The natural therapy aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that harnesses your sense of smell to enable healing. It is intended to benefit your mind, body and spirit through the use of essential oils. Aromatherapy uses the different scents from these natural oils to improve your overall health and well being as well as addressing particular problems.
As the olfactory nerve is directly connected to the portion of the brain associated with memory, aromatherapy is utilizing one of your strongest senses, that of smell. Oils are extracted from plants and held in highly concentrated doses. They may be directly inhaled, rubbed into the skin, or allowed to diffuse through a room.
What are the benefits?
Different essential oils have different effects. Chamomile for example is good for treating cuts while lavender is calming and lowers stress levels. Research has shown that smell can have a powerful impact on our mood and sense of well being. They have a direct effect on the nervous system and therefore can be used as a stimulant or to relax.
Digestive disorders, respiratory problems including asthma, and women's complaints, such as PMT, are among the many conditions that these treatments can ease. When massaged into the skin, essential oils are deeply relaxing and help to boost your immune system.
They can also help ease physical pain such as rheumatism and arthritis. They are useful for combating depression, insomnia and other emotional problems. There are over one hundred and fifty scents available and a good therapist will help you tailor treatment to your individual needs.
