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Aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils to treat certain disorders and psychological problems. The treatment uses the special properties of essential oils and plant oils. Aromatherapy is a therapy that makes use of these oils for our physiological and physical well-being.
Aromatherapy is a new term but you can find reference to the use of essential oils in Vedic and eastern ceremonies about 6000 years back.
The Egyptians used plant extracts in ointments, healing balms, cosmetics and religious practices. Even Rome, Mesopotamia and Greece make use of aromatic oil. In modern times Rene Gattefosse, the French chemist rediscovered the magic of lavender oil accidentally.
The basis of Aromatherapy is essential oils. The procedure uses about ninety essential oils plus CO2s, absolutes and hydrosols. Essential oil is essentially the essence of the plant and if used in the correct way and concentration provides many benefits. Make sure that you have good quality oil and it is not synthetic or unadulterated. The oil with the ‘fragrance essential oil’ or ‘perfume essential oil’ label is mostly synthetic oil. Do not buy any of these.
The aromatherapy treatment uses either the aroma of the oil or the physical application of the oil. The aroma of the oils on inhalation gives physiological and physical benefits to the inhaler. However, you should do this in the correct way as these are pure oils and a slight aberration in the procedure can cause severe problems.
The aromatherapy treatment also involves applying the oil on the skin so that it is absorbed in the blood stream. Most of the oils are in a concentrated form therefore never applying them in an undiluted state. To apply the oil on the skin they are mixed with the ‘carrier oil’ to dilute it. The carrier oils are pure vegetable oils like apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil or sweet almond oil. Pregnant women should avoid the use of grape seed, sage, myrrh, juniper etc.
You have to blend the essential oils in a specific quantity to provide a specific therapeutic benefit. These oils energize your body and mind, clear your mind and even balance your emotions, is that not wonderful.
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