Aromatherapy is a holistic healing therapy that uses plant materials and naturally extracted plant essences (Essential Oils) to promote both physical and emotional health by supporting the mind, body, and soul. Essential Oils are found in various parts of plants – bark, stem, flowers, rind, and resin. By a sophisticated process called distillation, they are extracted from the plants – often through steam or cold pressing.
For over 5,000 years, many different cultures have used healing plant oils for various health conditions and spiritual rituals. Although the term “Aromatherapy” was not used until the 20th Century, the use of aromatic botanical and aromatic oils dates back thousands of years.
Essential oils have been found to provide psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. The effect is experienced through the sense of smell, which is linked to the deepest parts of the brain governed by the basic instincts, thoughts, and emotions.
Essential oils can be blended together to create appealing and complex aromas. They can also be combined for a specific therapeutic purpose- synergy. A synergy essential oil blend is considered to be higher in total action than each oil working independently.
Three most common ways to use essential oils
Essential oils can be used topically, aromatically and internally.
In aromatic use, when inhaled, a large number of blood vessels in the lungs absorb the oils and then circulate them throughout the body. Using a diffuser or inhaler can help you experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. (For example, lavender and chamomile to reduce stress, melaleuca to cleanse the air, wild orange to uplift mood).
In topical applications, essential oils are able to penetrate the skin and pass into the bloodstream and into different areas of the body for internal therapeutic benefits. It is possible because their chemical weight is less than 1000m. According to scientific testing, any substance with a molecular weight below 1000m would be absorbed by the skin. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, they are typically diluted into a carrier oil such as cold-pressed coconut oil or Jojoba oil.
Internal use is referred to as the act of ingesting essential oils. Common ways to ingest essential oils are through capsules, food, drink or by taking drops. Upon ingestion, the oil comes into contact with the mucous membrane, which covers the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Essential oils are powerful and highly concentrated substances that can positively affect us when appropriately used, but have the ability to cause damage when misused. Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists does not support this method of use.
Therefore, with your safety in mind, Scentifique does not recommend the internal use of essential oils without consulting with your medical doctor and an experienced aromatherapist.
Why is Aromatherapy great for you?
Essential oils could help and support you at three fundamental levels: Mind, Body, and Soul (Spirit). Here are just some examples:
For your Mind- It could help with stress management, feelings of sadness or anxiousness by reducing tension in the body and promote more restful sleep. If you feel tired or exhausted, low motivation or brain fog, it could boost you with high energy, support your self-esteem and uplift your mood. Essential oils could also help you when you need to be more productive by improving your focus and memory abilities.
For your Body- Essential oils are widely used in skincare products and massage therapy because they have the ability to nourish dry skin, moisturize and soothe irritation. They also can improve blood circulation, help relieve muscle pain, headache and support digestion. Your immune system will thank you a lot for adding essential oils to your daily routine!
For your Soul (Spirit)- Essential oils being used for thousands of years in different religious rituals to cleanse and purify the body and the soul. Some of the essential oils are known as very powerful energetic cleansers. They can help to get rid of the negative energy in your aura, mind, personal space and even purify your home. Essential oils also could be used for protection from psychic negative energy attacks and influences, and they will help to keep away evil spirits and the evil eye.
In addition to therapeutic benefits for the body, mind, and soul, essential oils could be very helpful in household cleaning and laundry. They are able to kill bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus. By adding essential oils to your cleaning routine, you are actually creating a toxic-free environment for you and your family. In my opinion, it’s crucial to decrease exposure to the harmful chemical components that could be found almost in every natural cleaning product, especially if you have young children at home.
Recognition of Essential oils as powerful promoters of physical, mental and emotional health is rapidly expanding globally. Backed by growing scientific validation, this rediscovery of holistic self-care with oils is demonstrated in the wide range of popular uses from improving mood, rejuvenating the skin and overall health. They are fast becoming the number one choice as the natural way to keep oneself and loved ones healthy.
Aromatherapy doesn’t diagnose, treat or prescribe anything. Essential oils are not drugs; please consult your doctor prior to essential oils use, especially if you have any health conditions or you take any medications. Aromatherapy is a complementary holistic therapy and does not replace any medical treatments you are currently receiving, but it’s a great and powerful natural gift that should be used wisely to promote well-being and health support.
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