Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy is the science and art of using the volatile, non-oily essences of plants in healing. These essences are also used in cosmetics, perfumery and in food flavoring. Aromatherapy is considered by many to be a branch of herbal medicine. It is in fact the use of herbs and flowers in their most concentrated form. Medicinal use of essential oils brings healing on 3 planes; the physical, mental, and the spiritual. Research has shown essential oils to be some of the strongest antimicrobial agents; ridding the body of toxins and fighting infection. Others are known to affect mood and have a historical reputation for increasing libido while still others are used in ritual and ceremony to open and heighten spiritual awareness.
Essential oils are the life force of plants. The use of these oils in Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art that has been around since The Pyramids and is as modern as today’s natural holistic healing. Aromatherapy is a complete psychosomatic system of healing, a holistic approach to health and well-being by means of aromas which are scents derived from the plant kingdom. The power of fragrance is used to influence and alter our emotional moods. Their aromas assist in balancing, stimulating, relaxing, invigorating and rejuvenating the body. It is the oils that give plants their fragrance and immunity. Essential oils contain numerous chemicals which have therapeutic properties. Their structures also have the potential to donate or receive electrons. This energetic exchange is due to the wavelength of the electromagnetic vibrations which are produced by the essential oils. The recognized healing effect of essential oils is thought to be carried out mainly through tissue stimulation. This quality refers to the healing and regeneration action of certain essential oils.
The oils are also able to re-establish homeostasis (harmony), and balance or ground a person to achieve a state of equilibrium, in addition to restoring well-being through the body and mind connections. Essential oils have an analgesic neutralizing effect upon the chemicals carried by the sensory nerve endings in response to injury. Their anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by the inhibition of the local inflammatory response and neutralization of chemical reactions caused by an injury.
Aromatherapy works on the olfactory system, so natural inhalation can be used safely. They can also be applied easily to the epidermis to gain beneficial effects though skin absorption. Due to the transdermal diffusion of essential oils, they easily penetrate the skin, reaching the vascular system where they are absorbed by the bloodstream.
