Aromatherapy, a widely used form of alternative medicine, utilizes an array of essential oils to bring about an incredible number of positive results for both the body and the mind. And while essential oils, coming from the pure essences of plants and flowers, are the primary medium used in aromatherapy, they are not the only ones. Sea salts, milk powders, muds and clays, herbs, and cold pressed vegetable oils are also often used.

The various fragrances of essential oils and other natural ingredients used in aromatherapy have a direct effect on the olfactory system, or our sense of smell, which then triggers the limbic system within the brain that is connected with several vital functions of the body.

Although the list is rather impressive, here are the top five most commonly known benefits of aromatherapy:

1. Eases Nausea
The essential oils ginger and peppermint are commonly used for easing and relieving the discomfort of nausea. Inhaling the aroma of a few drops of either oil is said to relieve an upset stomach. Peppermint does double duty as it also helps to raise your feelings of alertness and concentration while easing the symptoms of asthma and sinusitis. Ginger is an equally versatile essential oil as it is said to help with arthritis, fatigue, and sore muscles in addition to easing nausea.

2. Increases Energy
To increase energy, alertness, focus, and concentration, aromatherapy with cinnamon, peppermint, or rosemary may do the trick. Also use black pepper to improve circulation, which then allows the brain to function better. And if depression is causing a decrease in energy or motivation, try rose oil, sandalwood, orange, lemon, grapefruit, or clary sage.

3. Improves the Quality of Sleep
If you’re leery of using either prescription or over the counter medication to promote sleep, aromatherapy is one alternative to consider. Both chamomile and lavender are used in aromatherapy to bring about deep, quality sleep that allows you to awake feeling rested and alert.

4. Relieves Anxiety and Stress
Aromatherapy has long been known as a natural way of relieving both anxiety and stress. To relax and calm your racing or worrisome mind, jasmine is perfect for relaxation while chamomile, lavender and rose are ideal for calming. To bring about a feeling of peace and contentment, try using lavender and rosemary together. For times of severe stress, use vetiver, ylang ylang, patchouli, neroli, geranium, cedarwood, or bergamot.

5. Brings Relief from Headaches
Headaches can range from the minor and mildly annoying to the severe and debilitating. Those who suffer from chronic headaches can build up a tolerance to medication, rendering it less effective. Others simply haven’t been able to find a remedy that really works. Try using the essential oil of peppermint for relief from headaches, and if PMS is the cause of migraines or severe headaches, chamomile may help ease the symptoms including irritability and mood swings.

Used for centuries to bring about both mental and emotional well being, aromatherapy is still used in conjunction with modern medicine. While it should not be looked upon as a magical cure-all, aromatherapy can be a viable, complementary tool to use along with any necessary medical treatments to bring about healing from within.

Aromatherapy massage is the use of two natural treatments combined for a better result in boosting the healing recovery of a person. It uses the aid of plant aromatics that are good in setting up the mood, releasing emotional stress and energizing the body for the best holistic healing of the whole body of the patient. In addition, therapeutic massage is also used on the patient to release stress and relieve the physical pain of the patient in a natural way. Unlike the other methods of massage therapy where they use light oils and lotions as medium on the patient, aromatherapy massage methods use scented oils on the skin of the patient for faster healing and as mentioned above, for relieving their emotional stress. These scented oils are also known as essential oils which are aromatic plant extracts taken out of the different parts of herbal plants through a steam distillation process. These concentrated herbal plant extracts are then used on the patient’s body during the massage therapy to serve dual purposes.

During an aromatherapy massage, the patients are usually asked to take off their clothes as a standard procedure on a massage therapy session. They will then be asked to lie face down on the padded massage bed while the massage therapist prepares for the therapeutic massage. Expect that there will be lit scented candles all over the room which are used to set up a good mood as well as to help you relax during the whole duration of your therapeutic massage session. The essential oils you have chosen will then be used on your body during the massage therapy session. These oils will help on soothing your emotions and also act as lubricants on your skin as your massage therapist uses various massage strokes on the different areas of your body. Just as long as you didn’t have a heavy meal, you will surely enjoy your aromatherapy session at the spa. The methods used on this type of massage therapy are similar to any kind of therapeutic massage however without the use of scented oils and candles.

An aromatherapy massage has many benefits both on the physical and mental healing of our body. The physical benefits taken from this type of massage is the significant relief from muscle pain on any part of the body due to muscle tension, unwanted metabolic waste, lactic acid formation as well as uric acid. It is evident that after a good massage therapy, the patient’s body will have a good circulation of oxygen which is responsible in keeping our body healthy and in a good working condition. You will notice that during the whole duration of your aromatherapy massage session, the essential oils fill the air around you in your room. These scents are picked up by your nostrils which send messages through your limbic acid which eventually set up the mood, as well as enhance emotional and physical conditions of the patient’s body. Ask your massage therapist regarding the essential oils that you would want to have for your session as these scented oils varied in effect from each other.

When talking about the benefits of aromatherapy we have to mention both the physical and psychical effects of this old yet actual science. Through the essential oils used for topical application or inhalation, this natural technique is a great alternative to medical treatments used in relieving different symptoms and improving various ailments.

For better results, aromatherapy may be used together with melotherapy (therapy through music) and light therapy. These two additional techniques help the body relax even faster, as they use relaxing music and colored light for eliminating stress and ameliorating physical problems.

Psychical benefits of essential oils

Perhaps the most known of all the benefits of aromatherapy is the ability to relieve stress. By stimulating both the smell and touch, these natural oils are able to reduce stress levels and improve the mood, to relax the muscles and reduce aches and pains. Through their relaxing effect, these oils combat insomnia, improve sleep and reduce the incidence of stress related problems, such as depression, negative thinking or low self-esteem levels.

Essential oils are great stimulants as they boost up energy levels and keep apathy away. They’re successfully used in patients with anxiety and other similar problems, being efficient in reducing the symptoms of post-traumatic disorders as well. By stimulating the production of endorphins, these substances equilibrate the mind and promote mental health and well-being.

Physical effects of aromatherapy

Oils used in aromatherapy stimulate the activity of the nervous system, improving concentration and memory. Also, they strengthen the immunity and fight against inflammations and infections through their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy improves the functionality of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, keeping away circulatory problems such as hyper or hypotension, thrombosis, blood clotting problems and respectively bronchitis, sinusitis, cough, sore throat and many other similar conditions. The lymphatic drainage is also stimulated by these oils therefore we can say they’re great adjuvants in anti-cellulite treatments.

By stimulating circulations, these products prevent hair loss and dandruff, balance sebum and also reduce skin problems like cold sores, burns and cuts; they improve the skin tone and speed up the wounds healing processes.

Aromatherapy benefits also refer to the digestive and excretory systems, as these substances prevent stomach irritations and ulcerations, normalize bowel movements and keep digestive problems such as constipation or nausea away. Also, they reduce the incidence of urinary infections and stimulate the activity of the kidneys, improving toxins elimination.

Other physical benefits of aromatherapy include the ability of regulating hormonal levels and reducing menstrual symptoms, such as pain and cramps. Also, the oils used in this science are able to eliminate menopausal distress and reduce the risks of developing postpartum depression in new moms.