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When we think of relaxation our minds typically think of getting a massage or spending a day at the spa or maybe even a nice long bubble bath. Some might even think of a glass of wine or soothing music when it comes to relaxation. One method of relaxation that isn’t practiced as much but it is still as effective is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy means healing through scent or aroma. Aromatherapy is used in some massage and acupuncture treatments to help encourage the feeling of relaxation in patients but also in the person giving the treatment. When patients or clients are relaxed the healing process of the mind, body and spirit can be more effective. When the masseuse or person administering the treatment is relaxed it helps them to do their job better by keeping them focused.

This type of healing through scent is possible because of little receptors in our nose called cilia. These receptors send signals to the limbic system of our brains. This part of our brain controls our memories and emotions. This is why when we smell something it can bring back fond memories of years past. This connection between smell and our emotions helps therapists to induce relaxation through soothing fragrances or to abruptly wake someone as in the case of smelling salts.

Aromatherapy is made up of oils that are called Essential Oils. These oils are extracted from plants, herbs and flowers from all over and reduced to a concentrated form. When these oils are added to a lotion or diluted with water they can be applied to the skin.

There are 10 Essential Oils that are said to be staples in any aroma therapist’s arsenal. They are: Thyme, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Clove, Lemon, Chamomile, Rosemary, Geranium and Lavender.

There are many different forms of relaxation such as massages, soothing music and now you know of one more; aromatherapy. Relaxation through smell is a fantastic way to unwind anywhere you are. This means that no matter where you are or what environment causes the most stress you can enjoy the relaxing benefits of aromatherapy whether it is at home, in the car, or at the office.

In the midst of all the alternative medicine treatments that you’ve heard about recently, you may have noticed aromatherapy mentioned a few times. Many dismiss the idea of using scents to bring medical results as quackery, and that’s understandable in many ways. There’s a lot of information regarding aromatherapy that comes from people who speak about it based on their spiritual beliefs and a lack of information that comes from detailed medical studies. As a medical treatment in Western nations, it’s still a little new, so there’s still much to learn about it. Let’s explore some of the ways that aromatherapy does help people so you have a better idea of how to better incorporate it into your life.

As A Medical Practice

The determinant of aromatherapy comes from the use of essential oils, which are extracted from plants using distilling processes, resulting in concentrated liquids that are often very fragrant. In France, where aromatherapy is used in concert with traditional medical practices, but it’s for the antiseptic properties of the essential oils more than anything. In France, essential oils are sometimes prescribed and administered by a physician to target harmful organisms that might lead to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

If you’re wondering where the “aroma” part of aromatherapy comes in, there are traditional medical practices in the United States in which the scents of various compounds result in an alleviation of symptoms of illness. The one most people are familiar with is the use of things such as Vicks VapoRub or Halls cough drops to help clear clogged sinuses and throats. Aromatic chemicals such as menthol and eucalyptus bring an alleviation of those symptoms, which are often associated with colds.

As Stress Therapy

When you begin to venture out of such applications and begin to talk about alleviating stress with aromatherapy, then you start to get into ideas that come less from observed scientific evidence than from everyday theories. Aromatherapy in many instances is suggested as a way to reduce symptoms of stress in people and for other effects. For instance, basil oil is often suggested to ease the effects of depression and to help you to concentrate, while lavender is used for relaxation.

While many of these purported aren’t determined through scientific study, it’s easy enough to notice that pleasant scents can make people feel cheerier. With that in mind, it wouldn’t hurt to practice a little aromatherapy at home; at best, it really will help and at worst, you still end up surrounded by nice scents. So, whether you’re using it for medical purposes or just to relax, aromatherapy offers something for you.

More health information can be found at BroadcastArchives.net Health Blog. There are also informative health videos at Broadcastarchives.net/health