In this very article, we are going to see relationship between aromatherapy and essential oil. You are well aware with essential oils; we discussed a lot about them in my previous blogs. I must have dropped the term aromatherapy previously but here we are going to have a look on it in detail.
Aromatherapy can be simplified as combination of aroma + therapy. This means aroma of essential oils acts as therapy which is simply called aromatherapy. There is no apparent indication of where in the world aromatherapy originated; it is believed that it has its roots in China. Aromatherapy was used by different cultures throughout history.
Aromatherapy
In a layman language, aromatherapy is the usage of aromatic materials that includes essential oil, aroma compounds that has claimed for improving physical and physiological well-being. The field of aromatherapy is vast because it provides deep and penetrating therapeutic actions of essential oils along with fragrance that works on the psyche.
René-Maurice Gattefossé is regarded as Father of Aromatherapy who was born in Montchat near Lyon in 1881. He is the person behind the name too. Aromatherapy sometimes referred as essential oil therapy as it primarily involves essential oil blends. People who specialize in the field of aromatherapy are known as Aromatherapist. They utilize blends of therapeutic essential oils that can be used for inhalation, massage or topical application. Have a look on my blog: art of blending essential oil to get more idea.
Many ancient cultures recognized the physical and physiological benefits of scented oils and ointments. Egyptians used resins, balms and essential oils in magical and religious ceremonies, for preserving and as an offering to their gods. Now let’s have look on working of aromatherapy.
Working of Aromatherapy:
To give justice to what I mentioned in my previous segment, it is very important to have a look on working of aromatherapy. We now know that it enhances physical and emotional health but the question remains how? Continue reading to get your answer.
Aromatherapy usually works on 3 main levels: sense of smell, through absorption and through absorption via skin
Smell: We all are well aware that sense of smell is most primitive of all our senses and is associated with some of the oldest and deepest parts of the brain.
Experts in the field of aromatherapybelieve that aromatherapy activates areas in the nose called smell receptors. These receptors then send messages through our nervous system to brain. As I earlier said oils are makeup of different chemical compounds, these compounds certain areas of brain like limbic system that is concerned with survival, instincts and emotions.
Scientist believes that the nerve signal passing through this region causes mood change by revising brain chemistry. These can also have impact on hypothalamus that may react to the oil by creating feel good brain chemicals like serotonin
Absorption: This is yet another effective method of aromatherapy. Inhalation of essential oil helps them to travel internally and thus they get absorbed. Respiratory system gets highly benefit from this method. We now know that essential oil has in it antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties in them which helps in maintaining healthy respiratory system. Aromatherapy proved helpful in relieving symptoms of infections and allergies.
Absorption via skin: The moleculesof essential oil are small enough to allow them to penetrate through the skin. Molecules firstly encounter with the top layer of the skin called as epidermis from there it reaches to deeper layer of skin known as dermis and then to the blood vessels. This allows the oil to circulate through all body parts. Therapeutic properties of oil offer several benefits to body. This section we will cover in next segment.
I hope you now have a good picture of aromatherapy and its working. We will now quickly jump into the benefits of aromatherapy.
Benefits of Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy has array of benefits and treats wide variety of physical and mental problems. It can be in various forms like increasing concentration, alleviates pain or respiratory and digestive system. The list is quite long.
Aromatherapy aids in healing. We all well experience stress in life, it is something result of modern lifestyle and work.
But, just try imagining you return home after long hours of work, and while you step in you are welcomed with the tranquil aroma of rose oil. Yes, you will feel very relaxing! It will fade away all your stress and make your head light. So why not turn this imagination into reality, go ahead.
Some other benefits of aromatherapy include:
- Aromatherapy helps in managing pain.
- It interferes with abnormal sleep pattern and thus improves sleep quality.
- It is also helpful in treating headaches and migraines.
- It also have positive effect on digestive system and thus ease digestion.
- Aromatherapy provides relax to sore joints and provide healthy muscles.
- Application of aromatherapy is recommended for glowing and bright skin and to get rid of symptoms of skin aging.
- It also alleviates side effects of chemotherapy.
- Helps to overcome anxiety and depression.
- Aromatherapy is also helpful to improve hair health.
- The overall effect is, it boosts immunity of body to fight against various bacterial and fungal infections.
Here I am wrapping my article with promise that soon I will come back with more articles on aromatherapy.For more interaction you can drop in your comments below. I’ll try to answer as many questions for you as possible. Also, please ping below your experience of Aromatherapy. I’m sure you will be having a lot to share on the aromatherapy and your experiences. We are open to interact with the common minds like you.
