Benefits of Aromatherapy
Why and How to Use Alternative Treatments and Therapies
Aromatherapy is an ancient art although it has only fairly recently become popular as an acceptable alternative, or complimentary addition, to conventional medicine.
Risks and Benefits
Aromatherapy treatments carry a number of benefits, including the fact that there are likely to be fewer side effects as with conventional medicine. There are very few conventional medicines which do not cause any side effects at all, whereas, there are very few cases of a side effect from a natural remedy. While side effects are rare, they do exist and therefore it is necessary to study each form of aromatherapy as well as to research any product which is intended to be used. As aromatherapy can be undertaken in different forms, it can have numerous benefits and is suitable for all ages although further study should be carried out when using products on infants, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with certain illnesses.
What exactly is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is basically a form of natural medicine which can be used either as complimentary to conventional medicine or as an integral or occasional part of almost any lifestyle. There are several different methods of application which each have their own benefits but the main principle is the same throughout. This principle being that the active ingredient extracted from particular plants are used to help heal and promote physical and emotional wellbeing.
How Does It Work?
With methods such as bathing, massage and poultice, the oils are absorbed directly into the skin. This can be beneficial for soothing physical pain in muscles as well as calming anxiety and easing other negative emotions. Inhalation and infusions can have a positive effect on respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. These methods can be very simple as they can be in the form of a joss stick, candle or aromatherapy burner. As these are inhaled, either directly (infusion) or indirectly, using the right oils can promote improved respiratory health.
How to Use
When massaging, the oils need to be mixed with a base oil. Usually, this base will be grapeseed, almond or coconut oil. Grapeseed is usually preferred as this can be used on most people including children and people with nut allergies. Any products you wish to make yourself should be according to the following scale: Up to a total of 5 drops of oil per 30ml of base.
When bathing, the oils can be added directly to agitated water but a maximum of 10 drops is recommended. They can also be mixed the same way as a massage oil although there are specially formulated bath carriers which help the water to absorb the oils.
For inhalations, candles can be bought already prepared and do not require any additional products. It is possible to make your own. You can do this from scratch by making the candle and adding the oil during the process or by using an unscented candle and adding a few drops of oil in water to the top of the candle before lighting. Aromatherapy burners are an efficient way of inhalation. They can be in the form of a radiator burner which uses the heat from the radiator to conduct the evaporated oil or as a traditional ceramic burner which requires a candle underneath and the oil at the top. Oils must never be added alone to an aromatherapy burner, they must be used diluted in water and only 3 to 4 drops should be used in around 10 drops of water.
Which Oils Should I Use?
There is no steadfast answer to this. Some oils are recommended for certain ailments although they do not work the same for everybody. Some general rules to remember are:
- Lavender and Chamomile are the only products recommended for use on babies and young infants
- Children over 8 may be able to use other products but they must be diluted at least twice as much as the suggested adult dilution
- An adult dilution is usually suitable from around age 12
- Always check with a doctor before using any aromatherapy product on a pregnant woman or on people already having medical treatment
- When creating your own products, always check which products can and can not be used together.
More information about oils and their uses can be found at www.aromaweb.com
Safe and natural oils as well as equipment can be found at www.likisma.org/naomilucas. There is a consultant who can also provide further information on a personal basis at this site.
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