How Aromatherapy Works

How Aromatherapy Works
How Aromatherapy Works
Essential oils are not substances that heal by smell, they are substances that heal and smell as well. Aromatherapy is such an effective therapy because it can work on three levels, sometimes all at once.

Emotionally
When a bottle of essential oil is first opened or first used, the user becomes aware of the aroma of smell. The aromas of essential oil initiate a nerve impulse that travels via a direct pathway to the brain, invoking an emotional response. The degree of the response depends on the delivery of the essential oil (quality and quantity) and on the current emotional state of the person receiving the treatment.

The aromas of essential oil have been proven to have significant psychological effects on people and can affect moods (relaxing, stimulating), emotions (anxiety, fear, depression), and specific states of mind (euphoria, mental clarity).

Topically
When essential oils are applied to the body, they act on the point of application - the skin. This is simply a chemical reaction between the essential oil and the surface of the skin - and has nothing to do with the aroma. Essential oils have been used of skin conditions and skin care for a very long time. They are particularly effective of relieving the symptoms of chronic skin conditions such as dryness and itchiness associated with eczema, psoriasis and some forms of dermatitis.

Essential oils also balance dry and oily skin conditions and antiseptic essential oils such as Tea Tree have proven useful in the treatment of acne. Lavender essential oil is very effective for treating minor burns and insect bites.

Physically
Essential oils are known to penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream. The time it takes for essential oil to enter the body systems varies depending on the essential oil and many factors to do with the skin of the individual. As an example, a particular study on humans showed that it took around 20 minutes for Lavender applied to the surface of the skin to show up in the circulation. Due to their simple organic chemistry, the liver metabolises essential oils relatively quickly and efficiently.

There is very little information available on what happens to the essential oils once they enter the body systems and how they affect/interact with the body. It is noted that the physical effects caused by some essential oils are definitely not a result of simply smelling them. Essential oils can have profound physical effects on people and therefore they must always be used with care.

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