Aromatherapy – method that has been popular for thousands of years. And it is no coincidence, because the essential oils used in this technique have healing properties. Inhaling the aromas of flowers, herbs and their extracts cures many diseases, relieves stress and restores inner harmony. This method is widely used in SPA-salons, resorts, beauty salons. It can also be used at home. There are many ways to do this, from inhalation to massage. Which one is better to choose and how to use essential oils correctly, read in this article.
Methods of using essential oils in aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is used in a variety of ways. Depending on the place of the procedure, this method is divided into two types:
• natural – a person inhales the aromas of medicinal plants, being in the forest, mountains, in a clearing or in another natural area;
• indoors – It is carried out mainly in SPA-salons and resorts. Can also be done at home.
Indoor treatments are popular. These are massage, baths, inhalations, compresses, a sauna using essential oils, aromatic lamps, aroma pillows, aroma pendants. Essential oils can also be added to cosmetic and massage creams.
Aromatic baths. Considered the most popular in aromatherapy. Such procedures are good because they dilate blood vessels, relieve headaches, tone up, relax and calm the nervous system. The procedure is carried out as follows: in a full bath of water, the temperature of which is 36 ° 37 ° C, add 8 drops of any essential oil, previously mixed with 100 g of kefir, milk or cream. After that, the person takes an aromatic bath for 15 minutes.
Experts recommend doing this procedure every other day for 1.5 months.
Massage using essential oils relieves muscle tension, relaxes and also has a beneficial effect on skin condition. In addition, the aromas of natural remedies that a person inhales during a massage restore the nervous system and immerse him in an atmosphere of relaxation.
Aroma lamps. This is one of the varieties of inhalations. Only the range of action is wider here. Aromatic lamps fill the room with pleasant smells and at the same time have a positive effect on the physical and psycho-emotional state of a person. They relieve fatigue, relieve stress and depression, improve memory and mental functions, help with influenza and SARS, serve as an excellent prevention of dystonia. The aroma lamp works as follows: water is poured into the bowl, add a few drops of the selected essential oil or a mixture of oils there, then set fire to the candle. It also heats the water, as a result of which volatile substances evaporate into the air. One procedure lasts no more than 2 hours.
Beginners should start with 20-25 minutes and increase the duration of the procedure with each session.
Aromatic healing pads or sachets. These are a kind of small linen or cotton bags, inside of which are herbs, twigs, petals, needles or other dried plants, soaked in essential oils. They saturate the room with pleasant aromas, and also bring significant benefits to the body, which – it depends on the essential oils and the location of the aroma pad. So, if a sachet soaked in essential oils of mint, lemon, cloves and rosemary is located near the workplace, it stimulates efficiency and improves concentration. But pillows with a mixture of ylang-ylang, rose and lavender oils, located in the bedroom, perfectly relax, calm the nervous system, and also relieve insomnia.
Aroma pendants. These small jewelry-vessels, reminiscent of miniature amphoras, are worn around the neck not only indoors, but everywhere. They pour 1-4 drops of essential oil, which evaporate very slowly. Thus, they improve well-being, help with various diseases, and also give a great mood. At the same time, you do not need to spend a lot of time on aromatherapy sessions.
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Aromatherapy: basic rules and nuances of using essential oils
Essential oil – very concentrated blend. If you use it for aromatherapy incorrectly, you can harm your health.
Therefore, there are a number of rules that must be observed in order to avoid negative consequences:
• Do not self-medicate, it is better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of a doctor.
• Before using an essential oil, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to it. To do this, put a few drops of the product on a tissue or handkerchief and inhale it several times a day. If during the day a runny nose and irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye did not appear, then you can safely use the substance.
• When choosing an essential oil, look carefully at the label. It should say that the product is 100% natural. In addition, next to the name of the oil, the full name of the plant from which it was extracted should be indicated.
• Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin.
• Store the oily substance in a dark glass bottle at 0-30°C. And keep it out of sunlight, otherwise some of the ingredients of the product may become toxic.
Aromatherapy: contraindications and possible side effects
No matter how pleasant aromatherapy may seem, not everyone can resort to it. It should not be performed on pregnant women. Harsh aromas should not be used for epilepsy. This is fraught with convulsive seizures. Oils such as tangerine, lemon, orange, cinnamon can cause a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, they must be used with extreme caution. Basil oil should not be used for heart disease. And some fragrant substances can even cause general poisoning of the body. This applies to basil, eucalyptus, thyme, cinnamon, lemon, nutmeg. It is necessary to use such oils very carefully, with a minimum dosage.
Aromatherapy – a panacea for many diseases, fatigue, insomnia and bad mood. So choose the right way to use essential oils, inhale your favorite fragrances and enjoy the pleasant aromas of nature. Just do it right.
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