Scents have the ability to control the human mind and improve our moods in many situations. Of all the senses we possess, smell has been proven to be a major factor that influences our thoughts and actions. For the same reason, we have always experimented with scented compounds for the results.
Aromatherapy is the medical process of using concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants and plant products. Essential oils possess many medicinal qualities and also deliver a soothing smell. They are the purest form of plant essence and are not blended with other fragrances or chemicals. They are produced through a specific process that does not change the chemistry of plant essence in any manner.
Aromatherapy can be carried out by aroma smelling, steam inhalation, diffuser machines, and massaging the skin with essential oils.
The Science Behind Aromatherapy
There is no proper scientific or biological explanation for the effect of aromatherapy. Studies say that certain scents can activate our scent receptors, which carry impulses to the nervous system. Essential oils, once inhaled, travel into your brain and activate the areas like olfactory bulbs and the hypothalamus. The stimulations in these areas are said to have a great influence on our mental and psychological state. Thus, essential oils of specific nature can influence our mind accordingly.
Essential oils can also be applied to the skin during body massages, to reduce body pain and improve the agility of our joints. Apart from the lovely scents they deliver, they also improve blood circulation and absorption and relax our mind and body.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
There are various essential oils available in the market that possess notable benefits to many mental, physical, and psychological health issues. An important aspect to be remembered is that aromatherapy is never a substitute for any medical treatment. Instead, it provides enough support to improve the effectiveness of the medical treatments you continue with. Let us have a look at some of the benefits of aromatherapy.
Reduces Stress, Depression, and Anxiety
Aromatherapy is most commonly used to treat stress and anxiety issues. Most of the aromatic oils act as anti-depressants, relaxes our mind, and eliminates stress and depression. Spreading some diffuser oils all over your home can really drop down your stress levels after a tiring day at work. Lavender, peppermint, lemon oil, etc are the essential oils that contribute to the process.
Regulates Sleep
Aromatherapy can provide us a more balanced sleep cycle and can improve our sleep habits. Some of the aroma oils have the ability to make the body tired naturally, and induce sleep. Doctors also recommend inhaling aroma oils as a sideline treatment for sleep-related issues. The essentials oils that improve sleep habits include rose, sandalwood, jasmine, chamomile, etc.
Reduces Migraine and Headaches
Aroma oils have the ability to cure headaches and also reduce their possibility by treating triggering factors like stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Basically, the essential oils improve the overall quality of the human mind, which constitutes the well-being of the body. Avocado, almond, coconut, and sesame oils have been proven to be effective against headaches
Safer and Faster Healing
Aroma oils, whether inhaled or applied, can improve the healing process through increased oxygen levels and blood circulation. The anti-microbial character of essential oils also protects the wounds in the delicate stages of healing. They also keep the skin moisturized. Lavender, rosehip, calendula, etc are the essential oils that help in healing.
Thus, aromatherapy provides many health benefits to the body and has been one of the easiest ways of self-treatment for stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, headache, etc.
