What is Aromatherapy? How does it work?

One of the methods that humanity has used for healing for hundreds of years is aromatherapy. This method, which has been used for centuries in regions with very old cultures such as China, India, and Egypt, maintains its popularity today and even increases with each passing day. Aromatherapy, also known as scent therapy, volatile oil therapy, or essential oil therapy, uses natural plant extracts to increase health and well-being. In this article, we will answer the answers to frequently asked questions such as what is aromatherapy , what does aromatherapy mean in detail , and we will also address the curious questions such as how is aromatherapy done ? and the areas of use of aromatic oils . Let's discover the mysterious, healing, and peaceful world of scents together.

What is aromatherapy? The question can be briefly given as a holistic application in which natural plant extracts and essential oils are used to support physical and mental health and to obtain therapeutic benefits. Essential oils obtained from different parts of plants, primarily flowers, barks, roots or leaves, with various methods are used in aromatherapy applications. The benefits of aromatherapy oils also have a very important place in the basis of the application. There are different methods of use depending on the level of effect of the oils used in aromatherapy applications. The effects of aromatic oils occur as a result of applications made in different ways such as the sense of smell, respiration and absorption through the skin.

The question of 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. There is no single answer to the question of how is aromatherapy done ? Aromatherapy works through three main methods: the sense of smell, respiration and absorption through the skin, and aromatherapy applications are shaped according to these methods.

One of the most common areas of use of aromatic oils is to trigger the sense of smell. This triggering process can be carried out by using equipment such as a censer, by simply dropping it on a pillow or clothing, or by simply smelling it from a bottle of essential oil. When the scent molecules in essential oils are smelled, the olfactory receptors are stimulated. As a result of this stimulation, signals are shown to the limbic system by the olfactory receptors. The function of the limbic system in the brain is expressed as regulating emotions, mood, and memory. The question of how is aromatherapy done using the sense of smell? can be given as stimulating the limbic system, triggering various emotions or memories. When the benefits of aromatherapy oils are listed, depending on the use of the relationship between scent and emotions, it can be listed as providing mental and physical relaxation, reducing stress, and elevating moods.

In order for aromatic oils to spread into the air, they must be added to hot water or used through a diffuser. Thanks to these methods, the scent molecules mixed into the air enter the respiratory system. Some aromatic oils, which have antibacterial and antiviral effects, support respiratory health. Inhaling some oils can open blocked airways.

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 bloodstream. Since essential oils have a very high concentration, they can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. In order to prevent this situation, it is recommended that they be diluted with fixed (carrier) oils, creams or lotions. Since the benefits of aromatherapy oils are quite diverse, many different benefits can be seen during or after use, from reducing muscle tension to supporting joint health, depending on the type of oil preferred.

With the answer to the question of how aromatherapy is done , the reliability of these oils also comes to the fore. It is very important to remember that essential oils that have a direct effect on humans through respiration or blood circulation should be obtained from reliable sources.

Aromatherapy, which dates back to the Indians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Ancient Egyptians, can also be described as the use of essential oils for various purposes. In the past, aromatic oils were used for aesthetic pleasures and beauty. In addition, these oils were considered luxury goods. Aromatic oils or volatile oils are plant essences with high concentrations. Extracts obtained from various parts of plants, especially flowers, leaves and stems, are obtained by methods such as cold pressing or distillation. There is the essence of thousands of plants in a tiny bottle of aromatic oil.

In order for aromatic oils to be used in topical applications such as massage, oils called fixed oils or carrier oils are needed.

Fixed oils help to ensure that essential oils are diluted safely without damaging their structure. These oils are usually obtained by cold pressing. Coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sesame oil, rosehip oil are among the most commonly used fixed oils.