Despite its reputation as a new-age alternative medicine, aromatherapy predates almost any other type of treatment. It has practiced by civilization for over 5,000 years, which puts in origin 2,500 years before Hippocrates, the father of medicine who used it as part of his care. It was in the 11th century that the process of steam distillation made it possible to extract essential oils from plants. As this practice spread, aromatherapy spread all over the world. Now it is practiced in over 40 countries including Western Europe and the United States. The use of volatile plant matter to improve one’s health gives a whole host of benefits from improving skin to reducing pain to increasing circulation. The variety of health improvements that can be derived from aromatherapy make this alternative medicine worth exploring.
Why Do Essential Oils Work?
Essential oils are taken from a single plant. Each of these oil soluble elements is made up of over 100 chemicals which gives it is ability to provide aromatherapy. In fact, the essential oil of a plant have the ability to keep the plant itself healthy. There are multiple ways to extract essential oils from a plant (steam, expression, or Super critical CO2 extraction) which will give oils different healing capabilities even from the same plant.
Just as different oils have different healing powers, different types are utilized in different ways. Some are inhaled, some are applied to the skin, and some are actually taken internally. This all depends on what kind of oil it is and what type of treatment you are looking for. To get the proper type and the proper use, make sure you read up on your aromatherapy of choice before beginning use.
Benefits of Different Essential Oils
Essential oils are used for a myriad of health issues. This can be anything from fighting every maladies such as stress to terminal diseases such as cancer. The healing abilities of essential oils many not be as effective in some of the plant extracts as others, so there are no guarantees that a using the therapy that induces sleep will also relieve menopause symptoms.
Reduce Anxiety:
Aromatherapy seems like a natural solution to reducing anxiety (pun intended), but it also is scientifically proven one too. The calming effect of the therapy has none of the aftereffects of pharmaceutical anxiety drugs. Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage are three types of oils that deliver anxiety relief.
Boost Cognitive Abilities:
If you hear that aromatherapy can improve brain function, you may that is asking too much. Well, you would be wrong. In fact, studies show that the peppermint essential oils are beneficial in improving cognitive abilities while ylang-ylang was actually shown to hurt it.
Induce Sleep:
For those who are having trouble sleeping, aromatherapy is a great assistant. Whether you bathe in it, put it under your pillow, or put some in your room, it can put you in the right place for sleeping. The oils are not a cure for insomnia, but they will be a feast for the senses and will provide some sleep and a better experience. A lavender bath is a great way to induce, as is lemon citrus.
Ease Depression:
The debilitating effects of depression can be addressed with aroma therapeutic oils. This should not be a substitute for seeking a mental health professional since depression is a very serious issue and is the number cause of disabilities in the United States. However, there are a number of scents that can help someone fight depression. There are a dozen oils that can assist in this battle than can be utilized in many ways whether it be inhaling or bathing.
Reduces Nausea and Helps with Healing:
Aromatherapy has been proven to reduce nausea from surgery, pregnancy, treatment, or motion pictures sickness. Ginger, spearmint, and peppermint, or a blend can assist in reducing the discomfort and patient recovery.
Pain Reduction:
There are at least seven different oils that can be used for pain reduction, whether it be in the head or in the muscles. Each of these oils can be used in a massage therapy to bring relief.
Digestion Assistance:
Stress causes many of the issues with the digestive system. The soothing powers that make essential oils so effective at reducing stress can be used to improve digestion.
Increase Circulation:
There are multiple ways that aromatherapy helps with circulation. Some oils assist in clearing up physical issues such as varicose veins. Others help improve the issues that cause the circulation such as stress. Research the various oils and find the one that works for your specific situation.
Improve Energy Levels:
Many of the oils that help battle other maladies are also great at improving energy levels. The best approach for choosing an energy focused oil is to choose one for another issue and see if it will help with energy issues as w
PMS or Menopause:
Aromatherapy can be used to fight the effects of hormonal imbalance brought on by premenstrual syndrome or menopause, as well as fighting the pain. Clary sage, lavender and peppermint are all effective in relief.
Cancer:
Essential oils have been used in both fighting cancer and giving relief from the effects of treatments. Cancer is a disease that needs to be fought on all fronts, so if you are looking for help in prevention or treatment, do your research on getting the right oils to assist.
What to Watch For
All medicine come with cautions, and aromatherapy is no different. This is especially true since the oils are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Make sure that you get your essential oil combinations from a professional, because some chemicals that are poisonous. Others may trigger allergies. Those with medical conditions (including pregnancy) should use extreme caution before trying this or any alternative medicine. Do your research before you begin your regimen. This will allow you to find the proper treatment for you as well as save you money.
Article by: Katie Mills from https://vidalux.co.uk. Vidalux has extensive knowledge in everything related to steam showers, saunas and hydrotherapy benefits.
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from Better Health Lifestyles https://betterhealthlifestyles.com/benefits-of-aromatherapy/
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