What is aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is one of the methods of traditional medicine that helps in the healing, prevention, and treatment of various diseases using essential oils. The essence lies in the treatment with the aromas of various plants, which are really capable of having a serious effect on the human body, and not only on his mood. For the human body, aromatherapy can be carried out through the penetration of aromatic substances through the respiratory tract, mucous membranes, and skin. But at the same time, absolutely all vegetable essential oils, subject to the correct dosage, do not have a negative effect on the body, do not cause addiction, and reduce the effectiveness of the effect.
The effect of aromatherapy on the human body
The effect of aromatherapy on the human body is formed in two main ways - neuro-reflex and humoral.
Nerve reflex method. Receptors in the olfactory zone of the nose perceive smells instantly and then transmit information to the central nervous system - the olfactory center of the brain. The influence of aromatic molecules acts as stimuli, which subsequently regulate human emotions and the tone of the nervous system, contribute to the restoration of the body's self-regulation processes.
Humoral method. This mechanism of influence of essential oils is associated with their effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Since the lungs have a sufficiently developed vascular network, their absorption of essential oils into the blood and vessels is much faster than when taking medications in the form of herbal decoctions or tinctures. The structure of the skin also allows the molecules of aromatic oils to easily penetrate into the blood and lymph, for example during the massage.
As a rule, the duration of action of essential oils on the body is within about 20 minutes, and then they completely evaporate, leaving no foreign matter.
Aromatherapy application methods
Aromatherapy, as a method, has its own principles that allow you to organize an individual approach to each person. Due to the huge number of types of essential oils, there are no problems with choosing the right option. It is important to use only the smells of oils you like since they are able to act on a person through his perception. The aroma of each plant consists of a complex of different active substances, so the same essential oil can be used to treat various diseases. In this case, you should remember the precautions and dosage. Small doses of essential oils are stimulants, and large doses can harm the vital processes of the body. But at the same time, essential oils also have mandatory Contraindications: individual intolerance to the aroma, allergies, bronchial asthma in the acute stage,
There are two main ways of using essential oils: by inhalation and by absorption into the skin. Each of these two methods allows you to achieve high therapeutic results.
Aroma lamps
Aroma lamps are considered one of the simplest ways to use essential oils at home. Usually, they are used for the aromatization of premises and represent a vessel-evaporator into which it is necessary to pour warm water, add essential oil, and only then light a candle. The number of drops of essential oil will depend on the area of the room. Take the calculation as a basis: 2 drops of essential oil per 5 square meters. area. At the same time, the water in the aroma lamp should not go into a boiling state, otherwise, the effect of the aroma will change. The correct work of the aroma lamp consists in slowly heating the water due to which the air is gradually saturated with aroma. It is necessary to carry out such a procedure in a well-ventilated area with closed windows and doors.
A more efficient option would be expensive hardware evaporators that run on electricity. They are preferred in medicine, in large office spaces, and are also suitable for home use. Hardware aromatherapy is safer and more physiological for health because when creating a respiratory environment, the air contains only volatile fractions of essential oils, which are equivalent to the natural environment. Therefore, the use of aromatherapy in this way is possible even for patients with bronchial asthma.
Inhalation
The inhalation method can be called the most common treatment for colds. The procedure helps to reduce swelling, inflammation, cough, congestion in the throat and nose. This aromatherapy is divided into two types: cold and hot.
With cold inhalation, the aroma of the essential oil is inhaled from a bottle or by applying a couple of drops to a cloth. In this case, breathing should be deep, it is advisable to close your eyes, and the procedure time should not exceed 10 minutes. Molecules of essential oils, falling on the nasal mucosa, cause impulses that are sent to the part of the brain, where the process of increasing the body's resistance to infectious diseases begins. Hot inhalation is carried out using a special device - an inhaler. The inhaler can be either an ordinary deep container with a heated liquid or a special device powered by an electrical network. The second version of the inhaler, of course, will be more practical and safer to use.
Aromatic baths
This method combines the effects of warm water and the healing power of aromatic oils. Molecules of essential oils come into contact with the surface of the human body, due to which the skin, which has the high penetrating ability, quickly absorbs the beneficial substances of essential oils, which are subsequently sent to the lymphatic and blood systems.Baths prepared on the basis of essential oils will be useful for early symptoms of colds and flu, help to relax after a hard day at work, relieve muscle tension, and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The technique of execution is very simple: in a filled bathtub at a comfortable temperature, you need to add the required amount of essential oil, previously mixed with the base. Since essential oils are not water-soluble, they must be mixed with a base to help the essential oil blend. The base can be a vegetable oil, cream, sea salt, or honey. The procedure time should be no more than 15 minutes.
Organize the atmosphere correctly so that exposure to fragrances is beneficial to human health. Dilute essential oils in warm water. In a Finnish sauna, place containers with water away from the stove, and in a Russian bath, pour the essential oil, previously mixed with warm water, onto the floor, wooden walls, and benches.
Compresses and applications
Compresses or applications are also one of the aromatherapy methods and are appropriate when it comes to treating internal inflammation associated with the skin, musculoskeletal system, and other diseases.The effect of essential oils, in this case, is carried out by their penetration through the area of the skin, which is located directly indirect projection to the affected organ. Substances of essential oils penetrate into the lymph and blood of a person, providing their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic effect.
The execution technique is as follows: about 300-400 ml of a comfortable temperature in water, it is necessary to add up to 7 drops of essential oil. After that, immerse a cotton towel in this solution, wring it out slightly, and then apply the compress to the desired area. Cover the compress with compress paper and cover the top with a dry cloth. The holding time of the compress should be about 30-40 minutes.
The same compress can be called applications, only in a smaller size. Accordingly, they are intended for small foci of inflammation. At the same time, applications, in comparison with compresses, are considered a more intense and faster procedure, due to their method of execution.
The same compress can be called applications, only in a smaller size. Accordingly, they are intended for small foci of inflammation. At the same time, applications, in comparison with compresses, are considered a more intense and faster procedure, due to their method of execution.
In this method, essential oils are mixed with base vegetable oils, and then, using a cotton swab, are applied to the desired area of the skin. Based on: 10 ml of oil - 5 drops of essential oil. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 15 minutes.
Aroma massage
Massage performed with the use of essential oils is one of the most active methods of influencing the human body. This method is good for the complex treatment and elimination of cellulite, varicose veins and stretch marks, muscle injuries and rheumatic pains, etc. Penetrating molecules of essential oils quickly enter the lymphatic and circulatory system, which provides a comprehensive effect on the body as a whole. Essential oils are used in massage necessarily when mixed with any base oils.Take the following proportions as a basis: mix 15-20 drops of essential oil and 50 ml of any functional oil. For children, 5-7 drops of essential oil will be enough, for babies - one. After that, massage according to the scheme that suits your state of health.
For body and spirit. Organize a trip to the bathhouse or sauna, which has a beneficial effect on the human body - muscles relax, breathing becomes even and deep, the nasopharynx is cleansed, the bronchi expand, the work of blood vessels, heart and nervous system improve. And with the use of essential oil, the effectiveness of the procedures is doubled. A bath or sauna is appropriate for virtually any age, the main thing in this method of cleansing and healing the human body is the regularity and correctness of the choice of essential oil.
How and where to use aromatherapy
Smells have a beneficial effect on a wide range of problems related to both the physical and mental health of a person. Aromatherapy can be used independently, but it is important to choose the right method, taking into account the desired result.For body and spirit. Organize a trip to the bathhouse or sauna, which has a beneficial effect on the human body - muscles relax, breathing becomes even and deep, the nasopharynx is cleansed, the bronchi expand, the work of blood vessels, heart and nervous system improve. And with the use of essential oil, the effectiveness of the procedures is doubled. A bath or sauna is appropriate for virtually any age, the main thing in this method of cleansing and healing the human body is the regularity and correctness of the choice of essential oil.
Organize the atmosphere correctly so that exposure to fragrances is beneficial to human health. Dilute essential oils in warm water. In a Finnish sauna, place containers with water away from the stove, and in a Russian bath, pour the essential oil, previously mixed with warm water, onto the floor, wooden walls, and benches.
Use one essential oil or a mixture thereof from the proportions: 1 liter of warm water, 10-12 drops of essential oil. At the same time, you should not add essential oils directly to the hot stones, so the oil will release an unhealthy and unpleasant aroma. You can stay in such a bath or sauna for up to 20 minutes.
When choosing an essential oil for baths and saunas, one should be guided by its properties. For example, to enhance the healing effect on the respiratory system, you can choose oils of juniper, anise, dill. For colds, eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils are more suitable. For headaches, use verbena or geranium oil. Essential oils of pine, fir, cedar are suitable for the treatment of skin diseases. To relieve fatigue - lemon balm, eucalyptus, basil, rosemary, or juniper oils.
For the treatment and strengthening of immunity, aroma upon is suitable - it is a kind of decorative ornament in the form of a vessel, made of different materials - glass, clay, wood, semi-precious stones. The choice of the material from which the future aroma pendant will be made should be determined only by personal preferences. Such an accessory is suitable as therapeutic aromatherapy because the healing properties of essential oils will always be with you. An effective assistant in the treatment of colds, headaches, nervous tension, etc.
An ultrasonic diffuser is ideal for aromatizing rooms, in another way it is called an aroma humidifier. This device, powered by an electrical network, finely disperses molecules of essential oils, saturating the air with a characteristic aroma. At the same time, the device is completely safe and comfortable to use.
For the treatment and strengthening of immunity, aroma upon is suitable - it is a kind of decorative ornament in the form of a vessel, made of different materials - glass, clay, wood, semi-precious stones. The choice of the material from which the future aroma pendant will be made should be determined only by personal preferences. Such an accessory is suitable as therapeutic aromatherapy because the healing properties of essential oils will always be with you. An effective assistant in the treatment of colds, headaches, nervous tension, etc.
An ultrasonic diffuser is ideal for aromatizing rooms, in another way it is called an aroma humidifier. This device, powered by an electrical network, finely disperses molecules of essential oils, saturating the air with a characteristic aroma. At the same time, the device is completely safe and comfortable to use.
An alternative way is aroma diffusers with sticks, which are a kind of set in the form of a container already filled with aromatic, oily liquid and sticks, which, when installed, are inserted into the container. Once installed, the sticks are impregnated with this liquid and gradually spread the aroma in the room. In this case, the aroma will remain until its final evaporation occurs.
Aroma stones and aromatic sachets are suitable for aromatizing clothes and linen. This method of aromatherapy does not lose its relevance to this day. These accessories trap the scent of essential oil and then infuse a pleasant scent into your closet or dresser. As a filler for aromatic sachets, you can choose a natural material - dried flowers, spices, tree twigs, etc.
Aroma stones and aromatic sachets are suitable for aromatizing clothes and linen. This method of aromatherapy does not lose its relevance to this day. These accessories trap the scent of essential oil and then infuse a pleasant scent into your closet or dresser. As a filler for aromatic sachets, you can choose a natural material - dried flowers, spices, tree twigs, etc.