The Wonderful World of Aromatherapy: How It Can Benefit You
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to improve a person’s health or mood. Essential oils are forms of plant extract, and they contain various compounds that can offer health benefits. This blog post will discuss the wonderful world of Aromatherapy and how it can benefit you!
Some of the more well known essential oils include Lavender, Peppermint, Orange, and Tea Tree, among many others. Each has its unique scent and benefits, so it is crucial to remain informed on your body’s needs to identify the right therapy. Most notable uses are supplementing cancer care and aiding the management of side effects, such as insomnia and nausea. Essential oils can also be great supportive therapy for general health (including mental health) and wellness.
Aromatherapy and mental health:
Anxiety and depression afflict a large percentage of the population. Yet, despite this, a fact sheet released by the World Health Organisation in September 2021 states that ‘more than 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment’. We can chalk this tragedy to a list of reasons, including misinformation and perhaps fear of dependency on pharmaceutical drugs.
The use of essential oils in therapy also minimises the risk of drug abuse, dependence, and delay of therapeutic effect. In addition, aromatherapy has been a positive alternative to modern medication as a mood booster and form of anxiety relief. Further, In-vivo studies on animal models confirm that certain oils have anti-anxiety effects and interact with central nervous system receptors.
How to use essential oils:
Those who wish to reap its benefits can use Aromatherapy in many ways. The most popular methods are through diffusers that spread the essential oils into the air. This method is a great way to relax and improve your mood as you breathe in the therapeutic scents. You can also apply essential oils directly to your skin or add them to your bathtub for a relaxing soak. I strongly recommend seeking advice before doing so to avoid skin irritation.
Another form of Aromatherapy is the art of smudging. Native Americans have practised smudging throughout the Centuries, and I often compare the ritual to the action of hand washing before eating. However, the focus of the process is to cleanse a person in an energetic bath of aromatic smoke. The ceremony uses a selection of herbs, focusing on sage bound with string to form a smudge stick. Those performing the ritual then set the stick alight, creating a beautifully scented smoke. The smoke created in a Smudging ceremony purifies living spaces and cleanses negative energy within tools, furniture, and even home decor.
Now that you know a bit more about Aromatherapy and how it can benefit you, I sincerely hope you will give it a try. One thing that I would strongly urge is that you speak with a Complementary Medical Praticitioner beforehand. Each body is different, and to correctly supplement any existing treatments, an expert opinion is required. Please visit my website for additional information or The CMA website to locate a practitioner near you.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.
