|
|
 |
|
51.8%ANMag Issue 22 Global Awareness
Aromatherapy
By Salwa Zahabi, Staff Writer
Beirut, Lebanon − There are many alternative and natural methods that can help the body cope with emotional and physical diseases. The most popular “sweet-scented” technique is aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a form of holistic approach involving the use of aromatic herbal remedies for physical, emotional, and mental healing. It is a form of natural therapy that involves the use of pure essential oils, which are derived from plants, flowers, barks, roots and resins and other aromatic substances such as vegetable (base) oils and scented products such as candles and soaps for the purpose of harmonizing body, spirit, and mind.
Aromatherapy is an ancient therapeutic technique. In all major cultures of antiquity (Egypt, Greece, Persia, Rome), physicians used to deal with herbs, aromatic plants and floral water, and long before the invention of the body lotion, vegetable oils were used to keep the skin soft and smooth.
Aromatherapy’s essential oils have proven to have many magical properties, which is why it is considered as “one of nature’s greatest gifts to mankind”. They are called essential oils to indicate their volatile nature and mostly represent the characteristic aspects of plants. Essential oils are the volatile part of leaves, roots, the cortex, seeds and fruits of various flowers, plants and trees and are produced with special techniques of infusion, expression and distillation.
There are many ways to use essential oils. They are used in massages, compresses, bath lotions, hair shampoo, facial and skin care, room and body perfumes and inhales. Massage therapy is very well-known as a great tool for aromatherapy, as the essential oils used in the session stimulate and heal the body. Another effective way of getting the oil into our system is by putting it on the soles of feet.
Aroma therapists believe that each essential oil used in aromatherapy has a unique therapeutic characteristic. For example, aromatherapy has been proven to be excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and efficiency levels. It can also reduce symptoms like asthma, digestive upsets, diabetes, acne, depression, hormone imbalances, and respiratory problems.
There are many different types of oils. Lavender oil is used for headaches, and it is also considered a stress reducer because it enhances relaxation. Lavender oil has also been proven to be great for use in meditation. Rose, magnolia, mimosa, jasmine and gardenia are also other amazing essential oils to use in relaxation. Geranium oil is another sedative and relaxing essential oil that can balance the adrenaline level in the system.
Another oil substance that helps us to get rid of headaches, insomnia, and anxiety is sweet marjoram. It also clears respiratory challenges and helps us in reducing muscular aches. Ylang-ylang and chamomile essential oil can be used for soothing nervous tension. Holy Basil is known as one of the best antidepressant therapeutic grades, and its essential oils are highly recommended for stress alleviation. Holy basil is a native herb of India (where it is known as Tulsi), and it is considered a sacred plant of the Hindu civilization.
Rosemary oil is another type of oil which has the ability to clear the sinuses and help us breathe. It is actually a perfect substance for people who engage in a lot of detail mental work because rosemary helps with the memory. Since it has a clean and bright scent, rosemary lifts one’s outlook on life and helps you connect with all that is good and positive in life.
Another substance that helps clear the mind is peppermint oil. It can ease stomach upsets and sweeten one’s breath. Sniffing peppermint wakes up our mind and helps bring alertness and mental clarity. Lemon oil acts as a beneficial anti-viral agent, as well as an agent for boosting the immune system. Lemon is a happy scent and helps raise one out of depression by raising our self-esteem and self-confidence.
Basil, Clary Sage, Cypress, Thyme and Sage are recommended essential oils for pain relief as in muscles pain.
Juniper, citrus, and grapefruit oils are used most for cellulite therapy by reducing body toxins, facilitating blood circulation.
Aromatherapy massage is probably the most useful alternative method for treating cellulite because it is applied directly to the affected part of skin and encourages body detoxification.
Essential oils are not greasy, and many of them do not leave oily marks behind. They can easily penetrate through the skin and get absorbed into the bloodstream, where they will be taken in at different rates throughout the whole system.
If essential oils are not used correctly, they can do harm since they tend to be highly concentrated extracts which are obtained by distilling a variety of plant materials such as flowers, leaves, fruit peel, wood, grasses etc.
Aromatherapy is considered a holistic alternative therapy that has been used since antiquity by all major civilizations, and its popularity has been recently increasing.
Aromatherapy is not only a delightful and refreshing activity; it is beneficial for a lot of health conditions to achieve emotional and physical well-being.
Nowadays, aromatherapy is highly considered as an energizing and relaxing natural therapy because it generally works to harmonize the body, the mind, and the spirit of those who are taking it, leaving the person calm and active.