What is Aromatherapy?

What is Aromatherapy?

If you’re interested in harnessing the power of plants for healing and wellness, aromatherapy is the perfect practice.  And while you may have heard a lot about aromatherapy you may not be sure what it actually is.

Aromatherapy is a practice that seems like a modern trend.  However, this has been a natural health practice for thousands of years.  Aromatic oils were used in religious ceremonies and in baths centuries ago. 

This practice uses the scents from the essential oils of plants to promote health and wellbeing.  These oils can come from the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or bark of plants that are grown in native areas or in controlled environments such as greenhouses.

Aromatherapy can take place in a number of ways.  Oils can be diffused into the air using an electric diffuser or even just a little oil placed on a piece of cotton and worn on the body.   Diffusing allows you to fill a large space with aroma or keep it personal.

You can also inhale essential oils directly from the bottle – although this method might not be as convenient as others.  Essential oils are often too strong to be applied directly to skin, but when added to carrier oil they can be used in massage therapy.

Some people practice aromatherapy by adding a few drops of essential oils to their bathwater.  And some oils are safe to rub directly onto the skin.  However, it’s important to do your homework before doing so.

There are many health benefits to using essential oils.  They often have antimicrobial properties meaning they fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause discomfort and illness.

Essential oils can also promote relaxation.   Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile have been shown to help you relax and calm anxiety.  You may also find that you sleep better when using essential oils.

Using a diffuser for essential oils can improve your respiratory health.  Some oils can help to clean the air and kill microbes that can cause infections.  By purifying the air you breathe they can help reduce your risk of developing illness.

Many people report that essential oils have helped them with conditions such as depression, cancer side effects, swelling, pain, inflammation, skin conditions, and digestion.

How you use essential oils will depend on your own needs.  It’s important to learn about specific oils as you determine how you will use them.  While there is a lot you can learn on your own, you may want to look for someone who is a certified aromatherapist. 

Aromatherapists are required to study anywhere from 30-200 hours of training and an exam in order to achieve certification, depending on the type of certification.  They learn about specific oils, the best way to use them, and how to ensure safety.

Whether you want to provide a calming environment in your home or you want to get relief form a particularly illness or health problem, aromatherapy provides a natural and effective solution.  Essential oils can address a wide variety of conditions and improve your wellness.