Aroma Therapy for Beginners

Holistic healing is becoming more frequent in the health and wellness community. It relies on the belief that a person is ultimately responsible for his or her own health and wellbeing. Aromatherapy is a holistic practice that has been used to improve health or mood for nearly 6,000 years. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy defines essential oil therapy as “the therapeutic application or medical use of aromatic substances for holistic healing.” Aromatherapy has been found to have a positive, healing effect on a majority of health conditions.

How It Works

Typically, individuals can achieve the benefits of aromatherapy through inhalation or topical application. Most people probably think of a diffuser when they hear essential oils. This is when you’re smelling the oils as they evaporate through the air. When inhaled, the oils pass through the nose, stimulate the olfactory system and pass through to other parts of the body. The limbic system is stimulated which is linked to emotion, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress and hormone balance. To topically apply, massage the oils into the skin. The massaging motion can actually boost circulation and increase absorption of the molecules.

Health Benefits

While aromatherapy is not a cure for disease or illness, it can be complementary to conventional treatment of various minor health conditions. Essential oils have been found to reduce nausea, alleviate body aches, aid with sleep, reduce anxiety, manage headaches and aid with circulatory malfunction.

Something for Everyone

Various essential oils have different uses and can treat different symptoms. For instance, rosemary oil has been shown to promote hair growth, boost memory, prevent muscle spasm and support the nervous system. Thyme has been said to reduce fatigue, nervousness and stress. Basil essential oil may sharper concentration and alleviate some symptoms of depression as well as migraines. Check out amazon or your local health food store for a variety of diffusers and oils. Aromatherapy is a simple addition for a healthy mind and body.

Written by GUADS intern Lindsey with contributions from medicalnewstoday.com