Scents have the immense power of evoking our emotions and memory by stimulating our nervous system. Amazingly scientists and doctors in various medical disciplines have found ways to use scents to treat several conditions. From relieving stress to exciting memory, these scents can be helpful in a variety of ways.
Aromatherapy, the science of treatment using scents of essential oils, is a popular treatment method that uses. Many medical practitioners recommend specific oils even for daily usage. You can easily find these oils at Natural Therapeutics at Great Earth and get rid of stress, anxiety, sleep disorder, and many other cognitive conditions.
In aromatherapy, you can use essential by either inhaling them in the form of fumes through a dispenser or apply to your skin to feel their benefits. Owing to their relaxing capabilities, many essential oils are also used in massages in many regions of the world. Let us understand the concept of healing through aroma and the use of essential oils in detail.
Understanding essential oils
Simply put, essential oils are extracts from plants. These are made from herbs, flowers, and use different parts of trees. You can find oils extracted from roots, peels, petals, and bark of specific trees.
The name ‘essential oil’ came from the fact that the cells of a plant that generates fragrance are called ‘essence’, and extraction of essence makes its essential oil.
The true essential oils are made using seasoned processes. These processes do not mix any chemical or other synthetic elements with the essence. Also, makers need to ensure that the chemistry of the plant does not change during the procedure.
Aromatherapy in action
Aromatherapy uses scents to activate receptor cells in your nose. These cells are the area of the nose that sends messages to your brain. In simple and crisp words, fragrances used in the therapy activate your nervous system.
The essential oils are used very precisely so that they stimulate a specific area of the brain that governs your emotional reactions. Activation of this brain area helps in generating the feel-good chemical that makes you feel calm, peaceful, and joyous.
Some commonly used oils in aromatherapy are lavender, lemon, Jasmin, clary sage, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, and Ylang Ylang.
Areas where aromatherapy is effective
Aromatherapy is not a substitute for regular medical treatment. If you are suffering from a medical condition, it is better to consult your health provider for advice. However, there are certain conditions where aromatherapy can help. It can be used as a supportive treatment with regular one for the following:
- Depression, stress, and anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Certain types of pain like osteoarthritis of the knee
- Fighting skin bacteria
- Improving life quality in life-long diseases by reducing medicinal side-effects
How safe is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy and using essential oils are usually safe. As these are seldom ingested, their side effects are negligible. However, the effects of essential oils can be different for different people. Some people may experience mild allergy if an essential oil irritates their skin, eyes, or nasal mucous membranes.
Anyway, trying expensive essential oils is not a wise decision. You can consult a therapist if you are new to this method to figure out the best oil for your needs. Also, therapists can educate you about the right method of using these oils for maximum benefits.