Aromatherapy for the 21st century

Aromatherapy has become a very popular form of relaxation for many people. People find themselves under more and more stress in the 21st century than ever before. Many try to juggle a career, family, and still need to find time for themselves. Aromatherapy is a great method with which to relieve the stress of everyday life.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which occur in nature and have the effect of altering our state of mind. It is believed that certain scents may not only affect just our mood, but also our health as well. While man may have used scents to cure themselves over the years, aromatherapy is a relatively new science in that presses out or distils out the volatile scent bearing parts of plants. The word aromatherapy was actually first used by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. He was working in a perfume lab when he accidentally burned himself. He put his burned hand into the closest liquid – lavender oil. He noticed that it seemed to help the pain and the burn healed very quickly. And so the art of aromatherapy was born.

The oils can be poured into bathwater, inhaled (when combined with water to make steam or in a diffuser), in a cold compress (especially to treat muscle injuries), or as a salve, cream or gel. You can use aromatherapy oils in a humidifier, but remember that only a few drops are needed. Most oils you can buy will last between six months to two years.

There are different materials that can be used to create different aromas. Many people like to use essential oils. These are obtained from plants through distillation or expression. Something like eucalyptus oil would be distilled while oil such as grapefruit would be expressed. Other types of oils that may be used are absolutes, infusions, and carrier oils.

There are different scents used for different things. For example, if you want to sharpen your concentration, you may want to use an oil that contains basil. It has a sweet and mildly spicy smell. Using oil that has basil may also help lift depression as well as relieve headaches. If you suffer from headaches, you may want to consider using peppermint. It is said to help relieve headaches and help indigestion.

Another popular type of oil used in aromatherapy is bergamot. Bergamot oil comes from the small, pear shaped citrus fruit. It is believed that bergamot can help your digestive and urinary tract. It can help relieve skin conditions caused by stress. Aromatherapists believe that lemon and citrus can also help heal wounds and infections. Another oil that heals wounds and infections is Chamomile. It will also relieve muscle aches and help with anxiety.

One of the most popular oils is eucalyptus. It can help with coughs, colds, and asthma. It is also believed that eucalyptus aromatherapy will help boost your immune system. Rosemary will also boost your immune system and help mental stimulation. Lavender not only has a great smell, but is also very relaxing and good for treating wounds and burns.

While aromatherapy can help many of your ailments, you should never ingest any type of essential oils. They should always be used only as directed by a qualified aromatherapist. The therapist can blend according to age, condition and skin sensitivity, which is important.

What better way to relieve your stress, help with various conditions and leave you smelling wonderful.

Annalisa Zisman, a proficient author and tutor, she is a leading practitioner for many massage courses. Annalisa specializes in Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot and Thai Herbal Compress Massage techniques.