Alternative medicine is the focus of many scientific researches all over the world. Most of those alternative forms of medicine were used thousands of years ago. Aromatherapy, in theory, is the prevention or treatment of disease using oil extracts from plants or more commonly called “essential oils.” Up to now, it is still classified under
alternative medicine because most of the scientific studies cannot prove its 100% effectiveness. Most of the time, aromatherapy compliments prescribed treatment options. There are some preclinical studies that already show positive effects for aromatherapy combined with other treatment techniques.
Aromatherapy begins in the extraction process of the essential oils. The oils are then diluted to get a better formulation that is not harmful to the skin or the olfactory senses. The essential oils are applied either by aerial diffusion, direct inhalation or by topical application.
The common
benefits derived from aromatherapy aside from having a fragrant environment are relaxation, relief from stress and minor discomforts, mood enhancements and boosting the circulatory, respiratory and immune system.
The
benefits of aromatherapy can be better understood once you know how the body processes the different smells. It is pretty amazing that our sense of smell can distinguish around 10,000 different scents. The smell that comes into our nose is processed by the brain, particularly the Limbic System, and affects our mind. When a particular smell is pleasing, the Limbic system releases feel-good hormones like endorphins. The opposite happens when an unpleasant smell is detected. Basically, a person’s mood is directly affected.
Getting the desired
effect from aromatherapy depends on the essential oil used. There are several essential oils that have been proven to help bring relief to certain conditions. For treating respiratory problems like coughs, colds, asthma and nasal allergies, eucalyptus is best suited. In reducing muscle tensions and promote relaxation, one can use essential oils from Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lavender or Roman Chamomile. Peppermint is used to treat headaches, muscle aches and some digestive disorders like indigestion and flatulence. For treating wounds, burns and fungal infections, there is Lemon and Tea Tree. There is also Clary Sage which is very popular for treating insomnia. In some cases, mental stimulation and boosting the immune system are the benefits from Rosemary. It is best to consult people with thorough knowledge of these essential oils to help you decide which oils are suited for you especially when going for a
therapeutic aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy enhances the well-being of the mind and body when done properly. There are safety concerns as well that need to be addressed. When essential oils are highly concentrated, they can irritate the skin. For example, when using citrus peel oils such as lemon or lime, phototoxic reactions may occur. There are also chemicals present in essential oils that are sensitizers, meaning it could affect the skin and eventually the rest of the body after continued use. Normally, essential oils are diluted with other carrier oils especially when applying topically. Aromatherapy is still not recommended for pregnant or lactating mothers.
