Aromatherapy
is the inhalation and bodily application of essential oils from aromatic plants
to relax, balance, rejuvenate, restore or enhance body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy's
pure essential oils are extracted from many parts of the plant including the flower,
leaf, resin, bark, root, twig, seed, berry, rind and rhizome. Aromatherapy can
be used to strengthen the immune system and aid in the self-healing processes
for both emotional and physical disorders.
Essential
oils and phytoncides work in different ways. At the scent level they activate
the limbic system and trigger emotions. When applied to the skin, as in the form
of massage oils or baths, they activate thermal receptors and kill microbes and
fungi. Internal application of essential oil preparations may stimulate the immune
system and may have antiseptic activity. Different essential oils have very different
activity and are studied in pharmacology and aromachology.
Aromatherapy
offers many therapeutic effects including: antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,
calming the central nervous system, combating insomnia, metabolic benefits, enhancing
memory, and various psychological benefits. Fragrances can have a relaxing effect
measured as an increase in alpha brain waves.
Aromatherapy
is sometimes used in clinics and hospitals for treatment of pain relief, including
labor pain and pain caused by chemotherapy, and for the rehabilitation of cardiac
patients. Aromatherapy is among the fastest growing fields in alternative and
holistic medicine.
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