WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to heal and revitalize the Body and Mind.
Essential oils represent what nature prizes most: pure energy and vital force which enlivens the plant. These aromatherapy essences are extracted from plants around the world through a distillation process. These precious essential oils heal and enliven Body, Mind and Spirit by enchanting your senses!
Aromatherapy is the science and art of using the volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing. These essences are also used in cosmetics, perfumery and in food flavoring.
Aromatherapy is considered by many to be a branch of herbal medicine. It is in fact the use of herbs and flowers in their most concentrated form. Far from being a placebo effect, or a smell-good feel-good phenomena; medicinal use of essential oils brings healing on 3 planes; the physical, mental, and the spiritual.
Research has shown essential oils to be some of the strongest antimicrobial agents; ridding the body of toxins and fighting infection. Others are known to affect mood and have a historical reputation for increasing libido. While still others are use in ritual and ceremony to open and heighten spiritual awareness.
Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art that has been around
since The Pyramids and is as modern as today's natural
holistic healing. Essential oils are the life force of
plants. Aromatherapy is a complete psychosomatic system
of healing, a holistic approach to health and well-being
by means of aromas which are scents derived from the
plant kingdom. The power of fragrance is used to
influence and alter our emotional moods. Their aroma
assists in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating
and rejuvenating the body. It is these oils that give
plants their fragrance and immunity. Essential oils
contain numerous chemicals which have therapeutic
properties. Essential oils in their structure have the
potential to donate or receive electrons. This energetic
exchange is due to the wavelength of the electromagnetic
vibrations which are produced by the essential oils.. The
recognized healing effect of essential oils is thought to
be carried out mainly through tissue stimulation. This
quality refers to the healing and regeneration action of
certain essential oils. Essential oils have an analgesic
neutralizing effect upon the chemicals carried by the
sensory nerve endings in response to injury. This is
generally felt as pain and the effect of neutralization
leads to the absence of pain or discomfort. The
anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by the inhibition of
the local inflammatory response and neutralization of
chemical reactions caused by an injury.
Essential oils act directly upon the
hypothalamic (brain) centers, which have a regulating
effect upon the pituitary gland known as the hypophysis,
through hormones with the rest of endocrine system. Some
essential oils are able to regulate endocrine dysfunction
and immune disorders. They are also able to re-establish
homeostasis (harmony), and balance or ground a person to
achieve a state of equilibrium, in addition to restoring
well-being through the body and mind connections.
Aromatherapy works on the olfactory system, so natural
inhalation can be used safely. Due to the transdermal
diffusion of essential oils, they easily penetrate the
skin, reaching the vascular system where they are
absorbed by the bloodstream. They can be applied easily
to the epidermis to gain beneficial effects though skin
absorption.
Essential oils
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? They are subtle, therapeutic-grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. They are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body. Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be assimilated; therefore, the oxygenating essential oils can help us maintain our health.
One of the most popular applications
for essential oils is in the field of aromatherapy. This
highly skilled art uses essential oils to assist in the
healing of physical, psychological and aesthetic
ailments. It is the only therapy that utilizes the most
neglected of the senses, smell.
There are many ways to incorporate the
benefits of aromatherapy into our daily lives. They may
used to stimulate and invigorate us in the morning, and
then to calm and restore our peace of mind at the end of
the day. Essential oils may soothe inflammation, act as
an antiseptic, help dull pain and stimulate digestion. We
encourage you to experiment with our full line of
essential oil products so that you may discover which
uses and fragrances work best for you in any given
situation or state of mind. Once you've learned a little
about the uses and benefits of essential oils, you'll be
amazed at how you can take control of your health, the
air you breathe and the food you eat-all in a safe,
chemical free manner. Some specific applications for
essential oils:
HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?
Essential oils work in harmony with the body to normalize and balance. They produce certain effects that we can count on, but can also adapt to the needs of different people. Used for their undisputed anti-microbial and antiseptic effects, essential oils are not only less toxic than synthetic antibiotics but also support life (eubiotic) by working with the body's own natural healing abilities (through which the only true healing occurs). Certain oils, such as Roman chamomile, have cytophylactic (cell regeneration), antiseptic, and wound healing effects as well as anti-fungal and anti-inflammative properties making them the ultimate active principles for holistic natural skin-care.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?
Oils can directly or indirectly affect the body's physiological systems. For instance, a couple of drops of peppermint taken orally can aid digestion and inhalations of mucolytic oils can relieve respiratory symptoms. Used topically for their antiseptic and soothing effects, essential oils can successfully treat minor skin conditions. It has been demonstrated that the application of certain essential oils to the skin can produce vaso-dilation which in turn causes warming of underlying muscles, however this is an indirect effect of the oil acting on the superficial tissues, it is not a pharmacological effect produced as a result of the oil entering the systemic circulation via the skin. In addition, because of the effect of relaxation on the brain and the subsequent sedating or stimulating of the nervous system, essential oils can also indirectly raise and lower blood pressure and possibly aid in normalization of hormonal secretion.
Because of olfaction's direct connection to the brain, sending electrical messages directly into the limbic system, essential oils can have effects on emotions and mental states. Perception of odors can have a major impact on memory, learning, emotions, thinking and feeling. As therapeutic agents, essential oils work similarly to tranquilizers but in a subtle organic way. Most scents uplift spirits and calm the nervous system. For example, lavender is calming and sedative; basil, rosemary and peppermint are uplifting and stimulating; and jasmine and ylang-ylang are exciting or euphoric.
HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED?
Bathing
Add a few drops of the oil of your choice to
a filled bathtub. A thin film of oil will cover your body
and the effects of the aroma will either calm or
invigorate you, depending on the oil you choose.
Massage
Essential oils are highly beneficial in
massage therapy as they are absorbed completely by the
skin within one hour. They will add smoothness and
suppleness to the skin, and when used correctly, they
will help relieve muscular aches and pains.
Compress
Use a few drops of oil on a warm, wet compress to promote
circulation and rejuvenation and to produce a more
youthful, glowing complexion. Essential oil compresses
may also provide relief and comfort in first aid care:
Use five or six drops of the appropriate oil in a bowl of
hot water; soak a cotton cloth in the mixture and apply
it to your face or the affected area; leave the compress
in place for five minutes then repeat the process three
or four times.
Inhalation
The easiest way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils
is to simply inhale their aromatic fragrance directly
from the bottle. A few drops on a tissue or cotton ball
will allow you to enjoy the benefits throughout the day.
Do the same thing at night to help promote restful sleep.
Steam Inhalation
Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming
water to create a healing aromatic vapor. Inhale these
vapors to clear away congestion, help release mental
fatigue and to assist the skin in deep cleansing.
Spray / Mist Air
Freshener
Combine a few drops of the appropriate oil with purified
water in a spray bottle to purify and refresh your home
or office. This will help promote a healthier environment
and in some cases, promote a better buying atmosphere in
retail settings.
Pets
Fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites may be
controlled through the use of essential oils on your
pets. Through correct application, you may alleviate skin
problems, fur and hair problems and more. Check your
local bookstore or library for more information on the
use of essential oils in pet care.
Gardening and Plant Care
Essential oils can rid your garden, home and plants of
bugs, disease and fungus. The correct oils and
application also will encourage growth and a more care
free and environmentally safe garden. You'll find several
uses.
Also see: The Olfactory System - Essential Oils Guide - YLEO Essential Oils Guide
YLEO Frequency Chart - Glossary The Guide to Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy Warnings.
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