Monday, November 30, 2020

What Makes Aromatherapy Work?

 


Have you wondered how does aromatherapy work? Aromatherapy works when essential oils enter the body by absorption and inhalation through the pores of the skin. After inhalation, aromatic signals are sent to the limbic system of the brain, which impacts the mind and emotions. Aromatherapy oil works in the following two ways:
Aromatherapy Through Inhalation
You could inhale the aromatherapy oil through vaporization, personal perfumes, room sprays and shower gels. The aromatherapy oil is highly volatile and it could enter the bloodstream through lungs when breathed in. The various methods of inhalation are: simple inhalation, mists, diffusion and many more.
Simple Inhalation
Simple inhalation is the easiest method of inhalation where you open the bottle, keep it 6-8 inches under your nose and waft the aroma towards your nose with your other hand. Ensure that you do not touch or breathe on the orifice, as it could reduce the life force of the oil.

Another method is to place a drop of undiluted oil in your hand. Then you could rub your hands together and cup your hands over your nose. Then take a deep breathe and check out your response. If you feel relaxed and content, repeat the process.
Mists
Mists are considered to be an inexpensive method of diffusing the oil into the air. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil into a spray bottle containing purified or distilled water. Since water does not mix well with oil, shake the bottle well before misting its' contents. But, remember that oil does not mix well with water.

So, mix essential oils in vodka before you add water to the spray bottle. Then spray up all over your body and then allow the mist to fall all around you. Note that the mist water lasts for about 2 weeks. You could use glass misters or colored bottles. If you make use of glass misters, remember to keep it in a dark place, as sunlight could affect the essential oil.
Diffusion
Diffusion is a method of introducing essential oils into the air for inhalation. There are many diffusers including vaporizers, humidifiers, glass nebulizers and simple evaporation devices. Vaporizers or humidifiers may be used for respiratory problems, including cold and flu. Peppermint oils and lemon oils can be added to vaporizers and humidifiers to oxygenate the air.
Glass nebulizers
Glass nebulizers ionize the oil molecules appropriately to make sure that the droplets are suspended in the air for a long period of time, thus providing maximum therapeutic benefit. Diffusion with glass nebulizers are especially recommended for patients with respiratory conditions. Purification is an evaporation device that could be used for destroying fungus, bacteria. It neutralizes cigarette smoke, mildew and repels insects and bugs.
Aromatherapy through Skin Application
The aromatherapy oil could be applied in the skin through ointments, lotions, creams, massage and compresses. Aromatic oil is absorbed in the skin through the blood stream. The power of penetration is said to be great and the time of absorption could be between 20 to 70 minutes. Methods of direct application are: reflex zones, pulse points and perfumes, compresses, and chakras.
Reflex Zones
Reflex zones are areas on the skin that connect particular parts of the physical body to emotions. Vita flex therapy and reflexology concentrate on the feet whereas auricular therapy concentrates on ears. Sandalwood and myrrh increase oxygenation in various parts of the body whereas valor is applied on the feet to balance electrical systems in the body.

Several zones in the body relate to emotions. The zone of fear responds positively to Bergamot and Ylang-Ylang whereas the grief zone responds to oil blends of Joy or Bergamot. Reflex zones indeed offer contact with the emotional and physical systems of the body.
Pulse Points and Perfumes
Pulse points are found where a major artery runs close to the surface of the skin. Perfumes are usually applied on the wrist or behind the ear for the quick dispersion of the aroma. You may either use single oil, like lavender or sandalwood, or a unique blend of your own.
Compresses
Compress is an expensive method to get the benefits of aromatherapy. The equipments used are aromatherapy bath salts, bowl of water and a cloth. This method is useful in treating body pains, muscular aches, sprains, varicose veins and respiratory congestion.
Charkas
Charkas are known to be the spinning vortexes of energy that take in and emit energy. The mental, spiritual and emotional systems of the body are said to be in balance when all the 8 chakras spin evenly. Essential oils like harmony and sandalwood open the chakras. Heart responds well to the Rose oil whereas the solar plexus respond to the Juniper oil.

Aroma therapy is not just about nice smelling oils. What are aromas? Aromas are tiny molecules of liquid that float through the air. These molecules, when inhaled, come into contact with the receptor cells inside the spongy pads along the walls of your nasal passage. Your blood stream absorbs these tiny droplets and transfers it to your limbic system. Limbic system is the olfactory area of the brain and deals with a person's basic drives like hunger, thirst, memories, intuition, sleep, emotion and the like.

The limbic system is actually a link between the two sides of our brain. The left side of our brain deals with logical facts whereas the right side of the brain deals with emotional aspects. Aromatherapy is definitely concerned with the right side of our brain, as odor perception and processing are carried out on the right side of the brain.

Details on Aromatherapy Oils

Bark, roots, leaves, seeds, resins and flowers of plants provide the essence for aromatic oils. The aromatic oil is blended with the carrier oil before usage. Carrier oils include sunflower, wheat germ oils, almond and jojoba. Why is the aroma therapy oil blended with carrier oil? Concentrated aromatherapy oils, if used directly, could have a negative impact on your skin.

Diluted oils are easily absorbed by the skin, thus relaxing you. Aromatic oils that help relax both your body and mind are: Jasmine, Rose, Lavender, Cedar wood, Chamomile, Vanilla, Lemongrass and Ylang Ylang. Vanilla and Ylang Ylang are especially used to reduce stress and can be used in combination as bath oils. Eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and sandalwood oil can be helpful in soothing the respiratory system.

Aromatherapy oils refresh your mind and impact your moods. The aromatic oil is also effective in reducing your stress and inducing sleep. You are wrong if you think that aroma therapy oils just impact your inner self. Some aromatic oils seem to have a glowing effect on your skin, thus making your skin look healthy.

How to Make Aromatherapy Blends?

Perfume industries seem to rely more on synthetic oils and less on essential oils. So, you could make your own aromatherapy blends. Home-made aromatherapy blends could make your skin glow and bring out the natural beauty of your skin. To make a successful aromatherapy blend, you need to have knowledge about properties of essential oils and experience in balancing different aromas. Let us go through the aromatherapy blending process for toning and cleansing:

Essential ingredients required are: 1 drop of rose essential oil, 1 drop of Lemon essential oil, 2 drops of Lavender oil and 3 Tea spoons of liquid honey.

Add all the essential ingredients to a bowl. Mix the ingredients well and apply it on the face. Leave it on for 7 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Then pat dry and you will find the difference.

Aromatherapy blendsz are usually used for therapeutic purposes such as for aiding acne and easing aching muscles. You can also make your own aromatherapy blends for pleasure. Aromatic blends primarily created for pleasure can also provide therapeutic benefits.

The law of arithmetic does not apply to aroma therapy blending. Note that some oils have synergy towards each other whereas other oils are antagonistic towards each other. It is the responsibility of the aroma therapist to understand the qualities of various oils so as to effectively combine it. Aromatherapy blending necessitates certain safety precautions. For example, you have to exercise caution while using bergamot because of its' phototoxic properties.

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