Aromatherapy : The power of smells

This therapy is based on the use of essential oils is one of several forms of alternative therapies. Learn about aromatherapy.

Although it is not a scientific discipline, aromatherapy is a branch of Phytotherapy, a discipline that studies medicinal plants and their applications in the treatment of diseases that is practiced for thousands of years in Eastern culture. Phytotherapy is intended promote healing of health problems through the action of the effects that aromas are likely to cause.

Aromatherapy enthusiasts claim that this relieves the stress and promotes relaxation of both the body and mind.

Aromatherapy uses the essence of oils that are extracted from plants and flowers by applying it in isolation or in combination with other oils. The pleasant smell of these oils acts quickly on the central nervous system, stimulating or inhibiting the production of certain hormones and enzymes. These changes affects, for example, blood pressure, and can help relieve stress, insomnia, minor injuries, depressions, increasing overall body well being.

Supporters of aromatherapy believe that specific odors released by the oils stimulate the nerves in the nose that then send impulses to brain areas that control memories and emotions.

The extraction of oils used in aromatherapy is made from the most varied plant parts such as stems, leaves, flowers, roots, bark, resin, or seeds. Then, these parts are mixed with other substances and applied on various forms. The oils are applied, either through direct inhalation over air diffusion, stimulating smell, or in topical applications stimulating touch, such as massages, baths and compresses, hence essential oils are quickly absorbed into the skin.

According to aromatherapy, the action spectrum of these essential oils is wide, and various health conditions are believed to improve with its application. Problems such as acne, allergies, anxiety, migraines, gingivitis, or muscle cramps are just some of the examples.

As with any therapy, in aromatherapy, each case requires a detailed analysis and a personalized treatment.