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Aromatherapy
Essential Oils Promote Methods Of Well
Being
There are numerous uses for aromatherapy
essential oils, each one having unique properties and benefits.
How they are used is determined by the individual oil and the
desired outcome. For example, lemongrass is said to promote
concentration and focus and is recommended to be used in a lamp
diffuser.
Spearmint is another of the aromatherapy
essential oils that works as a stimulant to the central nervous
system, and is said to counter depression. Used as a massage
oil, it refreshes the skin and helps tired muscles. Although
many so-called aromatherapy essential oils have a pleasing
fragrance, they may offer little or no therapeutic value beyond
smelling good, such as oils from the
pomegranate.
There are several aromatherapy essential oils
used in aromatherapy that are also used for massage therapy for
relaxation as well as for their therapeutic value. It is well
known that the scent of lavender boosts relaxation and stress
relief when used in a candle or diffuser, but it is also highly
touted when included in a massage oil.
The body can absorb essential oils in two
methods. When massaged into the skin they are they are absorbed
into the blood stream and when inhaled, such as from a candle
or diffuser, they enter through the nasal passage and into the
lungs before entering the blood
stream.
Grade Of Oil Determines
Benefit
It is estimated that about 90 percent of the
aromatherapy essential oils sold in the United States are
fragrance or food grade oils and for the most part simply smell
good. Therapeutic grade aromatherapy essential oils typically
contain a minimum of 75 percent oil along with water, vegetable
oil or some other medium. The therapeutic grade oils are touted
as the ones offering most health benefits, especially for
massages, while perfume and food grades may offer some benefit
through the aroma.
The uses of aromatherapy essential oils by
those who practice holistic healing claim the positive effects
of the oils help heal the mind, body and spirit. Whether the
oils are inhaled or massaged into the skin, they consider the
approach to have a positive effect at all levels. This approach
looks at the whole person for healing with emphasis on physical
and mental well-being in addition to social and spiritual
growth.
Aromatherapists will not diagnose illnesses
or injuries, rather they will accept physicians’ diagnosis and
work with aromatherapy essential oils known to them to provide
benefit for the issues identified by the professional medical
practitioner.
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