How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Sometimes my friends ask me: "How does aromatherapy work?"

I tell them that aromatherapy scents are a combination of art and science that can improve health and mood through the use of essential oils, whichare precious concentrated liquids that originate from plants.

In a nutshell, essential oils are the "essence" of the plant.

During your aromatherapy sessions, which you could have with an aromatherapy specialist or in the comfort of your home, you either inhale the vapours of essential oils of your skin absorbs them through contact with your pores.

Aromatherapy via Skin Contact

Skin contact could be through massages or aromatherapy baths. When the essential oils are inhaled, they trigger changes in your brain, which then stimulate physiological responses in your body. These stimulations could happen through the nervous, endocrine or immune system.

To maximize the benefits of aromatherapy, it is best to administer the essential oils via aromatherapy baths or massages because you can then absorb the oils via both your skin and inhalation and these two activities provide additional relaxation benefits.

How Does Aromatherapy Work? - Aromatherapy Free Recipe

Here is a free recipe for your to try if you are feeling a little down or depressed. Mix these oils into a glass jar and drop a few drops of the mixture in your bath water:

Aromatherapy benefits can be gained in many ways. As mentioned above, you can add a few drops to your bath water, but you can also diffuse them through forced air movement, heat or a combination of both. Learn more about diffusion methods and various types of aromatherapy diffusers.

Now that you know how aromatherapy works, all you have to do is figure out which benefit you'd like to gain. Consult this handy aromatherapy benefits table for more information.


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Note: The information contained on this "How Does Aromatherapy Work?" page is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a physician and/or other health specialist. Precautions must be taken to ensure aromatherapy does not conflict with existing medical conditions.