Aromatherapy
For centuries, many cultures have used exotic
aromas ceremoniously. Recently, it has been
discovered that aromas play a significant role
in our overall health.
Like many alternative health therapies,
aromatherapy has rooted itself in mainstream
popular culture over the last 40 years. As
more information becomes available and more people
learn about the benefits of aromatherapy, it
becomes increasingly popular.
Aromatheraphy uses aromatic essential oils
to improve the body's physical and emotional
health. Essential oils are known as the "life
force" of plants. They are highly concentrated,
volatile oils extracted from herbs, flowers,
leaves, resin, bark, fruit rinds and roots.
When inhaled, the brain (lymbic system) channels
the effects of the oils throughout the body,
balancing your body's systems.
Essential oils
may also be absorbed by the skin and carried
throughout the body via the circulatory system
to reach internal organs. (Note that many
essential oils
must be diluted before applying them directly to the skin.)
If you have never experienced aromatherapy and
essential oils,
you may want to visit a licensed aromatherapist,
or if you prefer to dapple in aromatherapy on your
own, make sure to dilute the concentrated oils with
pure-blend oils so as not to overwhelm yourself.
This is especially important for small children or
individuals with sensitive skin.
