Aromatherapy - More Than Just Hot Air

by Ciara McGrath

Many people have found Aromatherapy very helpful in terms of their general feelings of psychological and physical wellness. Aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils in a natural form in massage, candles and other delivery methods.

 
Aromatherapy uses "Essential Oils". The vapors from these oils benefit many people when they are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, giving physical benefit. The aroma of the inhaled oils stimulates certain receptors in the brain, giving psychological benefits.

 
The benefits of alternative therapies like aromatherapy are difficult to prove or disprove, but millions of people spend millions of dollars on these products and do so again and again, so they must be feeling better.  

Essential oils are different from perfumes and commercial fragrances in that essential oils are 100% natural and contain no man-made chemicals, as so many perfumes do. Many people use a special burner to heat their oils to vaporize them using a tea-light candle underneath.  

It is important to take advice only from an experienced and qualified aromatherapist because too high a concentration of some oils can be harmful, especially if applied to the skin. Be sure to get expert advice because some essential oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions.

Sensitization means that you will have little reaction on the first exposure, but subsequent use will cause a massive adverse reaction. Penicillin has this sensitization effect on some people, a mild reaction the first time, but a second dose can be fatal if you are allergic to the antibiotic.  

In aromatherapy massage essential oils, well diluted with "carrier oils" are rubbed into the skin. The diluted essential oils are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Use of "Carrier Oils" is essential for safe application of "Essential oils" to the skin without very serious adverse reactions.

 
"Essential Oils" are often blended to give a greater effect than one could expect from the amounts of the separate oils.

About The Author: Ciara McGrath taught chemistry for 28 years.
She has four daughters. Find more information at
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