Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Also known as essential oil therapy, aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.

History

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. The ancient cultures of Egypt, China, and India all used forms of aromatherapy. They understood the physical and psychological benefits of essential oils and used them for medicinal and religious purposes.

Principles

Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products such as these:

• Diffusers
• Inhalers
• Bathing salts
• Body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application
• Facial steamers
• Hot and cold compresses
• Clay masks

Benefits

Aromatherapy has a variety of benefits. It's said to:

• Manage pain
• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety
• Soothe sore joints
• Treat headaches and migraines
• Alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
• Ease discomforts of labor
• Fight bacteria, virus, or fungus
• Improve digestion
• Boost immunity

Risks and Warnings

While aromatherapy can provide substantial benefits, it's not without risks. Some people might have allergic reactions to certain oils. Therefore, it's important to do a patch test before using a new oil. Pregnant women, people with severe asthma, and people with a history of allergies should only use essential oils under the guidance of a trained professional and with full knowledge of your physician.

See Also

• Essential oil
• Holistic health
• Alternative medicine