Scents influence our physical and mental well-being. Already people in ancient times were aware of this fact. Smoking and anointing were part of religious rituals. Later, especially monasteries cultivated herbs as remedy. Since then, aromatherapy constantly develops. More and more people are fond of this soft and pleasant form of therapy. Traditional aromatherapy deals with harmonization of mental processes and the ease of physical complaints. The treatment success has been proved by several scientific researches.
Use of aromatherapy
Different fragrances influence our psyche and our metabolism, bring back memories, strengthen the immune system and stimulate self-healing powers. The best-known form of application is the fragrance lamp. The oil is heated, it vaporizes and directly gets into our brain via our olfactory cells. A relaxing bath with some drops of certain essential oils is very effective, too. Here, the oil is adapted by the skin as well as the breathing system. The basic substance has to be mixed with some bath salt, milk or honey to spread evenly in the water. Maximum bathing time is 20 minutes.
Further possibilities are inhalation, massages or compresses with fragrances. Before directly applying to the skin it has to be diluted; the skin-friendly almond oil is a good choice, for example.
Effects of aromatherapy
On the one hand, in aromatherapy single oils but also compositions of fragrances are used. The different essential oils have a reviving or relaxing effect, for example. They ease various kinds of cramps or pain and may inhibit inflammatory processes in the body. Some fragrances enhance concentration others support falling asleep. The range of applications is huge. Finally, we strive one goal: to balance the energy of the body and to reach a balanced state of harmony.
Aromatherapy and problems to fall asleep
Here, some oils for falling asleep easier and for sleeping through: essential oils from Roman chamomile, lavender, rose, sandalwood, marjoram, jasmine, daffodil or palamrosa. For spreading a relaxing composition via a fragrance lamp a mixture of three drops of lavender, one drop of rose and two drops of neroli are perfect. A bath in essential oils, too, perfectly prepares for sleeping. A combination of two drops of lavender, two drops of clary sage and four drops of Roman chamomile mixed with half a cup of cream or milk relaxes.
If you want to use aromatherapy be yourself, some knowledge about dosage and application of the plants is necessary. Qualified doctors and therapists as well as specialized literature are helpful. An absolute must is an excellent quality of the oils used. To avoid allergic reactions, allergenic substances should be known.
Take special care when using the essential oils with children, during pregnancy (some oils must be avoided). When using essential oils correctly, side effects hardly occur. At the same time, this form of therapy is very effective.
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