Aromatherapy
Can help with physical, emotion, and spiritual needs
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic wellness practice, which uses natural plant fragrances and extracts to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Aromatherapy oil is extracted from the flowers, barks, leaves, and fruits of different plants found in the natural world. Essential oils, which are the fragrant extracts used in Aromatherapy, deliver wellness benefits to the human body by stimulating smell receptors, which activate parts of the human brain that store emotion and memory. Alternately, the essential oil may be applied to the skin, and then absorbed into the body tissue.
The therapeutic use of aromatic plants seems to be as old as civilization itself. Plants have been found at ancient burial grounds and texts from ancient Egypt, and around the Mediterranean describe healing ointments and perfumes. Spiritual perfumes have been used throughout history to enhance religious ceremonies.
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
There are a number of potential benefits of aromatherapy. Some of them include:
Relax muscle tension
Heal wounds, cuts, and burns
Lower blood pressure and cortisol levels
Improve quality of sleep
Provide cognitive benefits, such as memory and focus
Promote relaxation, ease, and overall happiness
Offer spiritual benefits, such as protection, abundance, and intuition
Conditions Aromatherapy Can Treat
Aromatherapy is used to help treat a variety of conditions, including:
Depression, anxiety, and stress
Low energy and lethargy
Indigestion, nausea, low appetite, and stomach issues
Headache
Insomnia
Muscular pain and swollen joints
Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and asthma
Evidence that Aromatherapy Works
Though there is a long history of use, there are very few clinical trials that prove the effectiveness of aromatherapy.
Though it has grown in popularity in the 20th and 21st centuries, its use as a medicinal healing method has been documented by ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Rome, dating back more than 6,000 years.
A study by the National Library of Medicine reported that implementing Aromatherapy into the treatments of ICU Patients created a positive effect on their sleep, greatly reduced anxiety, and promoted healthy vital signs.
A study by American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that, in tandem with clinical methods, essential oils helped reduce overall patient anxiety and stress.
What to Expect with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a unique experience for everyone. What you can expect in terms of price and experience will depend on the setting and practitioner you choose, the application method of choice, what you are looking to accomplish in your session.
The typical aromatherapy session lasts 60-90 minutes and can be applied directly in massage, inhaled, diffused into steam, blended into creams and lotions, or even integrated into baths. You can expect to describe your concerns and wishes to the practitioner, and for them to expertly curate and apply the blend of fragrances.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) offers a Directory of Licensed Aromatherapists to help with your search for a practitioner.
Some people choose to implement aromatherapy into daily life, by purchasing their own essential oils and applying them directly, keeping a diffuser in their office or home, or having lotions and creams infused with essential oils.
As with all practices, safety is of utmost importance. Be aware of allergic reactions or sensitives to oils or plants.
