Aromatherapy And The History & Origins Of It

Aromatherapy And The History & Origins Of It

One thing that is true about aromatherapy is that you have alot of options at your disposal. You can buy all kinds of products that will enhance any evening or encounter with someone that you know. Usually aromatherapy is associated with a bath, massage, or even a good smelling body spray that someone sprays on themselves. But you should know that aromatherapy goes much deeper than this.

To be considered an aromatherapy product, a product must have essential oils, no artificial ingredients, must contain safe levels of ingredients, and must be made with aromatic and intentions in mind. If the product that you’re using now doesn’t meet this criteria, then more than likely it isn’t a good aromatherapy product.

To pick the aromatherapy product for you, it’s best to learn a little about its history. The word was first used in 1928, and it implies that the scents of oils is the only thing that is used. This is not true. The bottom line is that when it comes to aromatherapy, you will find that it incorporates many other botanicals that offer alot of therapeutic health benefits.

Aromatherapy products can be list in a wide variety of categories. These include well being, fragrancing, cleaning products for the home, skin care, and even hair care. If you want to get the most out of aromatherapy when using products, you will want to analyze the ingredients listed on them.

The way that the word aromatherapy is used in the United States is not fairly regulated. You will find in product marketing that the word is thrown around in a way that is not in line with its origins. Because this, you will have to be aware and on your toes when sorting throughout the entire selection of aromatherapy products.

When reading through the list of ingredients on aromatherapy products, you should know that there are some things that you will want to avoid. If a website or manufacturer doesn’t share with you their list of ingredients in their products, kindly ask for it or shop somewhere else. There are alot of companies that know that the word “aromatherapy” isn’t licensed in the United States, and they have alot of rivals and competitors who use the term loosely regardless of the law. It is up to you to do smart shopping and to choose the best aromatherapy products.

No matter what you choose when picking aromatherapy products, you’re doing a good thing by using this health form to enhance your life. Aromatherapy is practiced all around the world, and you too can use it to enhance your physical and mental well-being.

Good luck with choosing the right aromatherapy products.

Learn aromatherapy tips you can use to de-stress and relax from life. To learn more, visit the following website for more details: http://www.instant-downloadz.com/aromatherapyforcynics.html

More Aromatherapy Articles

Advantages Of Aromatherapy

aromatherapy
by Zero-X

Advantages Of Aromatherapy

More and more people around the world are realizing the benefits and various advantages of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses essential oils and aromatic plant extracts to improve your mood and health.  This is a natural treatment that does not cause any adverse effects and provides you with a sense of wellbeing. The essential oils used in aromatherapy have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, which prevent your skin from infections.

Advantages

You can gain plenty of benefits by opting for aromatherapy. You can use the aromatic essential oils for bath, massage, skin care and for treating several psychological and physical problems.

•    The aroma of the essential oils used in aromatherapy calms your mind. Inhaling this can also offer good therapeutic benefits.

•    You can spoil yourself in an aromatherapy bath. It is an inexpensive way to treat your ailments. It relieves your stress and soothes the muscular tension.

•    The aromatherapy oil enters your skin pores easily and relaxes your tired muscles.

•    Each type of aromatherapy oil has its own benefits. For instance, lavender oil assures you of great relaxation and ensures sound sleep. Eucalyptus provides great relief from head congestion.

•    Certain aromatherapy oils like spearmint energizes your body and mind.

•    Aromatherapy massage provides you with ultimate relaxation. The essential oils are diluted and applied on your skin. Your skin absorbs the oil quickly and the oil penetrates into the blood stream.  This rejuvenates your skin and eliminates waste materials. Aromatherapy helps remove dead cells from the body and stimulates the growth of new, healthy cells, thus energizing your body and mind.

•    The advantages of aromatherapy can be enhanced by taking the help of a specialist who can give you a good massage. An aromatherapy massage takes 30 minutes to one hour and focuses on various pressure points in your body. Massage techniques used for this encourages mental clarity and healing.

•    Aromatherapy massage also helps reduce common aches and pains. Certain oils also provide good relief from fatigue and stiffness.

•    Aromatherapy skin care is very popular. The essential oils moisturize your skin and keep it supple, healthy and beautiful. It is however important to select the right type of oil for your skin. For instance, if you have a normal skin, you can use lavender oil. Chamomile oil is great for dry and sensitive skin, which is prone to eczema and acne. You can use tea tree oil to get rid of acne and other minor skin problems. Rose oils work well for aging skin. If you are prone to sunburn, you can mix lavender and chamomile and apply it on your skin. This will add radiance to your skin.

•    Aromatherapy prevents wrinkles and promotes skin cell regeneration.

•    It revitalizes your dry brittle hair. It nourishes hair roots and encourages fast growth.

•    Aromatherapy soothes a burn and cleanses your wounds with antiseptic properties.

•     Aromatherapy is excellent to treat back pain, headaches, psoriasis, stretch marks and other minor problems. It also helps cure psychological problems such as panic attack, stress, depression and lack of concentration. This provides you with relief from asthma, flu and sprains and also aids with digestive problems.

•    One of the most important advantages of aromatherapy is its sanitizing effect. You can use essential oils to clean your home, instead of using harsh chemicals.

•    You can use certain aromatherapy oils as effective natural mosquito repellent. Citronella candles can help keep mosquitoes and insects away.

•    Lemon oil can be used to freshen the air inside your home. You can also put your favorite aroma oil into a pot of water and keep it in your kitchen to keep small insects away.

Jim would like to teach you the steps to living green and
how to use green technology to benefit your health and
the environment.  www.thegreenlivingexpert.com

More Aromatherapy Articles

Blend With Unique Carrier Oils and Butters

Blend With Unique Carrier Oils and Butters

Creating body butters and essential oil blends with carrier oils has always brought me (and my skin) great pleasure! When creating an essential oil blend in a carrier, get creative. Choose from a wide variety of butters and oils. When deciding, think about consistency, the therapeutic properties of the carrier, and the intention of your blend

Here are a few of my favorite carrier oils:

Avocado oil (Laurus persea or Persea gratissima) is highly penetrating. It deeply nourishes and softens dry skin. It prevents chapping, cracks and stretch marks. It promotes cell regeneration (great with Helichrysum essential oil), is used for skin inflammation and used to clean the skin. I like to wash my face with warm water and a small amount of Avocado oil. It is also used as a carrier for arthritis pain blends. Avocado oil adds a vibrant green color to your blend!

 

Baobab oil (Adansonia digitata). The Baobab Tree is a traditional African tree whose seeds make an oil that is luscious and has a wonderful nutty aroma. The oil is deeply nourishing and softens dry skin. It is known to restore and re-moisturize the epidermis. I like to use it in blends for relieving Eczema and Psoriasis. Alleviates pain from burns and regenerates epithelial tissue quickly, especially when you add Lavender essential oil to it.

 

Cocoa butter (Theobroma nucifera) Cocoa butter is a beautiful, hard, solid aromatic butter pressed from the roasted seeds of the Cacao tree in West Africa It is highly protective of our skin and adds an incredibly silky texture to body butters. It contains about 5 IU of vitamin E per ounce and improves skin flexibility and health. Cocoa butter is particularly praised for its antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to treat wrinkles around the eyes and corners of the mouth.

 

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) has a fresh coconut aroma. It is moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your skin. Coconut oil is mild and generally safe for people with inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin. It is used for nail and cuticle treatment, fungus treatment and for healing for dry, itchy skin. It adds a tropical aroma to your body butters, and blends beautifully with Cocoa Butter.

 

Kombo butter (Pycnanthus anglensis) offers many wonderful benefits for our skin. I like to melt it with other butters like shea butter and cocoa butter for a rich, aromatic, healing body butter. Kombo butter is anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antiseptic. It is used with essential oils for aching joints and muscles and for dry or irritated skin conditions. Kombo butter is high in Myristoleic acid. Myristoleic acid is used to treat pain in the muscles and joints for arthritis and gout.

 

Kpangnan butter (Pentadesma butyracea) is pronounced “Panya.” I have found this butter to be even more moisturizing than shea butter and has a slight warming effect on the skin when applied. Studies have found that Kpangnan contains a high amount of stigmasterol, an unsaturated plant sterol that contains anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agents. For a solid butter the texture is softer than expected and it adds a luscious feel to body butters. The aroma is gentle and nutty.

 

Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea) is a wonderful golden carrier oil with a very light aroma (nice for people who do not want a strong aroma). It can be used on its own for massage or as a great base for essential oils or butter blends. It protects and nourishes the skin and is good for oily skin and hair. Relieves dermatitis, eczema and Psoriasis. It helps heal sunburns and heals chapped/irritated skin.

 

West African Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) is obtained by cold pressing of the fruit of the Karite tree. Shea butter is known as an excellent moisturizer. It assist dryness, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and burns. Shea is used as a lip balm, salve base, and moisturizer for all dry skin conditions. It is also used for sun-damaged skin and for long-term health of the skin.

 

Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), extracted from the fruit of the tree, is renowned for its remarkable skin healing properties. It greatly aids wound healing of severe cuts and burns. It acts as an effective germicide to kill or prevent infection. It is used for shingles and skin ulcers. Tamanu oil’s ability to heal damaged skin is well researched. Tamanu oil promotes new tissue formation, accelerating healing and healthy skin growth. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

 

Palm kernel oil (Elaeis guineensis) is amazing. The aroma alone is rich, nutty, and unique. It lends a smooth texture to all body butters, soaps and salves. It is wonderfully emollient and has cooling properties. It prevents dry hair and lips and us used as a nail and cuticle treatment. Good for healing for dry, itchy skin. It softens and lubricates the skin.

 

Blending is my favorite part of an aromatherapy education! Please note: Be sure to buy raw, organic, unrefined and non-deodorized carriers and butters. The refining/deodorizing process uses heat and or solvents and can strip the butter/carrier of its natural vitamins and minerals.

 

 

Andrea Butje teaches aromatherapy classes at the Aromahead Institute of Essential Oil Studies. She has pioneered online aromatherapy certification courses approved by NAHA and AIA.

 

More Carrier Oils Articles

Better Health and Flavour – Reasons to Buy Loose Leaf Tea Instead of Tea Bags

aroma for health
by LA Wad

Better Health and Flavour – Reasons to Buy Loose Leaf Tea Instead of Tea Bags

Tea bags are essentially a 20th century invention, though they did not take off in a big way until Tetley, the UK tea company, popularised the paper tea bag in the 1950s. The tea bag gradually changed the way that teas was drunk in the UK, tea became an instant drink – put the bag in the cup, add boiling water, a couple of stirs, out with the bag, add the milk and about thirty seconds after the kettle boils – a nice cuppa.

Or is it? It’s refreshing enough but that’s about all it is, it’s simply a drink. Millions of people are blissfully unaware of the true potential of tea, a potential that is lost when using a commercial tea bag. For a start, the taste, then there is the aroma. Even Green tea from commercial tea bags have a neutral, bland even, taste and aroma. It is even suggested that the contents of commercial bags are the ‘fannings’ or waste material from the processing of high grade leaf teas. Compare the flavour and smell from green tea made using loose leaves and a tea bag – poles apart. The truth is that tea from commercial tea bags tastes pretty much the same, whatever it is, black, white, green …

The problem is that the tea in bags is powdered, or if not, it is ground up into very small fragments. It has to be. The tea bag is a restricted space so the water cannot circulate particularly well, so the flavours and aromas are not extracted efficiently. Whenever something is ground up very finely, it presents a large surface area to the air and so it oxidises more rapidly. Even the anti-oxidants oxidise! In other words, it is stale by the time you taste it! So you are onto a loser – the taste is poor and any goodness that the tea contains will be greatly reduced too. With loose leaf teas, the leaf is left whole, so the process of oxidation is much slower as the air does not reach the centre of the leaf. Thus leaf teas stay fresher, retaining their flavours and aroma for longer and also keeping their beneficial chemicals for longer.

So why do the majority of people drink this inferior tea? Habit? Convenience? Price? Cannot be bothered with the ‘faff’ of making tea from leaves? The answer is probably yes to all of those. It could also be that it fits in with the fast pace of modern life. We want things fast. In the east, the tea ceremonies take slow to extreme but they do at least acknowledge that drinking tea involves all of the senses. Watching the leaves unfurl in the bottom of the cup, smelling the aroma, then the much stronger and distinctive flavours, not to mention the well-documented health aspects.

If you don’t try loose tea, you certainly won’t miss it, the question is, can you open your mind (and taste buds and nose) to experience the world of real tea?

Want the best Chinese Green Tea? Want to impress friends and family with your selection of Quality Chinese Green Teas? Then visit In Nature now.

7 Essential Benefits of Aromatherapy

7 Essential Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a term that you are probably familiar with by now, especially with the many varieties of aromatherapy massage now popularly sold at leading salons and spas all over the world. However, what you may not have realized is that aromatherapy is an age-old practice that can be used at home to treat a number of common and even serious ailments.

Aromatherapy is a healing therapy that uses the essential oils of plants to soothe and treat countless illnesses. The first recorded use of essential oils was more than 6000 years ago as a staple of the Egyptian culture and healing system. Today, aromatherapy is becoming popular for providing the same benefits in our culture, with one of the most common uses being for relaxation and stress relief.

To get you started on your home aromatherapy treatment, here are the top seven benefits that you can expect from using aromatherapy:

Improved mood. Rosemary is an essential oil that has been proven to boost the mood and offer feelings of contentment. Even better, this essential oil provides a positive benefit in overall mood and performance by reducing the stress hormone cortisol in the body. At the very least, rosemary in aromatherapy can be used on a regular basis to relieve stress, induce relaxation, and prevent anxiety.
Get a better night’s sleep! If you find yourself tossing and turning every night and even sleeping pills won’t help you to relax, aromatherapy may be the answer that you have been looking for. Aromatherapy is quite helpful for treating sleep disorders, and it is one of the fastest growing alternative therapies in the Western world. The topical use of essential oils will stimulate the limbic system in the brain that controls emotion and mood, meaning that aromatherapy can effectively induce calm, relaxation, and a deep sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Improve your complexion. Many aestheticians would agree that aromatherapy is a powerful tool to alleviate a number of skin conditions, especially dry and flaky skin. If dry and flaky skin is left untreated, it can cause premature wrinkling and signs of age. For this reason, aromatherapy is helpful to keep the skin youthful, moist, and balanced, and it will also improve even more serious conditions of the skin, like eczema and psoriasis. Many essential oils provide anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce dryness and irritation and calm red and rough skin.
Relieve chronic asthma. If you are having difficulty with constant wheezing and coughing caused by asthma, when used wisely and under professional care, aromatherapy can often free asthmatic lungs of irritation. Wheezing is caused by pushing air through swollen bronchial passages, which frequently results in an asthma attack. Professional aromatherapy treatment can provide asthma relief in between these attacks by rubbing anti-histamine and decongestant essential oils, like ginger and peppermint, directly on the chest.
Treat nausea and stomach problems. If you suffer with constant digestive issues, like stomach pain, intestinal gas, belching, and nausea, all of the above can be quickly relieved with aromatherapy. In fact, using essential oils for stomach issues in children is a helpful home remedy for any young kids who have difficulty swallowing medicine. Aromatherapy targets the first stage of digestion by signaling the brain that food is on the way to create the immediate response of flowing digestive juices to alleviate a number of stomach issues. Aromatherapy also provides the added benefit of relieving stress and anxiety overall, which is often the cause of nausea and a queasy stomach.
Reduce the symptoms of PMS. PMS is something that many women struggle with on a monthly basis, and it can often cause a series of emotional and physical problems. PMS symptoms vary individually from woman to woman, and if you have very severe symptoms around the time of your period, aromatherapy may be the perfect answer. It is helpful to take an aromatic bath or get a massage with essential oils to reduce symptoms like depression, mood swings, irritability, and even bloating and tenderness.
Get rid of a bladder infection. Bladder infections are more common than you may realize, especially in women. Fortunately, aromatherapy provides several essential oils to take care of this issue, such as sandalwood, chamomile, tea tree, and juniper berry. However, it is important to use trained aromatherapy techniques for this treatment because treating with too much juniper berry could cause irritation to the kidneys if administered incorrectly. A bladder infection can be quickly treated using aromatherapy by applying the essential oils in a compress over the bladder or taking an aromatherapy bath scented with essential oils.

As you can see, aromatherapy is a legitimate and effective alternative healing therapy. If you are struggling with any of the above issues and are sick of taking medications or using other forms of treatment, aromatherapy offers a gentle substitute that will alleviate numerous illnesses and concerns. Even more importantly, all of the benefits of using aromatherapy listed above are just the beginning since aromatherapy has been proven to treat countless physical and emotional issues!

It is highly important to have legitimate training for the use of aromatherapy since using some essential oils improperly could cause sickness or irritation. Perhaps the simplest way to benefit from aromatherapy is in the form of a massage or bath, which will also provide you with a multitude of relaxation benefits. If you are new to aromatherapy, you can first try out aromatherapy massage from a massage therapist, which will integrate specific essential oils to target any physical or emotional problems you may be struggling with. On top of that, you will receive the anti-stress benefits of massage to relax your muscles, improve circulation, and flush dangerous toxins from your body.

Aromatherapy is a versatile and user-friendly form of healing that offers a long list of home remedies to maintain your health without paying for expensive medications or doctor’s visits! Additionally, aromatherapy will also give you the much needed stress relief that you have been looking for to relax and improve your health from the inside out.

 

For my three-part DVD series on home aromatherapy, please visit my website today at http://www.aromatherapydvd.com/

Related Aromatherapy Articles

What You Need to Know About Aromatherapy Oils

aromatherapy
by jainaj

What You Need to Know About Aromatherapy Oils

From the days of early civilization in Egypt, people have been using aromatherapy to in everyday their everyday lives. Without the intricacies of modern healing, people back then only resort to traditional and alternative medicine in relieving physical pain. But, due to the emergence of modern science in the field of medicine, this tradition of healing using natural resources have slowly disappeared.

But today, with the trend of going back to the natural and to the basic, aromatherapy is becoming quite popular in the world of healing because of its therapeutic properties. Usually, aromatherapy involves the use of aromatherapy oils derived from various parts of plants. These aromatherapy oils are believed to contain therapeutic properties that greatly help patients to recover and heal eventually.

AROMATHERAPY OILS 101

Basically, aromatherapy refers to the healing technique that uses aromatic oils extracted and distilled from different plants to bring about a feeling of well being physically and psychologically.

The most common form of using aromatherapy oil is through inhalation done by placing a tiny drop of your chosen aromatherapy oil on a piece facial tissue or soft cloth. Aside from inhaling it using a cloth or a tissue, you can also reap the benefits of aromatherapy oil through steam inhalation that involves the use the aromatherapy oil dropped in bowl of hot water. Aromatherapy oils—when used in conjunction with a carrier oil—is also a great way to a relaxing massage or a soothing bath.

Aside from using aromatherapy oil as a soothing medium, this can also be used to solve common household problems such as smelly kitchen, drawer, or room. Various aromatherapy oils like lavender, citronella, and peppermint can also be effective bug repellants and natural insect repellents. You can do this by placing a few drops of the aromatherapy oil on cotton balls and place them in locations where insects usually thrive like doorways and windows.

Since there are seemingly countless ways where one can use aromatherapy oils, it is a must to familiarize yourself what are the things you should consider before buying or purchasing aromatherapy oils.

- Conduct a little research before using specific aromatherapy oil. Since each kind of aromatherapy oil has varying therapeutic qualities, you cannot ensure that the product you’re planning to buy will not cause you any harm. Make sure that you know what are the properties to be used for a specific purpose of illness.

- Be meticulous about the container. The first thing you should consider in buying aromatherapy oil is the container. If you see an essential oil that is placed in clear bottle or a plastic bottle, then disregard it because light has probably lack or excessive light might have damaged the intrinsic properties of the aromatherapy oil. Make sure that you buy aromatherapy oils that are placed in colored bottles to ensure quality.

- Make sure that you check and double check label. By checking the label, you can ensure that the aromatherapy oil you are planning to buy is pure. Avoid buying those bottles that say “perfume” or “fragrance oil” because these do not contain pure aromatherapy oils extracted from plants.

- Examine the bottle carefully for dust and expiration date. If the bottle has dust on its cap or around its container, don’t buy it because this indicates that the product you’re planning to buy is old and have probably lost its aromatic scent and healing properties.

- Consider the price. Since pure aromatherapy oils are extracted and distilled from various plants, they prices range drastically. Bear in mind that pure therapeutic aromatherapy oils that are derived from exotic plants are more expensive than those derived from common plants.

 

The Benefits of Aromatherapy in Childhood Cancer

The Benefits of Aromatherapy in Childhood Cancer

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy to promote psychological and physical well-being as well as reducing the symptoms of a range of conditions. It is based on the use of concentrated essential plant oils.  Essential oils are the pure essences which are found in herbs, flowers, grasses, roots, seeds, bark, berries and fruits.  These are extracted mainly by steam or water distillation.  There are about 400 essential oils but in general there are 40 which are commonly used.

These essential oils consist of tiny aromatic chemicals which aid in a variety of health, hygiene and beauty conditions.  People can benefit from them via massage, vaporisation, bathing and inhalation.  The theory is that each essential oil has its own specific health benefits.  Aromatherapy is also used in preventative medicine.  

In aromatherapy the essential oils are absorbed through the skin and have gentle physiological effects.  It is especially effective for a variety of chronic conditions as well as stress related problems.  As the oils stimulate your sense of smell it is also thought that this process may play a part in the effects of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy and Childhood Cancer

As with other complementary therapies, both children and their parents choose aromatherapy for a number of possible reasons:
•    The feeling that they are doing something pro-active to help themselves
•    To reduce pain
•    To manage anxiety
•    To manage stress
•    To improve well being

In the case of childhood cancer when children are receiving chemotherapy it is the nausea and vomiting which remain as two of the most distressing symptoms.  As well as the chemotherapy itself the anticipatory anxiety is a big factor.  

Aromatherapy has been anecdotally reported to decrease vomiting and nausea as well as anxiety while also increasing the quality of life of the patients.

Children can easily self administer depending on their age and the form of aromatherapy which also means that outside of a scheduled session the child or perhaps parent can administer the essential oils.

Research

1.    A Nursing Times survey of nurses in relation to complementary medicine found that aromatherapy massage was overwhelmingly the most popular complementary therapy employed by nurses.  The reasons for this are the demonstrable therapeutic benefits including the alleviation of anxiety, chronic tension headache, cancer pain in addition to reducing stress perceived by patients in intensive care units.

2.    In 1993 a study took place with palliative patients for six months which comprised of 42 female and 27 male patients.  None of them had previously had the treatment.  The results revealed that 81% stated that they either felt ‘better’ or ‘very relaxed’ after their treatments.  25% reported that the benefits lasted for more than one day.

3.    A study at a UK cancer centre to evaluate an aromatherapy service had 89 initial patients.  The study required six aromatherapy sessions and 58 out of the 89 patients completed these.  The authors of the study reported significant improvements in anxiety and depression (measured by HADS)*.

4.    Another small study focused on the physical and psychological effects of aromatherapy massage on 8 patients with primary malignant brain tumours who were attending their first follow-up appointment after radiation therapy.  Although the authors reported no psychological benefits but did report a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse.

*HADS – Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

What Happens in an Aromatherapy Session?

Firstly the aromatherapist will ask you questions about your medical history as well as your general lifestyle and health.  Through this the aromatherapist will be able to decide which essential oils are most appropriate for the client.

The chosen oils will then be combined with what is called carrier oil, normally vegetable oil, as the essential oils are very concentrated so it needs to be diluted.  The aromatherapist will then massage the oils gently into your body.  The session normally takes from 60 to 90 minutes.  Most people find aromatherapy massage to be very relaxing and soothing.

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

Aromatic or essential oils have been used for thousands of years as treatments for a wide range of disorders, as well as stimulants and sedatives.  Historically essential oils can be linked to the Bible as infused oils and unguents as well as ancient Egypt, as remedies throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

In the 20th century the French chemist and perfumer Rene Gattefosse coined the term ‘aromatherapy’ and published a book of that name in 1937.  Gattefosse and his colleagues in Italy, Germany and France spent 30 years studying the effects of aromatherapy but then it went out of fashion around the middle of the twentieth century.  It was another Frenchman, Jean Valnet who was a physician, who rediscovered it and he published his book The Practice of Aromatherapy in 1982.

Today aromatherapists publish their own journal, the International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics.

Jackie is trained in reflexology, auricular acupuncture and Vortex Healing®. This is the second of a set of articles focusing on complementary therapies for childhood cancer, which looks at aromatherapy and childhood cancer. The series is dedicated to Meltem Ocal Kogelbauer’s daughter Melanie and all the other children and parents who have been through the same experience.

Related Aromatherapy Articles

Simple thing you can do to improve your health

Simple thing you can do to improve your health

First of all, know this, you are talking to a sincere “health freak”. I’m not just a freak for health I’m sincere in saying that most people do truly expect good health instead of earning it. 

There are simple things you can do to improve your health.

So no more excuses and it’s not just a matter of will power it’s a matter of education. Knowledge is power and baby power is in good health for sure!

There are simple ways to improve your health, even the amount of happiness or mental health you feel, and all within just minutes per day. 

1. Inhale an energizing scent. This is so true.  Every year I make candles around the cool weather times, it’s a nice time with my grown daughters spending quality time with the grankids and no not stressful with the kids all around.  Aroma therepy is for real.  It really does work.  The house smells like candy and fresh vanilla, and truly is very relaxing if you’re not spilling wax on the floor!

2. Types of Scents? Research suggests that a critrus, lemon and  or peppermint scents are the most energizing. I love all the new flavors, in fact there is a world of aroma around us that few people truly learn to enjoy  Try it!  I do all the time. Pour  an occasional cup of lemon or peppermint tea, or light a peppermint candle.  Keep bottles of peppermint, orange, or lemon extract to sniff around the house.  Add a couple of drops to a small scent dispenser or keep on the stove because the pilot light, if gas, will keep the scent warmed and smelling great.  

3. Sip ice water. How simple is that? Why does everyone fight the water craze? At least my friends do!  All my friends drink sweetened juice or sodas, it’s just not smart! 

And the problem with this picture,… I had hoped my friends would have gotten smarter about their health by now, are you listening loud and clear (if you’re my friend)? 

Water is your real friend, no better nutriants than the life-substaining substance of water.  After all we are a huge percent of water, let’s freshen up. 

Water keeps your cells hydrated and helps you burn calories. Did you know that whenever you drink something cold, ice cold,  that your body truly raises your metabolism to keep your body temperature from falling? That process alone, drinking ice water, burns calories. Eight 16 ounce glasses of ice water will burn an extra 200 calories per day and that’s a lot when you add it up at the end of the day.

4. Practice “one breath” mediations.  You don’t have to spend years mastering meditation like I tried to. I didn’t know if I should chant or just relax and stretch, but my continuous efforts to learn to meditate, which also includes prayer for some, will help your emotions and stabablize your happy vs. dull feelings that often conflict with every day living.

This one breath method is a powerful, straightforward relaxation technique that can be practiced anytime, anywhere. You can do it an no one will notice.  Trust me, try it, it’s so very cool to just relax, “one breath” when upset and second step “stop, think”, is a really good healthy approach to anger or stress management.  I should know, I’m one of the most stressed, class A personality females that I know. I’m sharp and I’m twisted when wet or my time is wasted.  I get upset and handle stress in many ways but best of all I truly have learned how to manage better.  Stress kills but the “one breath” method saves lives. I’ts a simple thing you can do to improve your health.

Try the “one breath” method whenever you feel even a bit of discomfort.  This is a powerful method of simple health care tips that will improve the quality of life beyond knowledge…until you try and succeed you will never know.

Here is the method:  (I know you know I was going to tell you the method, right?)

1.  What to do: Sit in a comfortable chair that’s for sure!

2. Straighten your back, relax your shoulders and take a deep breath.

3. Let the air “open” your chest. Imagine it filling every cell in your body.

4. Hold the “one breath” in for just a moment, then exhale, releasing every bit of stress.  While you are releasing think of it as the “stress” moving outside of your body. It works.

Always minimize noise at home and at work.  What is it about noise that excites people because I like it quiet I have to concentrate?!

No distractions please, not for me, I told you I was a classic A personality lawyer type witch that doesn’t tolerate nonsense in any fashion and in taking my approaches in life I have to follow a serious plan, to be a serious master planner. 

I’m not just kidding either.  I’m not truly witchy type, I threw that in for drama, but I sure do set up master plans and part of my master plan is to be relaxed and use the one breath method with a quiet home and work space.  I deserve to be relaxed, we all do!

Noise creates severe emotional and physical tension. Fortunately, many aggravating noises can be silenced, thankfully.  Personally I meditate and do my own method of prayer every single day, with honor and with humility I continue to try to remain with honor and humility. Life is never easy, not even for me, the one with all the answers.  I’m personally aggravated at my own self each and every day if just one thing is out of place or out of order at my own making. 

Please learn from what I know to be true.  Relax, reduce noise, stretch, and mediate.  It just doesn’t make sense not to.  Relax by aromatherepy, a quiet room, noise free, stretch and be alone, no thinking of work, no thinking of anything but the air you breath and the aroma you are inhaling.  Once you learn to enjoy your true sense of smell and fresh air you will begin to see that there is more to life that the average pay day of clients, and a steady stream of income.  We are promised nothing in this life but what we can make it on our own.  Expecting someone to come along and make everything go away is a true fallacy. Reducing your lifes expecations to sheer simplicity is always the best answer to “stress free living”.

If you want to improve your life do it yourself.  Don’t hurt or steal or rob in the process, not just robbing for real, but robbing others of their emotions, just stop.  People get wrapped up in anger and having come from an emotional bunch myself, actively aggressive business minded families produce other actively aggressive one-minded persons who sometimes forget to think outside the box, or outside of their own selfish worlds.

And when I tell you to reduce noise, do just as I say!  It’s that important!  Stop screaming!

Breath, “one breaths” remember?  Or, get away from people who scream or have tempers.  Refuse to let their noise effect you if you have no other choice than to live within a boiler room or tank of some kind.

Think about what makes noise around you and do everything you can to avoid it. Does the refridgerator click all day by the desk. Remove the fridge it could be causing extra pounds too and not just fresh healthy foods but added un-needed calories by snacking irregularly.

Before buying an air conditioner or another potentially noisy appliance, compare noise levels of different brands. Use noise absorbing insulation around dishwashers.  Before going into noisy nightclubs or local events think about what you’ll be subjecting yourself when it comes to the noise level.  So many people like “clubbing” but it’s noisy and nerve-wracking to me, who demands quiet peaceful events even relaxing vacations in the back yard if there are no funds for vacation this year.

Bask in bright light, that’s what the phsyics say, but I don’t totally understand that concept.  I do understand keeping yourself positive and when you’re mediating you should talk to someone beyond yourself who knows the real you and understands and loves you. Even if you do not believe in a Supreme being surely you believe in loving yourself and that there still must be something above you that knows you better than you do and can tell if you’re lying to yourself or others.  You can’t really twist the truth when you’re talking to yourself can  you?  Or can you?

With that in mind most people do not think outside of the box, now do they?

Most people get a powerful surge of energy form sunlight or bright indoor light and not just coffee, there are natural ways to feel better.  Try moving your desk chair closer to a window or better yet, take a five minute outdoor walks every few hours or paint an area in your office, giving it a freshened design.  Daylight truly does brighten the spirit but also do not discount the dark quiet cubby-holes you prepare for yourself to sit and relax, even if lap top is on knee and you work from your home office like I do.

You might not think you can tear yourself away from the excel spreadsheets and the enless marketing research and reports, but you will find that if you actually do stand up and tidy up your workspace, your desk guys and dolls, you’ll feel better the rest of the day you really will.  Why are you forbidding yourself happiness with that cluttered desk?

Indoors, replace incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with full spectrum daylight bulbs from a lighting or health food store. Cost and up for bulbs, and up for tubes.  Will help the ambience in the room and oh…don’t forget that waterfall or fish tank that sounds so ocean like and peaceful. 

If fish tanks and meditation, water or otherwise learning to relax just isn’t for you, then decide for yourself your own set of rules or ways to make simple changes to improve your quality of life.  I know you’ve got a list in you somewhere!

Reference:

Boardroom Inc. Worlds Greatest Treasure of Health Secrets. 2010. Stanford, CT: Bottom Line Publications. 

There are truly simple things you can do to improve your health and CanPharm Canada Pharmacy believes that if you have great information you can save so much more than money, you save your quality of life!  Learning to swim, or to hike, or to just move a little more, such the little things in life that make the big difference.

Kathryn Sias works as a consultant for CanPharm, one of Canada’s most respected online pharmacies. Save now with our 110% price match guarantee online at http://www.canpharm.com . When we say we’re the best online Canada pharmacy we put our money where our mouth is.

Related Aroma For Health Articles

The Benefits of Aromatherapy Through Aromatherapy Diffuser

The Benefits of Aromatherapy Through Aromatherapy Diffuser

The term “aromatherapy” was first heard from the lips of Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist who discovered the healing method in the 1920s. Referred to as the practice of using aromatherapy essential oils derived from different parts of certain plants in a healing process, aromatherapy has become one of the common practices of people in relieving physical and psychological pains.

Since the discovery of aromatherapy and aromatherapy oils, more and more have become associated with the process. Commonly administered through inhalation or massage, aromatherapy products such as essential oils, candles, incense, lotions and the like, have become a household name in reducing stress, easing sleep process, aiding sensual harmony while relaxing sore and tires muscles.

USING THE RIGHT AROMATHERAPY ACCESSORIES

Being an art and science of using pure plant extracts or essential oils in relaxing, balancing, and rejuvenating a person’s body, mind, as well as the spirit, aromatherapy is also now valued for having holistic qualities and nature that are proven to effective in certain conditions and for self-care.

In order to achieve the maximum benefits of aromatherapy oils and aromatherapy candles, various accessories were created to aid in the process of healing. One of the most in demand products associated with aromatherapy today is aromatherapy diffusers and oil nebulizers. 

Aside from visiting various aromatherapy stores, surfing the Internet is one of the effective ways of finding the perfect aromatherapy diffusers for you. By surfing the net, you can find great selections of quality essential oil diffusers or aromatherapy diffusers at great prices.
Aside from aromatherapy diffusers, you can also find great selections of aromatherapy fan diffusers, nebulizing diffusers, tea candle diffusers, lamp ring diffusers, car diffusers, essential oil diffusers, nebulizers, essential oil burners, aromatherapy burners, essential oil warmers, aromatherapy and other aromatherapy accessories.

Experts such aromatherapists, massage therapists, spa owners, and healing arts practitioners say that it is more agreeable to aromatherapy diffusers that use no heat compared to those that uses heat. This is to ensure the quality of the scent diffused by the aromatherapy essential oils. The following are just some of the aromatherapy diffusers available in the market today.

1. Aromatherapy Inhaler. This refers to eth high quality and sleek aromatherapy diffuser that is usually available in various colors. This is quite handy and you can even put it in your bag or purse.

This kind of aromatherapy diffuser can separate itself into four pieces to enable easy filling. This kind of aromatherapy diffuser is a quite convenient way to take aromatherapy especially for people on the go.

Aromatherapy inhalers also come in plastic packs where you can place tiny drops of aromatherapy essential oil. You can also bring it whenever you go and you can easily benefit from power of aromatherapy oils whenever you want it.

2. Aromatherapy diffuser for Tea Candle. If you want you aromatherapy diffuser to be unique, opt for diffusers that use agate slab as a base.

This unique design of aromatherapy diffuser also completes the mood for total relaxation and is also economical because you just have to use a couple drops of pure therapeutic essential oils and combine it with water in the reservoir. It creates a slower and longer lasting diffusion that you can enjoy.

3. Aromatherapy diffuser and nebulizer with or without timer. This type of aromatherapy diffuser is perfect for people who need to cover more space than a regular home model aromatherapy diffuser.

This diffuser can also be used non-stop and can last for over 24 hours of use. Since there is no possibility of over-saturation, the use of this aromatherapy diffuser will result to a more enjoyable and healthy surroundings.

These are just some kinds of aromatherapy diffusers available in the market. Just remember that when you purchase any aromatherapy diffuser, you will use therapeutic grade aromatherapy essential oils or candles so you will achieve greater results.

 

Aromatherapy – How Essential Oils Can Help You

Aromatherapy – How Essential Oils Can Help You

Aromatherapy has its foundations in an ancient holistic healing practice of the mind body and spirit.  It is something that has been known about way before it was given a name whereby people used plants, herbal preparations and berries as remedies for the sick, embalming and warding off evil spirits.  It was widely used during the First World War to treat wounded soldiers  and a French Researcher called Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was the first to use the term ‘aromatherapie’. The natural qualities of barks, plants, flowers are still of benefit in our modern age, but the distillation techniques for extraction of aromatherapy oils are far more sophisticated.  An Aromatherapist can undertake an aromatherapy course and are trained to impart their knowledge of essential oils to balance the mental, physical and spiritual health of their client. The key therapeutic benefits of essential oils are as an anti-bacterial, antispasmodic, decongestant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, sedative, diuretic, analgesic, deodorant, anti-viral, immunostimulant and aphrodisiac. This range of applications in addition to the aromatherapy scent is what makes essential oils so well-liked.

Where is aromatherapy used?

Essential oils are easily absorbed through the skin based on their molecular structure therefore an aromatherapy blend mixed with a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil or almond oil for massage is the premium choice of application.  Not only do you get the benefit of touch and easing your pains away on a physical level, but you get mental relaxation and spiritual awareness too. Second to massage therapy is having a bath containing essential oils, which is recommended as a between therapy visit top up as the hot water relaxes you physically and the vapours from the oils stimulate your mind as well. This is a true aromatherapy spa treat at home. One of the most popular oils is lavender oil as it has antibacterial, relaxing and balancing effect so it is useful as an end of the day relaxation treat. Another effective essential oil is Tea tree oil, which is useful at targeting the symptoms of a cold virus and will also attempt to fight off the infection.

Natural aromatherapy is not the only area that uses essential oils as they are also used in skincare with oils such as geranium, lavender, frankincense oil and neroli.

How is it applied?

Massage Oils specially blended massage oils depending on the therapeutic use

Aromatherapy oil burner ceramic or glass burner which uses a tea light (flame) to disperse the oils.

Essential oil diffuser this can be in the form of a vaporizer, aromatherapy ring or aromastone (no flames)

Aromatherapy lotion & cream applied topically to the skin

Aromatherapy soap natural soap contains natural blends of essential oils and are quite often natural and handmade, which has the added benefit of not containing SLS and parabens.

Aromatherapy perfume normally in a roller ball for easy application

In the next few weeks we will be adding more articles to discuss the benefits of select essential oils, so please bookmark us.

***Please take care when using essential oils as there are some that are highly toxic if not used under professional supervision or even banned.  The information on this site is intended for informational purposes only and is not an alternative to professional medical advice***

Melanie Carter is the Editor in Chief of the Natural Health and Beauty Hub www.naturalhealthandbeautyhub.com the site that brings you the best in natural beauty, natural health, natural skincare, natural products and ways to live a healthy life. Take a closer look on our site for tips and advice for eco friendly ways to green clean your home. Find out more about natural oils and essential oils, what they are used for and how they can help you. Our site is updated regularly ensuring you are always up to date with what is new. Take a look – www.naturalhealthandbeautyhub.com

Related Aromatherapy Articles