Essential Oils And AromatherapyFrom time immemorial, human beings have ever remained fascinated with aroma and the immense potential that it possesses. The all important sense of smelling helped our ancestors not only in being warned against danger, but in choosing the essential medicinal herbs, etc. as well. Not only this. There are several instances from the pages of history regarding the use of several aromatics herbs or resins for their quality of providing relaxation to the people. Today, it has turned into quite a phenomenon - this effective interaction of the fragrances with our emotional system. This particular characteristic has given rise to an entire branch of alternative treatment - aromatherapy. In aromatherapy, different volatile oils (principally derived from plants) are used to treat people both psychologically and physically. Essential oils are the principal components for this effective mode of treatment. Essential oils are prepared by distillation of extracts from various plant parts including the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, barks, etc. Essential oils retain the plants' original essence. Usually these oils are highly concentrated. So, a little amount can last for a real long time. One important thing to note: never confuse the popular 'fragrance' or 'perfume' oils with essential oils. The perfume oils contain artificial chemical components. Moreover, they do not come with the health benefits of essential oils. The health benefits of essential oils are immense. They provide both mental and physical boost. The aroma from the essential oils, when inhaled, reaches the lungs. This goes on to provide so many positive physical effects. However, this inhalation process of essential oils must be done in a proper way to avoid any sort of adverse effects. There are various essential oils that are applied on the skin. They get absorbed into ones bloodstream, and thus aid in remaining healthy. They also help in retaining beauty. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, they are never applied undiluted. This is where 'carrier oils' become important. The carrier oils are pure vegetable oils which are proportionately applied to the essential oil and then the mixture is applied on skin. Holistic aromatherapy forms a very significant element in the whole business. Pregnancy dose not simply mean a change in a woman's physical state. It involves a series of emotional transformations as well. Variation in hormone secretion during the pregnancy days and the anticipation of a new life on earth are equally responsible for a change in the would-be-mother's state of mind. She faces so many ups and downs in her emotional state during these all important days. Holistic aromatherapy catches this aspect to come to the woman's aid. Under the proper guidance of an experienced medic, holistic aromatherapy can help reduce unexpected fears, tensions and anxieties of a pregnant woman. It can also help her retain peace of mind so that she can feel more tuned with her new born baby. There is, as a matter of fact, a wide range of benefits that one can avail from this alternate process of treatment. If applied under proper assistance, aromatherapy with the essential oils can help us remain free from various ailments, that too without those harmful side effects that come with our conventional methods of treatment. |