Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to promote mental, physical and spiritual well-being. The benefits of aroma therapy are many, including lower stress, increased focus and a better night’s sleep. Essential oils are usually extracted from plant material through distillation. They have potent properties that make them excellent for aromatherapy usage. Let us take a look at how we can use essential oils in our everyday life to improve our health and well-being.

What is Aroma Therapy?

Aromatherapy uses plant-derived essential oils as a form of alternative medicine. It is a holistic approach to health that focuses on treating the mind, body and spirit, as opposed to a specific disease or condition. The use of fragrances dates back to antiquity when they were used in religious ceremonies, as well as for their healing properties. The term “aromatherapy” was coined in the early 1900s by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who discovered the healing properties of essential oils when he burned his hand and was surprised to find that the application of lavender oil alleviated his pain. Although the practice is not regulated by any government agencies, many massage therapists, physicians and alternative health practitioners use essential oils in their treatment plans for their therapeutic effects on mood, cognition and health.

How does Aroma Therapy Work?

Essential oils are natural oils derived from various plants. Aromatherapy is the practice of using these various essential oils to promote physical and mental health. Essential oils are highly concentrated and contain aromatic compounds that trigger physiological and psychological responses. When applied via inhalation or topical application, these aromatic compounds travel through the bloodstream and into the brain. The olfactory bulb, which is a part of the brain dealing with smell and smell memories, transfers the compounds to the amygdala. When the compounds reach the amygdala, they are stored as memories and trigger the release of neurotransmitters, hormones and other chemicals that promote positive health benefits.

Caution: Pure essential oils must be diluted before topical application.

How to Use Essential Oils for Aroma Therapy

There are many different ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy, including via: 

Application 

– Applying the oils to the skin can allow them to be absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Inhalation

 – Breathing in the scent of the oils can also be effective.

 Intercalation 

– Intercalating the oils with other items, such as soap, can also be effective. 

Topical application

 – Applying the oils directly to a specific area of the body.

Conclusion

The benefits of aromatherapy are numerous and include reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, and reduced symptoms of depression. There are many ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy including application, inhalation, intercalation, and topical application. With so many benefits and so many ways to use essential oils, aromatherapy is a great option for those who are interested in improving their mental and physical health. There are many benefits to using aromatherapy, such as a reduced risk of depression, improved sleep quality, and improved immune system function. There are many ways to use aromatherapy, including via application, inhalation, intercalation, and topical application.