare for sleep in a more productive and positive way. Essential oils used on the body is the most powerful and effective way to embrace Aromatherapy. And it is incredibly simple. You do not need to be a therapist.
Education and Information
No matter how effective or simple a therapy is however you will always find there are precautions and safety guidelines. More often a problem occurs in Aromatherapy through the misuse of essential oils and a lack of education. To be informed is to have power. Go to seminars, evening workshops, weekend courses if you can. These can all be a positive way to get loads of information in a short amount of time. It is recommend you read as much as you can and have a book filled with all the necessary information that will empower you to use essential oils safely and simply. A book that can be used as your guideline and reference tool. We recommend Like Chocolate For Women - Indulge and Recharge With Everyday Aromatherapy by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan and published by Tandem Press, Auckland, NZ. This book is designed with the busy woman in mind. It has been written so you can 'dip' into it at any time and enjoy learning the many different aspects of essential oils and how to embrace them into your busy life on a daily basis.
Pure Vs Synthetic
Along with a good book you will need to use good products. The most common question asked is 'how do I know if they are high quality essential oils?' There are a couple of things to look out for when purchasing essential oils. Never buy them in plastic containers, look for the botanical name on the bottle and the words 'pure essential oil' and use the price as an indicator of quality essential oils. Depending on the suppliers integrity will also depend on the quality. Some people feel essential oils are too expensive but compared to what? Any product that is grown and extracted in the purest way is going to cost. And that is why the oils vary on price. Some are grown more readily, some have a higher yield than others and then there are some that are only picked and extracted one or two times a year and grown in only a very small area on the planet, hence their higher price tag. Synthetic aromas are produced readily and easily in a laboratory but these products do not contain the essential therapeutic material that affects our health and wellbeing in a positive way. Enjoy Using Aromatherapy
To get going in Aromatherapy you need an oil or two and a ceramic vaporiser. Once you fill the top of your vaporiser with water and a total of 6-8 drops of your chosen oil(s), then light your candle you are away 'doing' Aromatherapy at its best. A vaporiser can be used anywhere at any time. They are portable and can be used in a bedroom, bathroom, dining room, lounge and kitchen. Use them at parties in restaurants or at the office. Tiny aromatic particles vaporise into the air with water. These are inhaled by all breathing organisms registering a certain feeling or mood. But there are many other ways to use them like an aromatic bath, compress, aromatiser or spritzer bottle or in your skin care regime. Whatever way you choose to embrace Aromatherapy you will find what a difference they can make to your everyday life. A simple thing like adding 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil to a tissue can change the way you feel in a matter of seconds. It is not hard, but it requires some knowledge. It is not expensive but it requires an investment. And most importantly it is one of the oldest but most respected modalities that has stood the test of time. So embrace it and enjoy it.
The Extraordinary Qualities of Essential Oils
Essential Oils are the concentrated substances extracted from the fruit, flowers, leaves, grass, bark, roots and stems of certain plants and herbs. They are extremely potent and maintain high therapeutic qualities that can be used to help treat certain ailments and conditions as well as support our varying emotional needs. Here are 40 essential oils and some of their qualities. See how each one of them may assist you in different areas of your life. For more information see Like Chocolate For Women.
Basil Focusing, Stimulating, Clarifying, Strengthening
Bergamot Uplifting, Reviving, Relaxing, Refreshing Black Pepper Warming, Strengthening, Toning, Stimulating Cardamon Soothing, Warming, Supporting, Inspiring Cedarwood Grounding, Strengthening, Softening, Relieving Chamomile – German Soothing, Relieving, Balancing, Healing Chamomile – Roman Comforting, Relaxing, Gentle, Calming Clary Sage Regulating, Uplifting, Euphoric, Harmonising Cypress Toning, Energising, Reviving, Cleansing Eucalyptus Cleansing, Energising, Refreshing, Easing Fennel Warming, Energising, Clearing, Cleansing Frankincense Calming, Comforting, Regenerating, Fortifying Geranium Balancing, Comforting, Stabilising, Regulating Ginger Warming, Relieving, Recharging, Stabilising Grapefruit Refreshing, Revitalising, Uplifting, Detoxifying Jasmine Intoxicating, Arousing, Transforming, Uplifting Juniper Activating, Cleansing, Releasing, Detoxifying Lavender Nurturing, Relaxing, Comforting, Calming Lemon Uplifting, Cleansing, Brightening, Clearing Lemongrass Refreshing, Cleansing, Stimulating, Strengthening Lime Enlightening, Refreshing, Revitalising, Activating Mandarin Relieving, Revitalising, Soothing, Calming Marjoram Relaxing, Sedating, Strengthening, Penetrating Myrrh Rejuvenating, Enduring, Grounding, Empowering Neroli Regenerating, Restoring, Tranquillising, Calming Orange Enlightening, Radiating, Uplifting, Celebrating Palmarosa Regenerating, Regulating, Restoring, Moisturising
Patchouli Regenerating, Harmonising, Enduring, Sensual Peppermint Refreshing, Cooling, Warming, Activating Petitgrain Uplifting, Nurturing, Soothing, Heartening Pine Stimulating, Inspiring, Soothing, Warming Rose Enchanting, Alluring, Indulging, Nurturing Rosemary Stimulating, Focusing, Clarifying, Activating Rosewood Steadying, Balancing, Regenerating, Centring Sage Regulating, Cleansing, Protecting, Deodorising Sandalwood Grounding, Reassuring, Stabilising, Strengthening Tea Tree Energising, Purifying, Cleansing, Healing Thyme Reviving, Healing, Energising, Strengthening Vetiver Abundance, Grounding, Steadying, Relaxing Ylang Ylang Sensual, Tranquillising, Calming, Relaxing This information was kindly supplied to us by Kim Morrison and Fleur Whelligan,authors of Like Chocolate For Women - Indulge and Recharge With Everyday Aromatherapy, published by Tandem Press, Auckland, NZ. Visit their website for more great information at http://www.creativewellbeing.com
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