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Aromatherapy is a method of
using the aromatic oils which have been distilled from
plant sources to engender a feeling of well being both
physically and psychologically. Safe and correct use has
been shown to benefit the physical and mental well being.
There are many aromatherapy
oils which are used in the art of aromatherapy and these
are too lengthy to list here. However, there are many
benefits to be had from aromatherapy oils but you need to
understand that there can be some drawbacks for use in
aromatherapy although many people say there are greater
benefits.
There are two ways in which
essential oils are used in aromatherapy. These are by
inhalation and by application to your skin.
Inhaling aromatherapy oils
is where the vapor given off by the oil is inhaled into
the lungs. This is thought to incite the brain and cause
it to trigger a reaction to the oil. It is also thought
that there is a physical well being by breathing the
vapors directly into the lungs. Remember that safety is of
the utmost importance and always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions as otherwise a reaction,
possibly very severe can take place. It is important to
remember to consult a trained specialist before using
aromatherapy oils.
The other method of using
aromatherapy oils in is by application to the skin. It is
thought that when oil is applied to the skin it is
absorbed into the blood stream and is useful for many
health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Again, I must
stress the safety aspect as aromatherapy oils are usually
very strong and it is important that they are always
diluted before you use them. To dilute them a carrier oil
is needed and these are oils such as grape seed oil, sweet
almond oil and apricot kernel oil.
Another way that
aromatherapy oils can be used is to act as an insect
repellent. We are all familiar with the use of citronella
in candles. I find these excellent as a way of keeping
bugs at bay.
Aromatherapy oils can also
be blended together and this can be done with a carrier
base but not always. Combination oils can have even more
benefits in aromatherapy as they then offer a combination
of uses. The Internet has many sites where you will be
able to find recipes for blending together different oils
with their uses listed as well.
The term aromatherapy is a
fairly recent phrase first thought to have been used in
the 20th century but the practice of aromatherapy has been
around for well over 1000 years.
The Egyptians are thought
to have developed a way of distilling oil from cedar wood
and the Chinese have used plant and herbal incense from a
very long time which they burned to give a feeling of well
being.
René-Maurice Gattefossé,
A Frenchman, is first thought to have used the term
aromatherapy after he supposedly treated a nasty burn with
the nearest liquid to hand which turned out to be oil
distilled from lavender. This wound healed quickly and it
left no scaring. This started his in-depth research into
essential oils.
We are now becoming more
aware of natural products after we have relied on
synthetic drugs for many years and aromatherapy is growing
in popularity. Most of us prefer to use natural products,
such as aromatherapy oils, to sooth and heal our minds and
bodies. Gattefossé would have said, Long Live
Aromatherapy, but he would have said it in his native
French. Using essential oils for aromatherapy is natural
and is an excellent way to help calm and sooth our
troubled 21st century lives.
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About
The Author
Ric
Wiley is an Internet Marketer who enjoys
writing about a varied range of subjects.
A reformed smoker and heavy drinker he now
spends a lot of time exercising, keeping
fit and running. Check out his latest site
at http://www.first-choice-health.com |
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