Aromatherapy uses essential oils to help promote healing and improve a person’s mood. These oils are extracted from the roots, seeds, leaves, or blossoms of plants and are highly concentrated. They can be inhaled or applied to the skin.
Avoid fragrance oils, which are often made from essential oil combined with chemicals. When shopping for essential oils, look for a label that lists the ingredients.
It is a form of alternative medicine
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses extracts from plants to improve mood or health. It is based on the theory that different scents stimulate certain parts of the brain and body. In a typical treatment, the oils are inhaled or put on your skin during a massage. Essential oils are made from flowers, herbs, and tree parts, such as bark, roots, and peels. The oils are extracted using steam, heat, or a solvent, then diluted with carrier oil.
Some clinical departments use aromatherapy to manage pain, anxiety, nausea, and depression. However, few studies have investigated its effectiveness in these settings.
Some research suggests that aromatherapy may reduce dementia symptoms, including changes in behavior, thinking, and mood. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the use of aromatherapy with essential oils for people with cancer. It is provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The information is based on independent reviews of medical literature and does not contain recommendations or guidelines for treatment.
It is a complementary therapy
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary therapy that uses essential oils to improve mental well-being. It may also help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer and its treatment. Some studies have found that certain scents, such as lavender and lemon, can relieve depression, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
A therapist may use aromatherapy to promote healing by directly inhaling the essential oils, or applying them on the skin as a massage. The oils used in aromatherapy are usually diluted and can be applied to the neck, feet, shoulders, arms, chest, and abdomen. Some therapists also use aromatherapy in combination with acupuncture and other holistic therapies.
A therapist practicing complementary medicine does not need to be a registered medical doctor. However, it is important to choose a practitioner who has been trained in complementary health and has reliable scientific sources of information. You should also tell your traditional healthcare provider about any complementary health approaches you’re considering.
It is a form of massage
Aromatherapy is a form of massage that uses fragrant essential oils to promote relaxation and improve your mood. Depending on the type of oil used, it may also help relieve pain and detoxify your body. You might use this technique in conjunction with regular massages, or on your own as part of a daily routine.
It can be used to reduce stress, boost concentration, and increase energy. It can also help people with insomnia or chronic headaches sleep better. Some studies have shown that aromatherapy can even decrease trait anxiety, which is a constant state of worry that can’t be easily controlled.
A massage therapist may apply the oils directly to your skin, or they might diffuse them in the room. It’s important to tell your massage therapist about any allergies or sensitivities you have, as some oils can cause irritation. Some citrus oils can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to avoid sun exposure after a massage with these oils.
It is a form of relaxation
Aromatherapy is a form of relaxation that uses essential oils to promote mental and physical wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia. The scents in these oils are absorbed through the nose and stimulate certain parts of the brain that regulate emotions. They can also help reduce muscle tension, soothe pain and make you feel calmer.
A therapist may apply diluted essential oils to your skin or diffuse them into the air. They can use them to massage you, and they might play relaxing music while you receive the treatment. You can also use these oils at home.
Aromatherapy can be used to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of depression, according to a study conducted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The study examined the effects of aromatherapy on go/no-go tasks and event related potentials, components sensitive to stress. The researchers found that some aromatherapy oils were more effective than others in improving performance and reducing stress.
