Why Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Plant oils have been used for their health benefits for 1000's of years. Essential oils, extracted from plants, possess distinctive therapeutic properties which can be used to improve health and prevent disease. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways including massage, inhalations, compresses, baths and skincare. They are readily absorbed into the skin and have gentle physiologial effects. Aromatherapy is an especially effective treatment for stress-related problems and a variety of chronic conditions. It can help with:
Skin Conditions
Skin problems are often the
surface manifestation of a deeper
condition, such as a build-up of toxins in the blood, hormonal imbalance or nervous and emotional difficulties. In this area the versatility of essential oils is particularly valuable because they are able to combat such complaints on a variety of levels.
Pain & Inflammation
Essential Oils are easily absorbed
via the skin and mucosa into the
bloodstream, affecting the circulation as a whole. Oils can provide considerable pain relief for rheumatism, arthritis, muscular stiffness. They can relieve local inflammation and reduce swelling. Some oils tend to reduce or stimulate the blood pressure.
Respiratory Issues
Nose, throat and lung infections
are conditions which respond very
well to treatment with Essential Oils. By inhalation they are absorbed into the blood circulation even faster than by oral application. Treatments to help respiratory problems include asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, flue and pneumonia.
Digestive Disorders
Although it is not recommended
that Essential Oils be taken orally,
baths and massage of the abdomen both can help intestinal problems such as diarrhoea, indigestion and constipaton. Also inhalation of oils affects the digestive system indirectly because the molecules of Essential Oils are carried to the circulation.
Immune Support
Essential oils have bactericidal
and viral properties and they can
help prevent and treat infectious illness. Useful oils are stimulating the lymphatic system to preventatively strengthen the body's own defences or to treat particular conditions, like the build-up of cellulite and water retention.
Womens Health
Essential oils are very useful for
treating problems associated
with menstrual well-being, pregnancy and menopause. Some oils having an affinity for general strengthening effect. Other oils contain plant hormones which mimic the corresponding human hormones.
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Sleep and Energy
Recent research shows that the
properties of many oils
correspond to the tradionally held views. Some were found to have a sedative effect for nervous tension, stress and insomnia. Others are stimulants for convalescence, lack of strenth or nervous fatique. Nerve tonics are believed to strenthening the nervous system as a whole.
Stress and Anxiety
There is no doubt that throughut
history Essential Oils have been
used for their power to influence the mind. It is today known, that oils that are breathed in to the nose are travelling directly into the limbic system, which means that scents can evoke an immediate and powerful response to emotional states like depression, anxiety and stress.
Safety Precautions
Aroma Therapy is a complement to modern medicine. Always follow your GP's and your therapist's guidelines. Use extra caution with any existing medical conditions, medications or allergies, if you are pregnant or breastfeed, or for children. Use oils as external remedies only and be aware of contra-indications.