Aromatherapy, The Wonderful Power Of Smells
When we explore the world, we can get carried away by different types of sensations. Among the most powerful, we find the smells. This magical sense has the power to transport us to the universe of memories. Through the smells we can travel to different places, imagine and even find peace. Learn more about aromatherapy in this article!
Aromatherapy immerses us in a large universe of aromas that promote a feeling of fullness on the physical and mental level. Let’s explore this idea further.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a discipline in which essential oils are used which are extracted from aromatic plants. The aim is to enhance well-being. It also supports traditional medicine, promoting relaxation and health.
The smells act in our mind, at the unconscious level, by transmitting different sensations to us. So, in aromatherapy, every scent has a meaning and helps to balance a part of the body and the mind.
The smell receptors receive the aromas and these travel to our brain. They are then processed there. It happens in the limbic system, where we associate different types of emotions with certain aromas, and in the hippocampus, where smells are linked to memories. This part of our mind is the one that takes care of memory. Certain essential oils therefore have the power to transform what we think and what we feel.
Moreover, smell is not the only sense associated with aromatherapy: touch also plays an important role. Indeed, this therapy is carried out through essences which can also be applied to the body through massages.
Structure of a session
Aromatherapy sessions usually last 30 minutes. During a session, the person should focus on themselves and enjoy the present moment. Aromatherapy can also be done:
- By inhalation. Different smells are made available to a person, depending on what they are looking to improve. She must inhale them, either directly or through diffusers that release vapor.
- With baths. The person enters a bathtub filled with hot water into which a few drops of aromatic oils have been poured.
- Through massages. Different aromatic essences are used diluted in oils and applied to the person through a massage. It is mainly used to calm muscle pain or to relax the person.
The three methods can also be combined. The aromatherapy session is supervised by a specialist who will initially be interested in the physical and psychological health of the patient. He will establish a diagnosis and, as an expert, take into account the various aspects to be improved.
Who can use aromatherapy?
We can all go through aromatherapy. Anyone wishing to free themselves from certain tensions can try this legendary technique. In the field of health, however, you should know that it is especially recommended for people who have the following problems:
- Chronic stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Pain in the joints
- Skin problems
- Tired
- Muscle aches
- Digestive issues
- Cancer
- Depression
While aromatherapy is helpful in treating these problems, we cannot say that it is a solution to all of our worries. This therapy works best when combined with other traditional medicine methods. In other words, if one is already taking another type of treatment, one should not abandon this therapy. Aromatherapy is not a replacement method but an accompaniment.
Essences in aromatherapy
The world of aromas is endless. Here are some of the most widely used essences in aromatherapy:
- Jasmine. It helps fight stress and insomnia.
- Almonds. They help to be in a better mood.
- Geranium. It helps us with menstrual pain and brings serenity.
- Pepper. It helps to decrease anxiety.
- Rosemary. It relieves circulation problems and rheumatism.
- Ginger. It facilitates breathing and improves circulation.
- Grapefruit. It helps to fight anger.
- Cypress. It is a tonic that relieves stress, fights allergies and reduces symptoms of menopause.
- Cinnamon. A relaxant that reduces fatigue and relieves stress.
- Roses. They help fight insomnia and depression.
- Citric. They reinforce the feeling of calm.
- Lavender. It improves skin problems, relaxes and relieves muscle problems.
- Mint. It facilitates decongestion and helps relieve digestive problems.
In aromatherapy, all of these essences can be used (and the list is endless!). It will all depend on the needs of the person and the decision of the aromatherapy specialist.
However, using some of these essences at home can make us feel good. But for these essences to be effective and provide us with prolonged well-being, it is better to work with an expert. This can guide us in the magical world of aromas.
Benefits of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy brings many benefits. Indeed, she:
- Promotes relaxation. The activation of our parasympathetic nervous system decreases. This system is the one that activates in stressful situations. The relaxation is done through aromas like lavender and chamomile.
- Decrease stress. As relaxation activates, aromatherapy facilitates the release of problems.
- Improves the quality of life because it strengthens psychological and physical well-being.
- Helps manage serious illnesses. Aromatherapy is not synonymous with a cure, but it helps the person to release their tension. The treatment is therefore more effective.
- Improves libido. It activates energy through the blood flow.
- Strengthens physical well-being. Digestion improves, as does circulation and muscle pain. Aromatherapy also makes breathing easier.
- Supports psychological well-being by helping to improve symptoms of depression, anger, stress and anxiety.
As we see, aromatherapy is a wonderful universe in which each aroma brings something beneficial to our health. Let yourself be seduced by the magic of the scents and try this type of treatment. Each scent will transport you to a different place to enhance the best of you.
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