Feeling Great Through Aromatherapy

History

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. It was used by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and throughout the Roman Empire. Scents and fragrances were even used in the burial of the dead. It regained popularity in 1930 when the term was coined by chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse.

An Alternative Treatment

Aromatherapy is actually a holistic treatment, used to take care of the human body through the use of scents and fragrances. These scents are used in baths, are inhaled directly, or permeate an entire room in the smell. Holistic healers use it to treat pain, skin disorders, stress, and  fatigue. It is effective because the fragrances stimulate the brain via nerves in the olfactory system.

Aromatherapy is the fastest growing of all the alternative medicines, largely because it can be easily used in homes, hospitals, offices, or practically anywhere. It is regularly used to reduce labor pains, migraines, and many other physical discomforts. It has even been used for the pain and discomfort that accompanies chemotherapy.

How Does It Work?

Scientists know that the odors we smell often can have a great effect on how we feel emotionally. In fact, doctors have found that patients who lose their sense of smell often end up with psychiatric problems like depression or anxiety.

Many experts believe that scents travel through the cilia in our noses and into the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our mood, memory, emotions, and ability to learn new things. As a result, there are a number of ways that aromatherapy can help. There is evidence that it can help with behavior, sleep problems, postpartum discomfort, colds, stress, and even male sexual response. The point is that aromatherapy has many positive uses.

Safety

For the most part, aromatherapy is completely safe. There are a few concerns to keep in mind when working with it, however, especially on your own.

Remember, that the oils used are often very potent, so don't use too much.

You should also be aware of allergies you or others around you may have in response to certain scents and oils.

Do not consume any essential scented oils, as some are very toxic.

Getting Started

If you are thinking of trying aromatherapy, there are some simple ways to do so. First, it is best to start with easy aromatherapies like candles and bath oils. You may want to look at some lotions in your local holistic shop as well. Start with some of the more basic scents and oils as well.

Clary Sage is a good one to start with, as it is easy to obtain and to use. It is used to treat menstrual problems, high blood pressure, and stress. You may also want to get some Eucalyptus, which is good for muscle soreness, skin infection, and as an insect repellant.

Aromatherapy is a great first step into the world of holistic medicine. With roots in some of the great ancient civilizations, aromatherapy has survived the test of time. There are a number of books and websites that can help you get started with very little investment of time or money.