 Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Aromatherapy and what is its use?
Aromatherapy
is a rare form of treatment that can improve the quality of your
life through herbs and essences. Your body responds to aromatherapy's
scents and lacks physiological effects. It is often used to reduce
stress and to enhance relaxation and may even improve your well
being. People who have used aromatherapy also say it relieved their
arthritis, their flu and it has also been used to even achieve weight
loss.
The
use of aromatherapy dates back over a hundred years. This has
been used in religious rituals, cooking and has also been used
for healing. However, how we use aromatherapy today differs from
the past. Today we use the essential oils at a more accurate level,
which obtains better results than in the past.
The
purpose of aromatherapy is to use the essential oils to enhance
our minds and to awaken our physical self. Aromatherapy is the
art of creation because it awakens our mind by smelling certain
essential oils. Each essential oil has a different effect on the
mind than the others. A blend of two or more essential oils may
even produce a combination of sensations of the mind.
Some
excellent examples include the use of peppermint oil. When peppermint
oil is used by itself it produces an invigorating, refreshing
and stimulating effect on the mind. Rosemary oil used by alone
is rejuvenating, strengthening and uplifting. However, if you
combine these two essential oils it will produce a refreshing
and soothing effect on the mind. This is accomplished by also
adding lavender oil into the blend. Most would use this blend
on the feet. For a footbath add one drop of peppermint oil and
two drops of rosemary and lavender to five pints of water.
How do you use aromatherapy treatments?
Some of the typical approaches are inhalation, diffusion, massage,
bathing, or hot and cold compresses. Other techniques include,
placing two to three drops of an essential oil on a pillow, heating
the essential oil or even sprinkling the oil over logs on a fireplace.
One should not ingest these oils due to it being extremely potent
and dangerous. You can also pursue treatments under the supervision
of an aromatherapist.
Who
should not take Aromatherapy?
People who have asthma should first consult with their doctor
in taking aromatherapy because the essential oils that can trigger
bronchial spasms. If you happen to have skin allergies you should
test if you are allergic by lacing some on you elbow to see if
there is an allergic reaction. Pregnant women should also avoid
aromatherapy because some of the herbs have been known to cause
uterine contractions. Do not use these on children who are especially
sensitive to portent essential oils.
When
should Aromatherapy treatment stop?
Aromatherapy can be used as long as needed, but should be stopped
once you sense you have an allergic reaction to a certain herb
or oil. Consult with your doctor regularly if you sense that your
symptoms are worsening instead of improving. You should also consult
with a professional if you see that you are developing new symptoms.
Remember, aromatherapy is not for everyone and is best used under
the supervision of a professional aromatherapist.
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