What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils –or aromatic plant materials – to achieve physical, psychological, and emotional benefits. It is thought to affect mood, reduce stress and improve energy levels through its various essential oils, which are believed to influence the brain’s limbic system. This vital system is responsible for controlling emotions, and therefore, potential emotional benefits of aromatherapy.
Studies have shown that the aroma of essential oils can have a profound impact on altering mood, improving sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety, and even boosting energy levels. Aromatherapy is often used in spas, yoga classes, and massage therapy rooms, but it can also be incorporated into home and work environments. By incorporating the right fragrances, you can create a desired atmosphere and, in turn, enhance different aspects of your wellbeing.
Aromatherapy is often used in spas, yoga classes, and massage therapy rooms, but it can also be incorporated into home and work environments.
Choosing the Right Fragrance for Different Aromatherapy Needs
Fragrances have a unique effect on us, which is why the right fragrance is important for certain aromatherapy needs. Whether you’re looking to relax, energize or evoke a romantic atmosphere, there are essential oils that can help. Here are some of the best essential oils to use for each purpose.
Whether you’re looking to relax, energize or evoke a romantic atmosphere, there are essential oils that can help.
Relaxation
Essential oils that are known for their calming and stress-relieving benefits are ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the fragrances known for relaxation include lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang ylang, sandalwood, vetiver, and lemon. Because of lavender’s widespread use, it is often the go-to fragrance for relaxation, but the other oils listed have powerful anti-anxiety, soothing effects as well.
Essential oils that are known for their calming and stress-relieving benefits are ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Energy
Aromatherapy can be used to boost energy levels both mentally and physically. Two of the most commonly used essential oils to energize are eucalyptus and peppermint. Both have awakening, stimulating properties. Lemon, grapefruit and rosemary also have energizing effects and are less pungent than eucalyptus and peppermint.
Aromatherapy can be used to boost energy levels both mentally and physically.
Romance
If you’re looking to create a romantic atmosphere, sensuous, warm fragrances like jasmine, ylang ylang, sandalwood, rose, and patchouli are great choices. Rose is the most commonly known oil for romance, but the other fragrances all have passionate and uplifting properties as well.
How to Use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Using essential oils for aromatherapy is relatively simple. There are a few options for adding essential oils to your home or work environment. You can use an aromatherapy diffuser to disperse the oils directly into the air, which is a fast and easy way to enjoy their aromatic and medicinal benefits. If a diffuser isn’t available, you can apply them directly onto the skin or cotton balls, or add a few drops in a warm bath.
You can also place a few drops of the essential oil onto a potpourri bowl, in a bowl of hot water, or to melt-proof wax candles. To ensure you get the maximum benefit of the fragrances, it is best to light a candle or turn on a diffuser continually, or periodically when needed.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can help to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether you’re looking to relax, uplift, or turn up the passion, essential oils can effectively create the desired atmosphere. Essential oils have been used for centuries for healing and spiritual practice, and modern-day research is now backing up the health benefits of aromatherapy. According to the Mayo Clinic (2021), studies show that aromatherapy can reduce symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also improve cognitive functioning, energy levels, and sleep quality — as well as promote overall well-being.
Conclusion
Aromatherapy is a great way to relax and enhance emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. By choosing the right fragrance for different needs, you can create an atmosphere that is soothing, energizing, or romantic. Essential oils have been used for centuries for healing and spiritual practice and modern-day research has begun to support the many benefits of aromatherapy. From relieving stress and anxiety, to improving energy levels, incorporating the right fragrances into our home and work environment can have amazing benefits for our health and wellbeing.
