Aromatherapy is a traditional treatment that uses aromatic substances (essential oils) extracted from plants to promote mental, emotional, and physical health. The treatment mainly involves the application of essential oils through massage and inhalation.
Individuals from different parts of the world have been using essential oils for more than 6,000 years to improve their well-being.
Key benefits of aromatherapy
Essential oils used during aromatherapy show beneficial properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. Due to this reason, essential oils are believed to be good for health. Some studies also prove their effectiveness.
This holistic treatment is used in hospitals and various other settings because it may help relieve certain medical conditions such as:
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Muscular ache
Body ache
Breathing trouble and asthma
Insomnia, fatigue and tiredness
Inflammation and wound healing
Menstrual issues like pain
Erectile dysfunction
Alopecia (hair loss)
Menopausal symptoms
Constipation
Clove oil can help with toothache. It should not be swallowed but applied topically.
Similarly, peppermint oil can help relieve digestive problems when it is massaged on the abdomen.
Studies also suggest that women who have aromatherapy during labor experience less pain and anxiety. Additionally, these studies revealed that they also require fewer pain killers compared to women who do not have aromatherapy during labor.
Massage and beautiful aroma are believed to work together in relieving anxiety and depression. To clarify, massage works on the muscles and relaxes them, while scents are thought to work on the brain by promoting positive emotions. Furthermore, this is achieved by encouraging the production of hormones that reduce stress while triggering a positive feeling.
There are numerous benefits of aromatherapy, but not all of them are supported by research and studies. You should always first get your doctor’s advice before using aromatherapy for a medical condition.
What to expect from an aromatherapy session?
Now that you have learnt the benefits of aromatherapy, you might be thinking about getting this holistic treatment in the near future. If you do, make sure you get it from a professional aromatherapist, massage therapist, and physical therapist.
During your session, your aromatherapist will first ask you about your health condition for which you need the therapy. Tell them about your lifestyle, symptoms, and health history. Your aromatherapist will then suggest either one oil or a combination of oils, depending on your condition and needs.
The practitioner may ask you to inhale essential oils through a cloth, steam, vaporizer, etc. In addition to this, essential oils may be applied topically during a massage. Lastly, your aromatherapist may share with you the best possible ways of using the essential oils at home.
Summing it up
So, clearly, this is an effective treatment that can help people relieve certain medical conditions. That said, it should always be done under the supervision of a professional practitioner. Since it is a complementary treatment, do not try to replace it with your doctor-approved medical treatment.
Some essential oils can also affect conventional medicines. People who are taking any medications should talk to a pharmacist before using any oil for aromatherapy.
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