Aromatherapy is a natural technique that uses the aroma and particles released by different essential oils to stimulate different parts of the brain, helping to:
Although natural products are used, it is important that aromatherapy is guided by a naturopath or other specialized professional, to find out what is the best essential oil to use in each case.
Some of the most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy are
Breathing problems, headaches, migraines, muscle aches, fever and muscle tension.
These essential oils can be used separately or at the same time to alleviate several problems at once, however, the mixtures must be indicated by the naturopath, as they should be used in specific formulas.
See also the most suitable aromatherapy oils to treat anxiety and lose weight.
The main and most beneficial way to use essential oils is inhalation, however, they can be used in different ways, adapting to the problem to be treated or to the lifestyle of each person:
Inhalation is the most complete way to obtain the effects and benefits of essential oils, as it allows molecules to easily reach the brain’s limbic system, creating changes in the body’s functioning, which make it capable of healing itself.
To inhale, start with mild inhalations and then increase the number of inhalations and intensity, as follows:
To inhale properly, you must breathe the oil directly from the bottle, breathe deeply and then hold the air for 2 to 3 seconds, before exhaling.
Ideally, certified organic essential oils should always be used to prevent inhalation of pesticides and other chemicals that may eventually poison the body.
In this case, 2 or 3 drops of the chosen oil are added, inside a device with water that creates a cloud of smoke that releases the scent throughout the room.
A cheaper solution for the use of the flavoring is to put the drops in a cup of boiling water, for example, because when the water evaporates, the aroma is released into the air.
Evaporation consists of applying a few drops to cotton balls, compresses or a clean cloth, allowing the oil to evaporate and release its aroma.
This is an excellent way to regulate the intensity of the aroma, because the closer you are to the fabric, the more intense the smell.It is also a good technique to use at work, as cotton or fabric can be placed in a cup on the table.
The spray allows the aroma to spread to all the desired places, so simply add a few drops of essential oil to the spray tank and fill it with water. Before using the spray, shake the oil mixing package again, avoiding only spraying water into the air.
It’s a great way to purify the atmosphere of a room in the house or even use it in a person’s room recovering from a disease, for example.
This technique should be used in particular to treat respiratory problems or colds, since in addition to releasing the aroma directly to the respiratory system, it allows the inhalation of water vapor that hydrates and relaxes the airways.
To do the spray you have to put boiling water in a basin and then add a few drops to the water, finally inhale the clear smoke and, if possible, cover your head with a towel to concentrate the water vapour.Spraying should not be used in children under 7 years of age.
Massage is the ideal way to apply essential oils directly to the skin, to treat muscle aches, infections, skin problems or joint pains, for this you only have to mix a few drops of the desired essential oil in a vegetable oil, such as rice, sesame oil or coconut oil, for example.
Ideally, in massage oil, only 1, 3 or 5 essential oils should be mixed to ensure that there are no changes in the molecules and that the skin can absorb them.
The bath combines the benefits of vaporization, as it allows the inhalation of steam and the aroma of water, and the benefits of massage, because it allows the skin to contact the oil, so they can be used in almost all cases.
To perform an aromatherapy bath, fill the bathtub with a little warm water and then add a few drops of oil until you get the desired aroma.