Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences to balance, harmonize and promote health in the body, mind and spirit.

How does Aromatherapy work?

When essential oils are inhaled or absorbed, they affect our bodies in several ways. The essential oil molecules enter the body causing messages to be sent directly to the limbic system, located in the brain. The limbic system is the site of memory, learning and emotion. Aromatherapy triggers changes within the limbic system which in turn stimulates psychological responses within the body via the nervous, endocrine or immune systems.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts which are distilled from a variety of aromatic plant material including grasses, leaves, flowers, twigs, fruit peels, wood and roots. The most commonly used essential oils are lavender, chamomile, peppermint, marjoram, rosemary, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, lemon, clove, geranium, sandalwood and jasmine.

How do you use Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy can be used in many ways. Inhalation is the most common method. Add a few drops of oil to boiling water, place a towel over your head and inhale the rising steam, or you can add a few drops to a warm bath and soak in it. It can also be used in an oil burner to fill the room with fragrance. Apply a few drops of oil to your fingers and thoroughly rub it into the bottom of your feet, wrists, chest, head and temples.

What can Aromatherapy do?

Aromatherapy can create several different moods and relaxing emotions. There are combinations such as:

Cleansing: In this blend, oils derived from grapefruit, lemon, lime, lemongrass and eucalyptus are used to cleanse and detoxify the body and spirit.
Confidence: This blend contains pure essential oils such as rosewood, rosemary, spikenard, chamomile, helichrysum, cedar leaf, fir needle, balsam and other essential oils that provide an increased sense of courage and self-confidence.
Emotions: Aromatherapy can help you cope with depressive states, anxiety, panic attacks, anorexia, hysteria or chronic negative emotional states. Several different essential oils are used for each emotion.
Energy: The energy blend contains essential oils such as cassia, clove bud, ylang ylang, nutmeg, clary sage and geranium. These essential oils are known to promote vitality.
Happiness: Lavender, ylang ylang, peppermint, orange, lemon, lemongrass and other essential oils create a blend formulated to promote happiness and feelings of joy.
Harmony: Harmony contains pure essential oils such as hyssop, spruce, lavender, ylang ylang, sandalwood, geranium and clary sage to bring balance to the mind and body. This blend is most commonly used by massage therapists.
Immunity: Cedar leaf, eucalyptus, lavender, clary sage, spruce, lime and tea tree are used to support the immune system and provide quicker healing.
Insomnia: For the treatment of insomnia, oils made from chamomile, lavender, geranium and helichrysum are used to promote relaxation for a more restful sleep.
Romance: For years, lovers have used aroma for seduction. The romantic blends are aphrodisiacs that clear inhibitions and promote feelings of love.
Serenity: Cedar wood, balsam, ylang ylang, cumin seed, lavender, savory, myrrh and pine needle create this blend that calms and promotes a serene, peaceful feeling.

Are there any possible side effects?

There is a slight chance of skin sensitivity to some oils.

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy?

The benefits of Aromatherapy are that it is completely natural and non-invasive. Also, Aromatherapy can be used in the comfort of your own home.

What are the results?

Results depend on which essential oils are used. Overall, Aromatherapy helps create harmony in the body, mind and spirit and promotes feelings of well being, relaxation, confidence and receptivity. Aromatherapy can help ease aches and pains and rejuvenate the entire body.

What to expect after treatment:

After treatment, there should be an emotional reaction to the selected essential oils. Feelings such as relaxation, romance, happiness and an increase in energy may occur.

Who should avoid Aromatherapy?

Pregnant and breast feeding women may want to avoid most Aromatherapies.

Is additional treatment necessary?

Treatment can be repeated as many times as the client desires.