What is Aromatherapy?

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine and complementary health practice that involves the use of plant oils (also known as essential oils). Aromatherapy is based on the possible benefits of the scent of plant oils, and sometimes their application to the skin, on human health and well-being.

The practice is often based on the idea that the natural scents of plant oils can affect a person's mood and emotional state. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from various parts of plants (flowers, leaves, roots, bark, etc.) and carry their essence. These oils are usually extracted by methods such as steam distillation or cold pressing.

Aromatherapy is often used as support for a range of physical and emotional health conditions, such as reducing stress, increasing mental clarity, relaxation, and improving sleep. However, the claims made about the use of aromatherapy as a medical treatment are not fully supported scientifically and there is no strong evidence of its therapeutic effects. Therefore, it is not recommended to use aromatherapy as a stand-alone solution to treat health conditions, but is often used as a complement to other medical treatments.

How does aromatherapy affect the body?

Aromatherapy can affect the human body in several ways. First, the pleasant scents of essential oils can affect emotional state and mood by reaching the brain directly through the nose. For example, some essential oils, such as lavender oil, are considered to have calming and relaxing effects, which can reduce stress and provide mental relaxation. 

Secondly, essential oils can be absorbed by the skin and improve the health and appearance of the skin. Essential oils used in massage oils or skin care products can have moisturizing, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties when applied to the skin. For example, tea tree oil is often used to treat acne, while chamomile oil can calm the skin and reduce irritation.

Thirdly, aromatherapy is often also applied through inhalation. Essential oils can be dispersed into the air through aromatherapy diffusers or steam machines. This can purify the room air, kill germs and open the airways. For example, peppermint oil can open the airways, while eucalyptus oil can relieve coughing.

Finally, the effects of aromatherapy can vary depending on a person's emotional state and reactions. A scent that is pleasant or relaxing for one person may not have the same effect for another. Therefore, the effectiveness of aromatherapy can vary from person to person. However, it is generally considered that it can contribute to relaxation, stress reduction and improved emotional balance.

What Does Aromatherapy Do?

Aromatherapy is a complementary health practice that involves the use of plant oils (also known as essential oils). Essential oils are natural extracts usually extracted from the flowers, leaves, roots or bark of plants. Aromatherapy is based on the ability of the pleasant scents of these essential oils to affect a person's mental and emotional state. This practice is often used for purposes such as stress reduction, relaxation, increasing mental clarity, improving sleep quality. For some people, aromatherapy can help to reduce tensions and restore emotional balance. Furthermore, some essential oils can also be used in skin care and as massage oils, supporting the health of the skin or alleviating skin problems. However, there is no scientifically strong evidence for the use of aromatherapy as a medical treatment and therefore it is often considered as a complement to medical treatments.

How is Aromatherapy Applied?

Aromatherapy is usually carried out through the use of essential oils and can be applied in various ways. First, aromatherapy can be done by applying essential oils directly to the skin. This is done by adding a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil (for example, coconut oil or almond oil) that can be used as a massage oil. This mixture is massaged into the skin, which helps to moisturize and absorb the essential oils into the skin.

Secondly, aromatherapy can also be carried out through inhalation of essential oils. This is done by distributing essential oils into the air through vaporizers, aromatherapy diffusers or steam baths. With this method, the person inhales the vapor, allowing the essential oils to reach the lungs and nerves directly through the nose, which can affect emotional state and mental state.

Thirdly, aromatherapy can also be applied through bath waters or lotions. Adding a few drops of essential oils to bath water or lotions containing a carrier oil can be absorbed by the skin, helping to provide aromatherapeutic effects.

Finally, some people may take aromatherapy internally. However, internal consumption of essential oils can be potentially harmful and is not recommended unless done under expert supervision.

Although aromatherapy is generally safe, it is important to pay attention to the concentrations and use of essential oils. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin and caution should be exercised in case of any allergies or skin sensitivities. It is also advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using aromatherapy in cases such as pregnancy or certain health conditions.

What are Aromatherapy Oils?

Essential oils are the most important oils used in aromatherapy. Essential oils are natural extracts from the flowers, leaves, roots or bark of plants. These oils carry the unique scents and properties of plants. There are many different essential oils used in aromatherapy, each of which can have different aromatic and therapeutic properties.

For example, lavender oil has calming and relaxing properties and can help reduce stress and improve sleep. Peppermint oil has uplifting and mental clarity-enhancing properties and can improve focus and attention. Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and can help reduce acne and infections on the skin.

These are just a few examples, and the number and variety of essential oils used in aromatherapy is vast. Each oil has a different effect and use. Also, some oils can be used mixed together or in specific blends, which can help to achieve the desired result. Essential oils are the basic ingredients in aromatherapy and are used depending on the mode of application and personal needs.