The Basics of Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Massage

Source: Author: Published date: 1969-12-31  

As the name suggests, aromatherapy is the art of healing someone using smell, mostly that of plants and its various parts. But aromatherapy is not just limited to healing but is also used in relaxing and energizing the body. It is one of the oldest forms of therapy and is still one of the most sought after alternative therapies worldwide.

In aromatherapy almost all the parts of various plants are used according to the needs of the client who visits an aroma-therapist. This would include:

• Flowers
• Barks
• Roots
• Fruits
• Seeds
• Nuts

Aromatherapy Oils

The oil extracted from different parts of the plant form the basis of the treatment. Now this oil can be extracted from the flower, or the fruit or whichever part of the plant that has proper medicinal value and will relieve the patient of his problem.

There are various methods in which this oil is extracted. Some of them are:

• steam distillation
• cold expression
• alcohol extraction

Each of these oils extracted in any of the above methods is generally of very high concentration. So it is advisable not to use the oils directly. Instead, what is done is that the oils are blended to achieve what is called a synergy. Often this synergy is believed to be more potent than the individual oils. What one then needs to do is to decrease the potency of the oil and make it more usable by mixing it with carrier oils.

How Does It Work?

As the aroma of a particular oil enters your body, either through the olfactory system or through the skin, it gets into your bloodstream and starts making its effects felt. While one variety can relax you of all your strains and worries, another might energize you and charge you up, looking for more work.

Some of these oils are also used for their cosmetic properties and many apply them as skincare and hair-care products. Apart from that, they are also renowned for their antiseptic, anti-viral and antifungal properties.

Ways of Application

There are various ways in which this oil can be applied. While some oils may require you to inhale the vapors, others can also be massaged to your body so that the oil gets easily absorbed into your bloodstream. Then there are those which you can add to your bath or shower. Some can even need to be sprayed in the room for maximum effect.

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