Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy benefits’

Aromatherapy Inhalers | Aromatherapy Accessories

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve the physical and psychological health of an individual. Essential oils are derived from plant and tree parts. They are rich in therapeutic properties and can be used to treat and cure many ailments and health issues. Most essential oils cannot be used directly on the skin as they are very concentrated and can cause damage. Carrier oils are used to dilute the essential oils. Carrier oils include olive oil and jojoba oil.

Aromatherapy benefits are experienced through the sense of smell. Inhalation of these oils causes the aroma to reach the olfactory receptors which then transport it to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is involved in emotional state and mood. Aromatherapy benefits can be felt by applying the oils to the body. Massage with essential oils helps to improve blood circulation and relieves muscle tension. In order to experience the aromatherapy benefits the oils can also be added to warm bath water. This is known to be beneficial in alleviating stress and sleep problems. Aromatherapy is not helpful in curing major ailments. However it does help to reduce discomforting symptoms. The benefits of aromatherapy include relaxation, improvement in mood, better sleep, enhanced blood circulation, stress relief and improved skin tone. Menstrual cramps and pre-menstrual symptoms can also be alleviated through aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy can also be used to relieve respiratory disorders and headache. Aromatherapy inhalers are highly beneficial for those suffering from respiratory ailments. They also help to reduce lung and nasal congestion. Conditions such as allergic rhinitis, post nasal drip and sinusitis can be alleviated using these inhalers. You can purchase an inhaler from any store that keeps aromatherapy accessories. Apart from using an aromatherapy inhaler, you can also practice steam inhalation of essential oils. Add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to two cups of boiling water and let it cool for 10 minutes. Inhale the vapors rising from the water for about 7 to 10 minutes. You can enhance the inhalation by draping a towel around your head. You can do this a couple of times daily for relief from respiratory problems. It is advisable to close the eyes while inhaling the steam in order to prevent irritation. For a blocked nose or nasal irritation due to hay fever, you can pour a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus oil on to a handkerchief. Bring the cloth to your nose and breathe deeply a couple of times.

Aromatherapy Guide | How To Use Essential Oils

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Aromatherapy is a medicinal technique that uses highly concentrated and volatile plant extracts including essential oils, herbal distillates, absolutes, and infusions. It is used for various purposes, some of which are listed below:

  • Aromatherapy is used to relieve various diseases that affect the different physiological systems of the body.
  • Aromatherapy is used to relieve and prevent microbial infections.
  • Aromatherapy is also used to ameliorate the blood clotting and wound healing processes of the body.
  • Aromatherapy is also used to relieve depression, stress, and tension. It is also used to alleviate the mood.
  • The components of aromatherapy may also be used to make perfumes, candles, and air fresheners.

As such, aromatherapy is used for numerous purposes. Since there are different kinds of aromatherapy components with different variants, the mode of usage and application is different as well.

Different Ways To Use Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Some of the ways in which the constituents of aromatherapy, such as essential oils, can be used are:

  • Topical applications: This is a method of applying essential oils directly on the body in the form of massages, baths, and compresses. When you apply essential oils directly on your skin, you must remember to dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated and the direct application of concentrated oils on the skin can cause rashes, inflammation, and even skin damage.
  • Direct inhalation: You can also use essential oils for direct inhalation, straight from the container or in the form of infusions. The direct inhalation of essential oils is primarily recommended for physiological disorders like respiratory congestion or indigestion or for other purposes like expectoration. Direct inhalation is also recommended for its psychological effects.
  • Aerial diffusion: Arial diffusion is meant for aerial disinfection or for other purposes like freshening up the ambience.

Other than the modes of application, you must also be cautious when selecting the essential oils to relieve various afflictions and disorders. Some of the precautions that should be taken while deploying aromatherapy are:

  • You should not use an essential oil on your skin for direct application unless you have tested it on a part of your skin for sensitivity to that essential oil.
  • You must not use these aromatherapy constituents in excess. You should know the quantity of usage of essential oils.
  • You must not use an essential oil for a long time as long term usage of an essential oil may cause may cause your skin to become insensitive or non-reactive to it.

You must consult an aromatherapy specialist to get to know which essential oils to use for various disorders.

Aromatherapy Fragrance Effects

Friday, August 21st, 2009

Aromatherapy is a science of medicine which involves the usage of various soft and tender plant tissues to cure various ailments. The components of aromatherapy are essential oils, phytoncides, distillates, absolutes and many more.

Aromatherapy Use: Aromatherapy is used for a variety of purposes. It alleviates the state of your physical as well as mental health. Some of the uses of aromatherapy fragrances are listed as under:

  • Aromatherapy may be used to alleviate the ailments of digestive system. It may be used to treat indigestion, stomachache, acidity and cramps. You may use a variety of essential oils like chamomile oil, orange oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil and peppermint oil to relive stomach ailments. You may either sniff these oils as infusion or may apply these essential oils on your body so as to alleviate the afflictions of the digestive system.
  • You may use aromatherapy to relieve the problem of sinus. Sinus is congestion of the facial and head region, and needs to be cured in time. You may use eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender essential oil to alleviate the symptoms of sinus. These essential oils are antimicrobial in nature and also act as decongestants and thereby relieve sinus.
  • You may use aromatherapy not only for your body, but also for your mind. As such, you may use aromatherapy to cure problems like weak memory and lack of concentration. You may use peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils to serve this purpose. Aromatherapy would help stimulate your mind, induce proper sleep to relax your mind and body and in turn, would enhance your short term as well as long term memory.
  • You may use essential oils for the treatment of marks and scar on your skin. You may use neroli, sage and helichrysum essential oils to lend yourself a blemish free skin.
  • You may use essential oils to combat the effects of ageing. You may use cranberry or nettle essential oil to retain a younger looking skin. You may mix these essential oils with appropriate carrier oil and massage the blend on your skin to reduce the effects of ageing.
  • You may use essential oils to make your skin healthier and glowing. You may use lavender, cranberry and nettle essential oils in carrier oils to serve the purpose.
  • You may also use essential oils for various other purposes like making scented candles and soaps which aid in aromatherapy treatment.
  • These essential oils have a positive impact on your mood.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Smell is one of the most powerful triggers of the human body. It directly affects the limbic system. Aromatherapy, as the name suggests, is the use of aromas to impart healing. For example, citrus smells such as lime can help you feel refreshed and energized, whereas relaxing smells such as lavender can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

However, aromatherapy relies on more than just the therapeutic use of smells. This ancient therapeutic method is based on the use of special oils that are known as aromatherapy essential oils. These essential oils are distilled from natural sources such as flowers, leaves, stems, and fruit. They contain the aromatic essence of the source plant. In addition to acting on the limbic system, these essential oils also have a number of therapeutic properties. When these oils are massaged onto the skin, they get absorbed and begin to work their magic on a physiological level as well.

How do essential oils work? Essential oils have various effects on the body. Some are antispasmodic and analgesic in nature; others have antibacterial properties. Some essential oils help to relieve inflammation, yet others may help to soothe and relieve congestion. Thus, it is very important to have an idea of the therapeutic effect that an essential oil has on the body, before it can be used to promote healing. This is where aromatherapy comes in.

Trained aromatherapists know about the various properties of the different essential oils and are aware of how to use these oils for maximum benefits. They can even blend together different essential oils to suit specific needs.

Benefits of aromatherapy massage? Now that you know about aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage, let us take a look at how this therapeutic form of massage therapy can help you. Aromatherapy massage is one of the best ways of reducing stress. In addition to the relaxing effects of the massage, the essential oils used have a beneficial effect on the autonomic nervous system. The massage also stimulates the circulation of blood and helps to increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells of your body.

Aromatherapy massage also stimulates lymphatic flow, improves tissue drainage and strengthens the immune system. This form of massage therapy can also be used to provide relief from sore muscles, sprains and strains. The therapeutic powers of essential oils can also be used to provide relief from various skin conditions, cuts, wounds, an