Aromatherapy is a field of medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds to improve the health and well-being of the body. This includes the improvement of physical and psychological health.
Massage
Aromatherapy massage is a great way to relax your body and mind. It involves the application of fragrant essential oils to the skin.
Massage reduces stress, enhances circulation, and lowers blood pressure. It also stimulates the immune system. It improves your mood and helps you sleep better. It can help with muscle pain, joint problems, digestive disorders, and sprains. It can even help with depression.
It also relieves pain and inflammation. The oils used in this type of massage can be diluted to a small enough concentration that you can apply it directly to your skin.
The effects of aromatherapy are often immediate. This is because the oil is absorbed through the skin. The oils may also act on the nervous system and immune system.
You can choose from a variety of essential oils. Some common ones include bergamot, chamomile, lavender, and tea tree.
Topical applications
Topical applications of aromatherapy involve the application of essential oils to the skin. It is a simple, fast and effective way to enjoy the benefits of the oils.
In many cases, essential oils are used to treat symptoms such as headaches, migraines, muscle pain and menstrual cramps. The effects of essential oils may include anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Studies have shown that topical application of essential oils may exert analgesic and sedative effects. It may also increase blood flow to the wound. This increases the speed of healing, thereby alleviating discomfort.
In addition, some essential oils can stimulate the mind and brain. These oils can also provide a boost to the immune system.
As with other types of alternative therapies, a doctor or health care professional should be consulted before using essential oils. Some of these oils should not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
Inhalation
The inhalation of aromatherapy has been studied for many conditions and has been found to have a range of benefits. It has been shown to improve sleep, reduce stress, and increase quality of life. In some cases, it has also been proven to be a safe and effective complementary therapy.
Essential oils, which are extracts of plants, have been used for centuries in the practice of aromatherapy. They can be bought at health food stores or online. Some are recommended for use during pregnancy. It is important to consult a doctor before using essential oils.
For instance, lavender is believed to help with pain, improve heart function, and support blood circulation. It also has been known to lower blood pressure. Despite this, more research is needed.
Similarly, anesthetics and narcotics are increasingly being used to manage pain. These drugs have a number of undesirable side effects. However, non-pharmacological methods of pain management are inexpensive and easy to use.
Safety
The safety of aromatherapy is often an unaddressed concern. It is unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks. Some studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve symptoms of pain and depression. But more studies are needed to determine if the claims are true.
A systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials investigated the efficacy of aromatherapy to treat dementia. While the results are a mixed bag, one study concluded that aromatherapy is effective in reducing symptoms of dementia. Another found that aromatherapy massage was as effective as cognitive behavior therapy.
The effectiveness of aromatherapy on BPSD (behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia) was not well-studied. Nevertheless, some studies reported positive effects on patients’ BPSD.
The most common approach used in studies reviewed was inhalation. Inhalation aromatherapy has been shown to be safe. However, other approaches are available, such as topical application.
Side effects
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary healing which uses essential oils extracted from plant extracts. It helps to improve the circulatory system, immune system, and nervous system. It has proven to be a good treatment for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It has also been effective in treating minor irritations and pains. However, it has some side effects.
Some of the most common aromatherapy side effects include nausea, headaches, and light-headedness. These symptoms usually go away with time. You can stop using the therapy if you notice any negative effect. It is also important to talk to a therapist or your Complementary Therapy Co-ordinator about the safety of the product.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using the essential oils. This is because they can have an impact on your hormonal balance.
