Aromatherapy is based on the use of scents from flower, tree and plant oils to
promote physical and psychological well-being. It involves the use of essential oils,
which are highly concentrated oil extracts from different parts of plants such as
flowers, leaves, barks, stems, roots and fruits or distilled from resins. They are
colorless pleasant-smelling liquids and contain many organic compounds such as
saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, esters Urban Bliss Wellness Putrajaya, ethers,
oxides, phenols and terpenes, which can produce characteristic odors. The oils are
inhaled, applied to the skin or incorporated into a massage oil or lotion. The oils
stimulate the olfactory nerves in the nose to trigger emotional and physical
responses.
Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French perfumer and chemist, is credited with founding
the modern science of aromatherapy in 1928 after discovering that lavender oil
speeded up the healing process when he applied it to a burn on his hand https://urbanbliss.com.my/. He began
to study the chemical properties of the oils and their healing properties. He also
discovered that each oil has a unique vibrational energy that interacts with the
various energy centres in our body.
Aromatherapists, who are trained in the art of creating therapeutic blends, can
advise on which oils are most suitable for an individual and suggest methods of
application, such as topical application or massage, inhalation, or incorporating them
into a bath or other form of water immersion. A number of disorders, including
insomnia, nausea, headaches and depression are said to respond well to
aromatherapy treatment. However, scientific evidence is limited and some of the
claims are unsubstantiated.
The oils are produced by steaming or pressing the flowers, branches, leaves, barks
and other parts of the plant to capture the volatile molecules that produce the
fragrances. It can take up to several pounds of plant material to produce just a
single bottle of essential oil. It is believed that the oil molecules penetrate the skin to
affect the underlying tissues and systems. Some of the oils are thought to help to
eliminate toxins and impurities from the system, and some may even act as
antidepressants, aphrodisiacs or anti-inflammatories.
Essential oils should never be swallowed and should always be diluted before
applying to the skin. Before using an oil, a person should tell their aromatherapist if
they have a history of high blood pressure or are taking medications, as certain oils
act as stimulants and may increase blood pressure or cause irritation. People with a
history of hormone-dependent conditions such as breast or ovarian cancer should
also avoid the use of certain oils, as they may have estrogenic properties and may
interfere with hormonal balances.
If you are unsure about whether or not aromatherapy is right for you, contact the
Victorian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. They are available to help with
any questions about poisonings, suspected poisonings, bites and stings and
mistakes made with medicines. They can also provide general health advice.