Aromatherapy Benefits: What is Aromatherapy and How Does it Help?

0

Aromatherapy is an increasingly popular concept today. As we seek more natural lifestyle choices, and become increasingly environmentally conscious, aromatherapy becomes increasingly part of the conversation.

So, let’s explore what it is, how it works and how it helps.

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of utilising aromatic essential oils for therapeutic benefit. In short, it’s a holistic healing treatment using natural plant extracts to promote both health and wellbeing.

Humans have practiced aromatherapy in various ways for thousands of years, especially in ancient cultures like Egypt, India and China. More recently, the fields of science and medicine have recognised the value and benefits of aromatherapy.

The term “aromatherapy” itself was only coined in 1937 by the French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé in his book on the subject. Gattefossé had, after burning his own hand badly, treated it effectively with lavender oil.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Aromatherapy works through both our sense of smell and through skin absorption when using aromatherapy products such as body oils, creams or lotions in topical application or in massage, diffusers and inhalers, bathing salts, facial steamers and the like.

On the one hand, when inhaled, the scent molecules in the aroma or essential oils stimulate the olfactory system and travel to the brain, impacting the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. This has emotional and psychological benefits such as promoting relaxation, reducing nervous tension and stress, lifting one’s mood and improving overall wellbeing.

On the other hand, when applied to the skin, essential oils help to moisture, nourish and rejuvenate the skin. This has physical benefits such as boosting blood circulation, easing muscle tension, treating burns and infections, and stimulating the immune system.

How Does Aromatherapy Help?

While scientific and medical research into aromatherapy is still in its infancy, some of the many benefits to aromatherapy include the following:

  • reduce anxiety and stress
  • manage pain
  • reduce headaches and migraines
  • improve sleep quality
  • soothe sore joints
  • soother burns and infections
  • boost immunity
  • fight bacteria and fungus
  • improve digestion
  • ease discomforts of labour
  • alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
  • improve hospice and palliative care

Aromatherapy and You

As we pursue a more natural lifestyle and rediscover the healing powers available in nature, the conversation around aromatherapy will only deepen in the years to come. And as with all things natural, discovering what works for you and your body is very much part of the journey.

If you haven’t yet started the journey, we invite you to view our natural deodorants and our range of body products all made from 100% natural ingredients.

For a natural deodorant that really works, see all we offer at The Natural Deodorant. We’ve got you covered from head to toe.