Aromatherapy and Your Health
Aromatherapy is widely considered as one of the most effective types of alternative medicine that makes use of essential oils along with other aromatic plant compounds to improve a person’s mood and health. Even today, some people think of this method of treatment as unscientific and unproven. However, more and more researchers are conducting studies to see if aromatherapy using diffuser essential oils can indeed improve a person’s health and wellbeing. Apparently, these studies have led to the same conclusion – aromatherapy is an effective alternative treatment for various health conditions.
Aromatherapy is a general term used to describe different therapies that use oil extracts from plants and herbs. Essential oils can be applied directly to the skin like a massage oil, or can be inhaled by using an electric diffuser.
The Theory behind Aromatherapy
According to research, the inhalation of essential oils can stimulate the olfactory system – the part of the brain that is connected to smell. It then sends a signal to the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for retrieving learned memories and controlling emotions. As a result of these processes, chemicals are released in the body, so the person feels calm, relaxed, or stimulated.
In other studies, it was also proven that essential oils have a direct pharmacological effect. According to aromatherapists, there is a synergy between aromatic oils and the body. This claim, however, is not backed up by scientific evidence yet. But still, the preliminary clinical studies on aromatherapy have revealed positive and promising results.
Use of Aromatherapy in Different Countries
In many countries in Western Europe, particularly France, aromatherapy is incorporate into traditional or mainstream medicine as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic. In the US, UK, and Canada, essential oils are very popular as the safest alternative medicine for the treatment of various health conditions. Meanwhile, aromatherapy is even more popular in Asia. It is said that oil extracts from plants have been used for treating illnesses for hundreds of years already.
Application of Aromatherapy
There are three primary ways you may enjoy aromatherapy. These are:
a. Through Direct Inhalation – you may also inhale the scent directly from the bottle of the essential oil, or you can place a few drops into a cotton ball.
b. Topical – essential oils may be applied onto the skin directly. You can use it for baths and massage by mixing the oil with your massage or bath oil.
c. Through Aerial Diffusion – aromatherapy using essential oils and the best diffuser for essential oils is very common these days because it is very convenient. All you need to do is add a few drops of essential oils to your Smiley Daisy diffuser, and let it spread the fragrance of the oil throughout the entire room.