The joy of Aromatherapy is one that anyone, anywhere can
benefit from. As for every nettle sting there is a dock leaf growing
nearby to sooth it, so in creation there is a remedy for every ailment.
One that is potent and yet completely pure.
Aromatherapy
is a wonderful and luxurious experience.
It is the
art and science of using Essential
oils (oils extracted from plants) for therapeutic benefit
and massage. It is the only treatment that combines natural remedies with
hands-on therapy and bodywork.
Because
Aromatherapy can be done as a self-help technique, it can be very
beneficial in the home and work place.
Although
Aromatherapy can help many ailments, it’s original and most effective
use is as a preventative rather than curative treatment.
As a regular treatment, Aromatherapy can keep the body relaxed,
balanced and in harmony, which of course is the first step to good health.
Rather
than turning to Aromatherapy when you are feeling down, worn out or drained,
it is advised that Aromatherapy is incorporated into your lifestyle.
For example a relaxing bath or massage using Lavender
and Chamomile
oil can wash away the effects of a stressful day.
Marjoram or Lavender can be wonderful for insomnia.
Or Ylang, Jasmine, Rose and Bergamot make a sensual and exciting
Aphrodisiac.
Although
some level of stress has probably always been a part of the human
experience since the beginning of time.
Most researchers in the various fields would probably conclude that
it seems to be more prevalent in modern times, and have more of an impact
upon the daily experience of individuals.
Almost
everyone can relate to feeling stressed at some time.
But for many, stress has become part of their lifestyle, and hardly
notice the signs, or even think it is something that needs attention.
However stress
has been shown to play a key role in the onset and maintenance of an
ever-increasing list of health problems such as depression, hypertension,
and isocheim heart disease.
Essential
oils
and Aromatherapy are able to uplift, create moods, and eliminate stress,
which can lead to a more relaxed, balanced and healthier lifestyle.
To
achieve these benefits, full strength, undiluted essential oils are
required. The term "100% essential oil" is used to describe oils
that contain only the extract of a particular plant.
The best oils come from wild or organically grown plants because
the plants themselves are chemical free. Also, the best oils are extracted
using methods that use no heat and take more time, thus preserving the
vitality and life essence of the plant.
The
oils come from the
fruits, flowers, leaves, bark, wood, roots, spices and herbs. The orange
tree for instance gives Orange
oil from its fruit, Petitgrain
from its leaves and Neroli
from its flowers. All three with different fragrances and healing properties.
The oils work in two ways, the first of which is to do with the smell. When we smell something it has an immediate effect on our autonomic nervous system and our hormonal system. These systems govern fear, anger, heart rate, memory and reaction to stress. Our sense of smell has a powerful effect on us and how we feel, and yet is often overlooked.
The
second way the oils work is by entering the system and bloodstream.
Through the lungs in the case of inhalation or through the skin in the
case of baths or massage. The oil travels through the body in the
bloodstream and in the same way the body takes vitamins and minerals,
those organs or glands in need of help will take the appropriate oil it is
in need of.
You
may find that many of the oils have similar properties. However Oils that
you find attractive are more likely to work in harmony with your body. If
for example, you find the smell of an oil unpleasant, you might be best
advised to use an alternative, which has similar properties. Strangely, we
are often "drawn" to the aroma of the essential oil that our
body requires at that time.
Preparing
for winter
Some
great Essential
oils to have on hand for this purpose are Eucalyptus
and Tea
Tree and Rosemary.
There
are a variety of ways to use the oils, but for the treatment of cold and
flu the following recommendations are sure to provide some relief:
Add
ten drops of essential oil to the bath and soak for fifteen minutes
Massage
the throat and chest with essential oil diluted in carrier oil
Use
as an inhalation or in a vaporizer
