One of the methods that humanity has used for healing purposes for hundreds of years is aromatherapy. This method, which has been used for centuries in regions with ancient cultures such as China, India and Egypt, maintains its popularity and even increases day by day. Aromatherapy, also known as scent therapy, essential oil therapy or essential oil therapy, uses natural plant extracts to enhance health and well-being. In this article, we answer in detail the frequently asked questions such as what is Aromatherapy and what does Aromatherapy mean ? We will also discuss questions such as how aromatherapy is done and the uses of aromatic oils . Let's explore the mysterious, healing and peaceful world of scents together.
What is Aromatherapy?
What is aromatherapy? The question can be briefly given as a holistic practice in which natural plant extracts and essential oils are used to support physical and spiritual health and obtain therapeutic benefits. Essential oils obtained by various methods from different parts of plants, especially flowers, barks, roots or leaves, are used in aromatherapy applications. The benefits of aromatherapy oils also have a very important place in the basis of the application. The oils used in aromatherapy applications have different usage methods depending on their effectiveness. The effects of aromatic oils occur as a result of applications made in different ways such as sense of smell, respiration and absorption through the skin.
How is aromatherapy done?
How is aromatherapy done ? is one of the most frequently asked questions by those seeking healing in this method that has been used for hundreds of years. How is aromatherapy done ? There is no single answer to the question. Aromatherapy acts through three main methods: sense of smell, respiration and absorption through the skin, and aromatherapy applications are shaped according to these methods.
Sense of Smell
One of the most common uses of aromatic oils is to trigger the sense of smell. This triggering process can be achieved by using equipment such as a censer, by simply dropping it on a pillow, on clothing, or simply by smelling it from an essential oil bottle. When the scent molecules in essential oils are smelled, olfactory receptors are stimulated. As a result of this stimulation, signals are sent to the limbic system by olfactory receptors. The function of the limbic system in the brain is expressed as the regulation of emotions, mood and memory. How to do aromatherapy using the sense of smell? The question can be given by stimulating the limbic system and triggering various emotions or memories. When the benefits of aromatherapy oils are listed, they can be listed as providing mental and physical relaxation, reducing stress and increasing mood, depending on the use of the relationship between scent and emotions.
Respiratory
To ensure that aromatic oils diffuse into the air, they must be added to hot water or used through a diffuser. Thanks to these methods, odor molecules mixed into the air enter the respiratory system. Some aromatic oils, which have antibacterial and antiviral effects, support respiratory tract health. Clogged airways can be opened by inhaling some oils.
Absorption Through Skin
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and has the ability to absorb substances. When aromatic oils are applied to the skin, they are absorbed by the skin and enter the blood circulation. Because essential oils are in very high concentration, they can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. In order to prevent this situation, it is recommended to use them by diluting them with fixed (carrier) oils, creams or lotions. Since the benefits of aromatherapy oils are quite diverse, depending on the type of oil preferred, many different benefits can be seen during or after use, from reducing muscle tension to supporting joint health.
How is aromatherapy done ? Along with the answer to the question, it also comes to the fore that importance should be given to the reliability of these oils. It is very important to remember that essential oils that have a direct effect on humans through breathing or blood circulation should be obtained from reliable sources.
What are Aromatic Oils?
Aromatherapy, which dates back to the Indians, Greeks, Romans and Ancient Egypt, can also be expressed as the use of essential oils for various purposes. In the past, aromatic oils were used for aesthetic pleasures and beauty. Additionally, these oils have been accepted as a luxury item. Aromatic oils or essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Extracts obtained from various parts of plants, especially flowers, leaves and stems, are obtained by methods such as cold pressing or distillation. There are essences of thousands of plants in a small bottle of aromatic oil.
In order to use aromatic oils in topical applications such as massage, oils called fixed oils or carrier oils are needed.
Fixed oils help ensure the reliable dilution of essential oils without damaging their structure. These oils are generally obtained by cold pressing method. Coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sesame oil and rosehip oil are among the most commonly used fixed oils.
Usage Areas of Aromatic Oils
Aromatherapy applications do not replace treatment. It should be considered as part of holistic treatment. In addition, conditions that need to be evaluated by a doctor should not be tried to be treated with aromatherapy based on personal guidance. The areas of use of aromatic oils are quite comprehensive and can be listed in a wide range, from helping the person find peace by refreshing the scent memory while being alone with himself, to alleviating headaches.
Here are some uses of aromatherapy that help improve quality of life:
- It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- It can improve sleep quality and make it easier to fall asleep.
- It helps strengthen the skin barrier and fight microorganisms.
- It has benefits in pain management.
- It can be supportive in the treatment of headaches and migraines.
- It contributes to improving digestion.
- It helps to increase immunity.
- It can support palliative care.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Oils
The benefits of aromatherapy oils should be evaluated individually for each oil. Those who are closely interested in aromatherapy and trained in this field can use different essential oils by mixing them together. Essential oils are very concentrated ingredients, so care should be taken when using them.
Only 1 kg of lavender oil is obtained from approximately 200 kilograms of lavender. Considering both the production process and the amount of product obtained, it is possible to see that these ingredients should be used very carefully. When purchasing such valuable and effective products, you should make sure that the product you choose is natural and obtained using the right methods. Remember that products prepared with various chemicals and presented as aromatic oil will cause more harm than good to your health.
Some of the most popular and widely used oils that every home should have at the entry level of aromatherapy are: Lavender oil, orange oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil. Now we will tell you about these oils.
Lavender oil
When it comes to aromatherapy, the first oil that comes to mind is undoubtedly lavender oil. Known for helping reduce stress and making it easier to fall asleep, lavender was also used as a cleaning agent in healthcare institutions before antiseptics. Lavender oil also has versatile effects such as repelling flies and calming the mind. Mana Botanicals 100% pure lavender oil is obtained from fresh lavender flowers by steam distillation method and is offered safely for your use.
Orange Oil
The leaves and flowers of this plant can also be used in the production of orange oil, which is generally obtained by cold pressing from orange peels. The most common use of orange oil is to reduce stress and increase energy and mood. Joyful Essence Roll On can be your secret weapon that you can use to increase your energy during the day, thanks to the 100% pure and natural orange oil it contains and the accompanying tangerine and bergamot oils.
Mint oil
Peppermint oil, which has versatile effects such as reducing fatigue, supporting digestion, strengthening memory, and relieving headaches, is a light oil that can be consumed as mint tea for stomach problems. Mana Botanicals Tummy Tender is ideal for reducing nausea, especially in cases of motion sickness, thanks to its content of medicinal peppermint oil. Tummy Tender Roll On, which helps you feel happier and healthier, can be applied directly to the skin.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil obtained from lemon peel helps reduce anxiety and depression and has a relieving effect on nausea. A study in which lemon oil was also used showed that aromatherapy applications could improve the cognitive functions of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil obtained from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree has a refreshing effect. This oil, which can be used to help reduce pain and inflammation, has versatile health benefits. It also benefits from the breathtaking effect of eucalyptus oil, which can be used to support respiratory health. In addition to the eucalyptus oil contained in Mana Botanicals Wellness Roll On, peppermint, rosemary, clove and bay oils can also be used to reduce respiratory problems with their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil obtained from the frankincense tree, also known as Turkish frankincense or Anatolian frankincense tree, is a very valuable oil that has been used for thousands of years due to its healing effects. Frankincense oil is used in aromatherapy practices and can be added to a routine to help relieve chronic anxiety and stress. Frankincense oil, which can be used for oral health due to its antiseptic effect, is very effective on bad breath and mouth sores.