Aromatherapy

Has the smell of lavender ever made you sleepy? Or does the smell of a warm apple pie bring back sweet memories of an autumn afternoon in grandma’s kitchen? If so, you have automatically understood the basic principles of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Although aromatic plant oils have been used to treat various diseases for thousands of years, the term aromatherapy was first coined in 1928 by a French chemist named Rene Maurice Gattefosse. Gattefosse used the healing properties of aromas to treat wounds during World War I and witnessed their effectiveness. After the end of the war, he continued to test different oils and finally classified them according to the healing properties of each plant: antidote , disinfectant , tonic , stimulant , relaxant , etc.

In 1937, he published the book “Aromatherapie”, which is currently available in English.

In 1950, Marguerite Maury, continuing Gattefosse’s research, expanded aromatherapy and introduced it as a holistic treatment. He was also the first to attribute each oil to the treatment of a specific disease.

Today, aromatherapy uses approximately 40 different oils, alone or in combination. These oils are usually effective in treating stress and related pains and discomforts, strengthening the body and improving general health. These oils are used in various ways: they can be mixed with a mild oil (such as vegetable oil) and massaged on the skin; It can be inhaled; Or add these oils to the bath water. In many countries, you can go to grocery stores or pharmacies to buy essential oils. You can do aromatherapy at home or go to a trained aromatherapy therapist so that he can prepare a combination of special oils suitable for your condition.

Important research that has been done shows that smell, as one of the most sensitive of our five senses, has a strong effect on the body and mind. The smell of an aroma is believed to activate the olfactory nerve cells in the nasal cavity, which results in stimulation of the limbic system, an area associated with emotion and memory.

Fans of aromatherapy believe that aromatic oils are effective both on the senses and on the body. Emotionally, they make you feel better by evoking good memories (the smell of lemons can remind you of a cake you once ate at a loved one’s house). Physically, it can help you eliminate pain and some diseases by stimulating the immune system, circulatory system or nervous system.

Aromatherapists emphasize that only pure, natural, additive-free essential oils have true healing properties. Perfumes, shampoos and scented bath oils, despite the wonderful smell they may have, are not therapeutic.

Aromatherapy can be very effective along with most treatments, but it is rarely used as a main method of treatment. For this reason, an aromatherapy therapist is usually consulted in the treatment with various methods such as massage therapy, herbal therapy or energy therapy. Aromatherapy is often done at home as well, as aromas are easy and pleasant to use.

If you are looking for a professional therapist, be aware that such a therapist should know your medical history, stress level in your life, and why you are seeking therapy. Then both of you choose the most effective oil or oils for the treatment.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, be sure to discuss with your therapist, because some oils should not be used during this period. Also, if you use homeopathic medicines, you need to inform your therapist, because the strong smell of the oil can neutralize the effect of some homeopathic medicines.

Since reactions to aromas can sometimes be idiosyncratic, if you can’t stand the smell of oranges, for example, or if the smell of fir reminds you of a painful memory from the past, it is very important that your therapist Inform about these things.

Massage with aromatherapy oils allows these substances to be easily absorbed by the skin. To perform an aromatherapy massage, add a few drops of an aroma to a small amount of an unscented oil such as sweet almond oil or sesame oil. Certain oils such as rosemary are used topically to relieve joint and muscle pain. Always avoid contact with eyes when using essential oils on the skin.

By inhaling smells

Inhaling the strong smell of an aroma is often recommended to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, flu, chronic sinusitis, or bronchitis. For this purpose, the therapist may suggest that you fill a basin with steaming water, add a few drops of eucalyptus or pine oil, and breathe in the aromatic steam. Spray a few drops of these oils on a tissue and breathe in (with your eyes closed during this time), or simply remove the bottle containing the oil and breathe in the smell For the desired effect, some people like to use a vaporizer or nebulizer to spread the particles

Use a small aroma in the entire room.

By adding oil to the bath water 

Adding 8-15 drops of an aroma to the bath water at the end of the bath creates a relaxing atmosphere and allows the oil to penetrate into your skin. It is better not to use soap in the aromatherapy bath, as it may interfere with the absorption of the oil.

Several studies have shown the ability of this method to improve health and reduce stress. Doctors at New York039;s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recently discovered that Aro

Sunflower vanilla tea helps patients relax while undergoing MRI scans.

A study of heart surgery patients found that those who received a foot massage with neroli oil had less anxiety than those who received the same massage with plain oil.

In a controlled study in Scotland, researchers reported that a very small amount of a diluted mixture of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedar oils was applied to the scalp daily for several months. It is very effective and safe in the treatment of alopecia areata, a type of localized hair loss on the head and face related to stress.

European doctors and aromatherapists routinely prescribe specific oils for various ailments including sinusitis, colds, flu, digestive problems, insomnia, migraines, aches and pains, and muscle cramps. Common treatment recommendations include the following:

Eucalyptus and wintergreen oils to eliminate nasal congestion Jasmine and Rose oil to reduce depression Lavender oil to reduce anxiety and improve sleep Lemon, orange and other citrus oils to improve mood and increase mental alertness Rosemary oil Rosemary) to relieve pain and relax muscles Warnings

Although aromatherapy is generally safe, you should remember that it is a complementary therapy and not a substitute for conventional medical treatments.

Aromas (Essential oils) should never be used for internal use without the recommendation of a qualified doctor or therapist. To prevent allergic reactions, first try each aroma on a small part of the skin. Mix one drop of aroma with a few drops of an odorless oil such as sesame or olive oil and apply it on the skin. Put a bandage around the area and wait 24 hours. If you become allergic to an aroma after using it for a while, stop using it. If you have asthma, consult your doctor before doing aromatherapy because sometimes Some aromas cause asthma symptoms. It is better to avoid aromatherapy during pregnancy, unless you are completely familiar with it. The aromas of basil, thyme, clary sage, calamus, mugwort, oregano, sage, rosemary, juniper and wintergreen can harm the fetus or cause miscarriage if used internally or even externally.

taken from

www.cam.ir