Aromatherapy,
sometimes also referred to as aromatic or scent medicine,
is the art of healing the body
using naturally distilled essences
from different parts of plants
to improve and enhance your everyday emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
These essences are known as essential oils.
What are essential oils?
These oils are the concentrated essences of the aromatic plant.
They can be used
as an analgesic (to alleviate pain),
an anti-inflammatory (to reduce swelling),
an anti-bacterial, an anti-fungal, an anti-viral
(to prevent infections).
Since scent stimlates the part of the brain
that effects your emotions,
essential oils can also sooth and calm
.... or energize and arouse.
These essential oils are highly concentrated
and are measured in drops.
They should be housed in dark colored air tight bottles
in a cool area, out of direct light.
Unless noted,
they should not be applied directly to the skin,
but instead placed in a carrier oil
such as almond oil,
so as to avoid irritation
How does aromatherapy work?
Our sense of smell
is about 10,000 times stronger than our sense of taste,
but it is truly underappreciated.
The olfactory system of your brain
has a memory of scents
and the longest recall of all the senses.
Just think.....
does the smell of baking bread bring back vivid memories
of visits with a relative in your childhood
....... ever catch a whiff of the cologne/perfume of an old lover?
Memories that are attatched to sent are stronger!!!!
Scent also stimulates
the limbic system of the brain
which responds by releasing neuro-chemicals
.. such as Seratonin and Endorphins.....
these chemicals calm us
.. arouse us...
alleviate discomfort.
How can I use Essential Oils?
BATH:
Swish 10-12 drops of a single oil or a blend
into your bath water. Close yr bathroom door
to help retain all the scent,
sink into yr bath inhale
and relax......
INHALATION:
Place 3-5 drops of essential oil on a tissue.
Breathe Deeply!
DIFFUSION:
Replace those aeresol air fresheners.
A few drops in a diffuser,
u can buy electric devices,
candle warmed,
ceramic rings to place on lightbulbs,
or just use a bowl of warm water.
A few drops is all you need.
COMPRESS:
Place 3-5 drops of essential oil into a basin of water.
Dip a clean folded facecloth into the water,
squeeze and gently apply.
MASSAGE:
Blend 15 drops of essentail oil
per ounce of carrier oil
(Almond, Apricot, Jojoba)
and indulge in the power of touch
OTHER USES:
Facial steams, foot soaks,
insect repellant, household cleaning....
and much more... use your imagination
* Always decrease the drop amount when using Lemon or Peppermint in any application.
