Aromatherapy and Relaxation

Aromatherapy and Relaxation:
A Perfect Combination

Aromatherapy and relaxation can be combined to reduce your anxiety and stress levels. There is more than one aromatherapy benefit available to you. If you're like the average person, you probably have a few candles or air fresheners lying around the house and use a relaxing aromatherapy bath product in the tub.

While these can do wonderful things for you (like set the mood for a romantic evening or cover up pet odours), they also have the power to alter your health and mood. How so? Well, this is where aromatherapy and relaxation come in.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that may be used as an alternative to drugs and other pharmaceuticals. Basically, aromatherapy is the use of scented oils (essential oils) and other aromatic compounds originating from plants for the purpose of affecting your mood or health. You should always check with your doctor prior to beginning an aromatherapy program if you have existing medical conditions.

Aromatherapy and relaxation are highly compatible themes. Through the sense of smell, essential oils stimulate olfactory receptor cells, which then transmit an impulse to a specific part of the brain known as the limbic system. The limbic system is connected to memory, so specific emotions can be triggered by one smell. For example, the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie might bring back happy childhood memories. But most importantly, the limbic system is connected to blood circulation and endocrine glands (responsible for regulating hormone levels), which explains how aromatherapy can be beneficial to your health.

Aromatherapy and relaxation are not limited to inhaling odours. Essential oils, when diluted in a carrier oil, can also be absorbed through the skin. The oils can then make their way into your bloodstream, and affect your organs and entire body. Remember that scented massage oil? Didn't it add to the romantic mood and give you that relaxed feeling all over? Sure, magical hands might have helped a little...

What are the most common essential oils?

While the list of essential oils can be quite lengthy, I will limit my list to the most commonly used oils for aromatherapy and relaxation, but plenty of other essential oils are available. It should be noted that the absorption rates of essential oils vary between 20 minutes and 2 hours, so if you are planning on using essential oils for a massage, it is probably best not to bathe or shower directly following your massage.

Basil. You're probably familiar with this one, at least as a spice used in the kitchen. In aromatherapy, it is known for stimulating brain functions and helping to ease depression and relieve muscle aches. Note: you should avoid basil essential oil if you are pregnant.

Bergamot. If you are an Earl Grey fan like I am (nothing beats Twinings...), then you are familiar with this scent. Bergamot is a very versatile essential oil that can alleviate the symptoms of several skin conditions as well as reduce depression and anxiety. Note: if used on your skin, make sure bergamot oil is distilled or bergaptene-free and you should stay away from the sun.

Black pepper. Just like too much pepper activates your sweat glands, black pepper can stimulate blood circulation. It is especially useful for easing muscular aches and improving the quick disappearance of bruises. Don't get me wrong here... I'm not saying that pouring groud pepper in your eye will make your black eye disappear faster... All you'd get from that is a lot of pain... Essential black pepper oil diluted in a carrier oil will help heal a bruise faster (but don't get it in your eyes!)

Chamomile. You have probably come across soothing chamomile tea in the aisles of your grocery store. Use chamomile if you suffer from insomnia, nausea and/or rheumatism. It relaxed your entire body, reducing stress and pain associated with sprains, strains and wounds. Aromatherapy and relaxation are also compatible with herbal teas and other comfort food.

Lavender is known worldwide for its properties to calm and relax. It can also soothe headaches and migraines. Luckily for all of us, some well-known companies sell lavender-scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Who said that doing laundry had to be a chore?

Marjoram. Marjoram is known for relaxing aching muscles and muscle cramps. It also alleviates some symptoms of bronchitis such as coughing. It can reduce hypertension, your stress levels and pain associated with sprains and strains.

Neroli. Neroli can help treat depression, insomnia, and other nervous problems such as shock and stress. An added bonus of neroli, when used on skin, it can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

Sandalwood. You can tell by its name that sandalwood has a strong wood aroma. It is often used as a fixative to enhance the head space of other fragrances. When used by itself, it is known to help treat anxiety and can also be used as an aphrodisiac.

Ylang Ylang. Ylang ylang can help reduce anxiety, depression, hypertension, palpitations and stress.

Essential Oils Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Fortunately, aromatherapy and relaxation come in a variety of ways and are within your reach. Click here to read more on aromatherapy products.

At Home Therapy

There are many ailments that can affect your everyday life. Here are some home therapies you can try in the comfort of your home.

If you suffer from insomnia, you can use an herbal insomnia remedy.

Check out a list of other common problems with their respective essential oil and aromatherapy benefit.

Perhaps your feet could use more tender loving? Find out how to create your own home relaxation foot spa.

Sometimes, it's even simpler to keep our regular habits and add a few drops of essential oils. Read more on which essential oil to use in your aromatherapy skin care product or discover how to create aromatherapy skin care sessions in the comfort of your home.

Are you looking for wholesale aromatherapy candles?

Here is a reliable online aromatherapy supplier.

Basically, aromatherapy and relaxation are just around the corner... Click here to return to the Relaxation-at-Home.com homepage and discover more ways to relax.

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Note: The information contained on this aromatherapy and relaxation site is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a physician and/or other specialist. Precautions must be taken to ensure aromatherapy does not conflict with existing medical conditions.

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