Aroma Therapy is an ancient and antural art of balancing the mind and spirit,
enchancing health and beauty and even heal physical and mental ailments through
the use of essential oils. The essential oils (which are known as a plant's
"life force") are derived from various flowers, fruits, trees, herbs and resins.
Pure essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile substances and contain
hormone-like properties, vitamins, minerals, and natural antiseptics.
These oils can be used to treat a myriod of illnesses such as depression,
stress arthritis, back problems, muscle achesm headackes, colds, sinus problems,
skin disorders, asthman, insomnia, metabolism, digest problems, etc.
The earliest recorded history of Aroma Therapy dates back to around 2890 b.c.
where the ancient Egyptians used aromatic substances for religious, magical as
well as medicinal purposes. The Chinese (at around 2000 b.c.) used essential
oils in acuuncture, massage, bathsm and inhalations. In their expenditions to
the Far East, the Arabs brought home large quantities of spices, among them
which were sandal, camphor, walnut-tree and myrrh. The first modern study on
Aroma Therpy was by French chemist Gattefosse. His work showed that the
essential oils were penetrated by the skin and then enter the body's
extra-cellular liquids (such as blood). The circulation of the body's
fluids carry the oils to the different organs. The oils are absorbed
through the skin within minutes but remain in the system for several hours.
In addition, smelling the oils stimulate the brain's limbic system
(via the olfactory nerve) and alters emotional and mental behavior.
Massage
This is the most effective method of using the oils, combining their
properties with the therapeutic power of thouch. The oils are massaged
into and absored by the skin. Tehy are put into the blood steam and sent
to the relevant parts of the body quickly and effectively.
Perfumes
You can make your own distincitive and personal perfume by blending
different oils with unscented alcohol or a carrier oil. Apply as you would
normally use parfume.
Vaporization
Because essential oils evaporate easily and create diffenet mental and
emotional atmospheres, they make excellent air fresheners. There are several
ways to vaporize oils effectively, from a store bought vaporiser or a potpourri
burner to placing a few drops of the oils in simmering pot of water on a stove
top or radiator.
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