Ancient Secrets Revealed

Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine practice that involves the use of essential oils and the sense of smell to bring about changes in health and mood.  Aromatherapy can be used in many different ways.

Aromatherapy is used in the perfume industry, homes, clinical settings, and even for physiological issues.  Many of the aspects and practices of aromatherapy have been scientifically tested and proven.  For example, science has shown that certain smells can affect a way a person feels or thinks. 

Essential oils, extracted from plants, are a major component of aromatherapy.  Some commonly used essential oils include lavender, vanilla and licorice.

Aromatherapy is often incorporated into massage, especially in the United States.  The essential oils are used to help heighten the massage practice.  Aromatherapy can also be practiced by releasing the scents into the air where a person can breathe them in.

The essential oils work differently depending on their use.  When used as a scent they affect the limbic and emotional centers in the brain.  When used in massage they work on the thermal receptors and help to kill microbes and fungi.  Taken internally, they can aid the immune system.

Essential oils are very strong in their undiluted state.  Working with and using essential oils should be done carefully and by someone who is experienced with them.

Aromatherapy can be used to help treat a variety of ailments.  Basil oil can be used to help relieve depression and treat migraine headaches.  Bergamot oil can be used to help treat urinary tract infections.  Yarrow oil can be used to reduce inflammation and help provide relief from the flu.  This is just a small sampling of the many essential oils and the ailments they can treat.

There is a lot of debate about aromatherapy.  Much of the debate comes from medical professionals who think that scents are being used improperly.  They say science has only shown they can produce pleasant feelings, but that they can not actually provide any real benefit to a person.  They believe that aromatherapy is nothing more then a nice way to relax.

Additionally, it does not help that products that contain essential oils are now often labeled as an aromatherapy product.  These products may contain essential oils, but if not used in a proper manner are not going to provide real aromatherapy.

There are many people who have benefited from aromatherapy and who are more than willing to stand behind the practice.  Aromatherapy has been used for centuries and will be continued to be used by those who can truly appreciate all of its benefits.