Aromatherapy uses the scent of essential oils to treat a wide variety of conditions and ailments. It can be used as an adjunct therapy or in combination with other treatments, such as hypnotherapy and massage.
Certain oils are believed to have calming effects, such as lavender and chamomile, and can help people feel less anxious and stressed. Other oils can relieve pain, nausea, fatigue, or PMS symptoms.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy involves a deeper level of treatment, working at the subconscious level to change behaviours. It can help with weight loss, stopping smoking and nail biting, as well as reducing anxiety. It can also help with pain management and changing perceptions of sensations like heat and cold.
It’s worth noting that hypnosis is not a cure-all, but a tool used in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat specific issues such as anxiety disorders and pain. The hypnotic state changes how people respond to the therapist’s suggestions and allows them to explore painful thoughts, feelings and memories that are hidden from their conscious mind.
A hypnotherapist can also help clients deal with food cravings and nutritional imbalances. They may use a range of techniques to focus attention, including visual (using a candle flame or computer screen), auditory or kinesthetic (like music, chanting or body movement). They might also encourage the client to recall past experiences or daydream to connect their conscious and subconscious beliefs.
Massage
Massage is the rubbing or kneading of the body’s soft tissues, using hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees, or feet. It reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, slows heart rate and blood pressure, and relieves muscle tension and headaches. It also triggers the release of feel-good hormones, boosting mood.
Aromatherapy enhances a massage by adding the use of scented oils, known as essential oils, to the therapist’s hands. These are potent, so they’re diluted in a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba or sweet almond oil before being massaged into the skin. The scents seep into pores, and are inhaled as well – this is how they work their magic.
Many cancer clinics and hospitals offer aromatherapy massage as a complimentary treatment. It’s worth checking with your GP before you book to see whether there are any concerns or restrictions based on your cancer treatment, as some massage oils could interfere with drugs or therapies you might be taking.
Diffusers
Aromatherapy diffusers allow you to enjoy the benefits of essential oils by creating a fine mist that can be infused with your preferred scent. They work using vibrations that mix oil with water vapor and disperse it into the air without any heat, making them much safer than candles in a home with kids or pets.
They can help you relax, easing anxiety and stress. They can also promote feelings of stability and calm if you’re dealing with mood swings, especially those that come about during the menstrual cycle or other hormonal fluctuations.
Diffusing certain essential oils like chamomile, lavender, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus and clary sage can reduce pain from headaches, aches or sore muscles. They can also soothe a cough and keep germs at bay by boosting the immune system. These oils are also said to ease a sore throat and soothe dry sinuses during cold or flu season. They double as humidifiers and add moisture to the air, which can improve breathing.
Essential oils
Essential oils are plant extracts that contain a unique aromatic compound and are used in various ways to support health. They can be inhaled, applied to the skin or incorporated into soaps and other personal care products. When using essential oils for aromatherapy, it’s important to work with a certified aromatherapist and follow instructions carefully. Some oils are toxic when taken by mouth, and others may cause allergic reactions or interact with medications.
Depending on the oil, side effects can range from a mild rash to liver and nerve damage, asthma or seizures. Adding a carrier oil or water to an essential oil can reduce the risk of a skin reaction.
When choosing an essential oil, look for a dark-colored glass bottle and a label that indicates the Latin name of the plant and other information about purity and harvesting methods. Avoid “fragrance oils,” which are often made from synthetic chemicals and can irritate the skin.
