Between work and the stressors in your home life, you feel like you never have a moment to relax anymore. You’ve tried almost everything to calm down but nothing works. Maybe it’s time to give aromatherapy a shot.
What is aromatherapy? It is a healing practice that’s been around for centuries and yes, it actually works. Different scents can in still different emotions and feelings in a person.
It’s powerful enough to even work on physical ailments and help you get a better night’s sleep. Check out this guide to learn more about what aromatherapy is and how it can benefit you.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a treatment that uses plant extracts to help a person heal physically and emotionally. Sometimes this practice is also called essential oil therapy. When many people hear that word, the technique loses credibility.
You can't heal from being exposed to essential oils, can you? In truth, the practice is nothing new. It's been around for centuries in different parts of the world.
It started in places such as China, Egypt, and India. Later on in history, it made it to France, Germany, and Persia. The term came about by a French perfumer in 1937.
Today, the use of aromatherapy is still in full swing. In fact, it's gained quite a positive reputation in the world of medicine and science.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
There are different types of aromatherapy. You can reap the benefits of the oils by using a diffuser, facial steamer, inhaler, bath salts, hot and cold compresses, and body creams or candles. If you want to use candles, this aromatherapy candles guide can help you decide which ones to pick up.
As long as you're able to absorb the oil using either your senses or your skin, you should feel the effects. There are over 100 different types of oils available and they all do various things for your body.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
So, we've told you that the different forms of aromatherapy can be a great help to your overall health and wellness. It's time to learn how it works and which oils do what.
Say Goodbye to Stress and Anxiety
Between work, school, and home life, it's understandable why some people stay so stressed all of the time. It's hard to get a chance to breathe, let alone relax. Throwing a few essential oils in the diffuser each night can help.
Oils such as lavender have a positive impact on your nervous system. It floods your senses to lower your blood pressure and calm your heart rate. It tells your brain to calm itself when your thoughts are racing.
Lavender is one of the most famous oils for easing tension but it's not the only one available to you. Jasmine, chamomile, geranium, and lemongrass are all great choices. If you're experiencing a serious case of anxiety, rose oil will be able to help.
You'll Have More Energy
Most people start strong in the morning but by the time the afternoon rolls around, they're suffering. You can always head down to the local coffee shop to grab another cup of joe but that's just going to wear off in a few hours. You'll be right back to square one again.
We'll say that it's hard to fall asleep when you're diffusing lemon or peppermint in your office. Both oils wake up the senses and are enough to keep you wired throughout your workday. If you don't like the smell of lemon or peppermint, any citrus oil will do.
You'll Be Able to Focus Better
Do you feel yourself fading out during your afternoon meeting? Can't seem to focus during your late-night shift at the shop? Rosemary, basil, and sage might be able to rescue you.
Absorbing these oils into your senses will make you more alert. They'll also improve your cognitive function and memory. So, you'll be able to recall everything that went on during your meeting later when your boss quizzes you about it.
It Reduces Pain
Essential oils aren't only good for solving inside ouchies. They work on the outer ones as well. Peppermint has a cooling effect that makes it effective against sore muscles.
It also has anti-inflammatory properties. If you experience regular muscle spasms, marjoram oil will be able to give you some relief. Lavender can calm your mind and it also works as an anti-inflammatory.
Black pepper oil can heat up your body and get rid of any pain you're experiencing. The list goes on and on.
You'll Have a Better Night's Sleep
The problem with sleep aids is that your body will become too dependent on them. If you're not careful, you'll find it hard to actually fall asleep at night without them.
Essential oils are a little less addictive. Spraying lavender on your pillow will do wonders for sending you off to dreamland. Chamomile and bergamot will also knock you out.
Better Digestion
Does your stomach feel unsettled? Are you experiencing diarrhea or constipation? Burn a little peppermint, fennel, ginger, or juniper berry.
These oils have the ability to stimulate the digestive enzymes in your body. This will relieve gas, put abdominal pain in its place, and even help with IBS symptoms.
Consider Aromatherapy Today
Has nothing worked against your physical or mental ailments? Are you ready to get a good night's sleep again? Consider using aromatherapy.
What is aromatherapy? It's an ancient practice that's been around for centuries. It has the power to assist with healing and ease the spirit and mind.
Of course, aromatherapy is helpful but using it alone won't keep you well. Check out the health care section of our blog daily to learn more about solving common ailments.