The Basics of Aromatherapy and Aromatherapy Massage

As the name suggests, aromatherapy is the art ofmethods is generally of very high concentration. So it
healing someone using smell, mostly that of plantsis advisable not to use the oils directly. Instead, what
and its various parts. But aromatherapy is not justis done is that the oils are blended to achieve what is
limited to healing but is also used in relaxing andcalled a synergy. Often this synergy is believed to be
energizing the body. It is one of the oldest forms ofmore potent than the individual oils. What one then
therapy and is still one of the most sought afterneeds to do is to decrease the potency of the oil
alternative therapies worldwide.and make it more usable by mixing it with carrier oils.
In aromatherapy almost all the parts of various plantsHow Does It Work?
are used according to the needs of the client whoAs the aroma of a particular oil enters your body,
visits an aroma-therapist. This would include:either through the olfactory system or through the
- Flowersskin, it gets into your bloodstream and starts making
- Barksits effects felt. While one variety can relax you of all
- Rootsyour strains and worries, another might energize you
- Fruitsand charge you up, looking for more work.
- SeedsSome of these oils are also used for their cosmetic
- Nutsproperties and many apply them as skincare and
Aromatherapy Oilshair-care products. Apart from that, they are also
The oil extracted from different parts of the plantrenowned for their antiseptic, anti-viral and antifungal
form the basis of the treatment. Now this oil can beproperties.
extracted from the flower, or the fruit or whicheverWays of Application
part of the plant that has proper medicinal value andThere are various ways in which this oil can be
will relieve the patient of his problem.applied. While some oils may require you to inhale the
There are various methods in which this oil isvapors, others can also be massaged to your body
extracted. Some of them are:so that the oil gets easily absorbed into your
- steam distillationbloodstream. Then there are those which you can
- cold expressionadd to your bath or shower. Some can even need to
- alcohol extractionbe sprayed in the room for maximum effect.
Each of these oils extracted in any of the above