Aromatherapy uses extracts from plants called essential oils to treat conditions ranging from anxiety and insomnia to poor sleep and stress. It may also relieve pain and improve mood and relaxation.
Oils must be diluted and can cause skin irritation, so they’re usually applied with a carrier oil. It’s important to discuss any aromatherapy with your doctor or nurse.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are the aromatic chemicals, or vapors, of certain plants. They can be extracted from the plants through different methods, including crushing, steaming, or distillation. It takes a lot of plant material to make just one bottle of oil, and it can be expensive.
Essential oil practitioners use them in aromatherapy and other natural healing practices. They are often diluted with carrier oils, which help the oil spread over the skin and be absorbed. You can also find them in perfumes and household products.
There is a lot of interest in using essential oils for various health benefits, but scientific research on them is limited. It’s important to choose high-quality oils, and be careful about making broad health claims. Test-tube studies of certain essential oils show antimicrobial properties, but it’s not clear if they can actually cure disease in humans. Also, some essential oils have strong odors that may trigger exacerbations for people with COPD.
How do you use essential oils?
Most people use essential oils in one of two ways—aromatically or topically. The oils can be inhaled as a scent or applied to the skin, which allows them to enter the bloodstream and be absorbed into the body.
Mack explains that the scent molecules in essential oil travel from the olfactory nerves to the limbic system and affect emotions, including fear and stress. They also can stimulate the immune system, aid digestion and affect hormonal activity.
A common way to use essential oils is in a diffuser or by applying the oil to your wrists, chest and neck before bed. You can also sprinkle a few drops of your favorite oil in water and spritz your linens, furniture or the inside of your car.
You can also apply essential oil to the skin, but be sure to dilute it with a fatty oil, such as coconut or almond. When applying to the skin, start with a few drops of the oil and monitor your reaction—everyone’s is different.
Are essential oils safe?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause serious health problems if misused or used incorrectly. Because of this, it’s important to use a high-quality oil and consult a certified aromatherapist before trying them out.
If you plan to use them on the skin, do a patch test before using them regularly to check for allergic reactions. Then, be sure to apply them with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and dilute the essential oils properly so you can inhale them.
Inhaling undiluted oils can irritate the respiratory system and make people with conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease feel worse. Also, certain oils can bind to proteins in your skin and trigger an allergic reaction. Some oils can even be toxic to pets. Therefore, if you have pets, be cautious about using essential oils around them. Lastly, be sure to store your essential oils in a safe place where children and pets can’t reach them.
What are the techniques for aromatherapy?
An aromatherapist uses essential oils for therapeutic purposes. They follow an individual’s medical and lifestyle history, and select and apply the best oil or blend for their client. They also use other methods to promote well-being, such as massage therapy or inhalation.
Before a session begins, they create a calm environment with soothing music and dim lighting. They also use a jojoba or sweet almond oil to dilute the potent oils so they can be absorbed safely by the skin during an aromatherapy massage.
Before a person receives a massage from an aromatherapist, they should consult their doctor for recommendations on whether or not it’s safe to try it. They should also make sure they’re not taking any prescription medications that could interact with the oils. Those who want to learn more about aromatherapy should consider enrolling in a professional program like Joyessence’s. Their program offers hands-on training in blending oils, creating custom scents and applying them for therapeutic benefits.
