A Simple Guide to the Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote a healthy lifestyle
and can improve your overall wellbeing. It is just one of many
forms of alternative or complementary medicine. The oils can be
used simply for their fragrance or also in correlation with a
massage. During a massage treatment, the oils are absorbed
through the skin into the bloodstream and are also inhaled
through the nose. This causes the body to relax and reenergize.

While you may not be able to get a massage every day (but
wouldn't that be nice?), you can find ways to incorporate
aromatherapy into your everyday life. Burning essential oils in
your home creates an atmosphere of relaxation and calmness. If
you're not able to burn the oils, you can always use reed
diffusers to accomplish the same effect. Essential oils can also
be used on dry and tired skin with fantastic results.

Pure essential oils are very useful in aiding relaxation,
alleviating stress and emotional problems, strengthening the
immune system, fighting infection, relieving aches and pains,
overcoming insomnia, and promoting health and overall wellness
in the body. A person's sense of smell can be very powerful and
by simply inhaling a particular fragrance your body releases
endorphins, affecting your mind in a way that instantly makes
you feel good. While the aromatherapy will not cure a disease or
illness, it can certainly go a long way towards making a patient
more comfortable.

There are many blends that can be made up by an aromatherapist.
Depending on what your needs are, will depend on what blend will
be most effective for you. For example, if you need help
relaxing, Cephalic, which is a blend of Lemongrass and
peppermint, is great for clearing the mind. Neroli, Jasmine,
Rose, or a blend of Lavender, Geranium, and Clary Sage are a
great anti-depressant. Grapefruit and Juniper are helpful for
arthritis sufferers. No matter what blend works for you, make
sure that the oils are good quality.

Buying essential oil

If you are buying online or in a shop, look for oils that are
100% pure and check whether a supplier is a member of the
Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC). You don't want to put
something into your body that will contaminate or harm you.
There is a wealth of knowledge available and many aromatherapy
suppliers will have websites and online shops. Look for
retailers who are knowledgeable about the oils that they sell.
They should know the botanical (or latin) name of the plant an
oil comes from, which part is was extracted from, how it was
extracted, and which country the plant grew in. Some retailers
go as far as chemically testing each batch of oils that they
sell and assure their purity and quality.

It's also a good idea to look for a retailer who specialises in
supplying essential oils only for aromatherapy, as the food and
perfume industries have different requirements. Finally, don't
be afraid to ask questions - it's the best way to assess whether
a retailer is knowledgeable, helpful, and reputable before you
buy from them.

Choosing an Aromatherapist

There are several factors to consider when selecting an
aromatherapist. First of all, they should be accredited and
qualified. Check to make sure they have valid insurance and
qualification certificates from a recognised aromatherapy
organisation or college. Therefore, they should be trained in
anatomy, physiology, massage, and aromatherapy. You will also
want to smell their blends. The fragrances should calm you, not
distract you. Ask about the quality of the oils they use and
whether their supplier is a member of the ATC? Ask what the
benefits of the oils would be.

There has been a resurgence in the use of natural remedies and
aromatherapy over the last few years as society perhaps become
less willing to take pills hoping the problem would go away. But
Aromatherapy offers a perfect alternative to mainstream
medicine.


About The Author: Duncan Bain is a Director of
http://www.naturaltoucharomatherapy.com/index.php Natural Touch
Aromatherapy and has been involved with
http://www.naturaltoucharomatherapy.com/index.php?cPath=17
aromatherapy for many years. He has visited many of the
countries where
http://www.naturaltoucharomatherapy.com/index.php?cPath=17
essential oil are produced ensuring quality of product.