Aromatherapy is a very general and widely used term for a natural, alternative therapy using essential oils to improve a person’s physical or emotional health. Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and are derived from plants, trees, flowers, bark and stems. Thousands of clinical studies have proven the efficacy of pure, therapeutic essential oils.
Aromatherapy actually refers to using essential oils aromatically, diffusing oils for their wonderful aromas.
Clinical studies have shown aroma is the fastest way to affect mood. Aromatic molecules have direct access to the limbic area, or emotional system of the brain. An aroma, or smell, reaches the brain in 20 seconds, within two minutes essential oils can be in the blood system and within 20 minutes these aromatic compounds can service every cell in the body. .
According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown health benefits including: relief from anxiety and depression; improved quality of life, particularly for people with chronic health conditions; improved sleep. Other studies have shown that lavender oil may help with: reducing pain for people with osteoarthritis of the knee; improve the quality of life for people with dementia and reduce pain for people with kidney stones. Essential oils support cell receptors, promote healthy cell function and maintain cell’s natural state.
Essential oils can be used topically for their physical and psychological support: specifically during massage, acupuncture and facials, in addition to other localized treatment.
Certain essential oils, those labeled CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) for dietary use, may be taken under the tongue, in water (smoothie, tea), or in a gel cap to support overall health.
Essential oils are natural, safe and effective and only pennies per use.
If you’re stressed with tension, especially in shoulders, maybe a headache, a massage with lavender or peppermint, to name a few, would help you relax, release tense muscles, as well as offer calming effects physically and emotionally. Lavender is mother nature’s go-to for skin irritations too. Peppermint would help cool the body, remove head tension and promote feelings of clear breathing. Massage is also said to improve the immune system by stimulating the limbic system and the release of toxins.
For athletes, or after a workout, custom blends of essential oils can be used for comfort and relaxing, releasing tension and improving cellular, muscular and nervous system function. They can be applied topically and in a diffuser during or after a massage.
Essential oils have a long-drawn history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Many essential oils have functions that coincide with acupuncture points –this is one of the reasons that applying essential oils to certain points is so clinically effective. For example; Lavender ha an affinity to pericardium, as the oil both calms the “shen” and open the chest. Another example is Roman Chamomile to nourish the blood and to harmonize the spleen and stomach. Lavender has a sweet and comforting aroma with a cooling effect on the nervous system. It is also associated with the lung, liver and pericardium. Geranium also has a sweet and comforting aroma and has affinities to the heart, lungs and kidneys. Geranium is often used to calm the mind, relax the nervous system and promote the sense of peace and grace. Geranium is a wonderful hormone balancer and offers a plethora of support for various health concerns.
There are numerous essential oils with physical benefits for the skin. More people are turning to natural remedies for their health and beauty. For the face and skin here are a few popular essential oils you can implement during a facial but also in your skin care regimen at home, individually, in a serum or added to your favorite skin care products. Essential oils should always be used with caution; there are simple safety practices such as; testing the oil first on your skin and also diluting with a carrier oil (jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, etc.). For acne-prone skin; helichrysum is just one wonderful essential oil used for its’ healing qualities. It has cleansing, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also known for healing scars and stimulating cell growth. Another is Melaleuca or Tea Tree oil. Lavender has a wealth of benefits as well; relieve itchiness and skin irritation, but also a natural antibacterial, soothe and disinfect any area, reduce inflammation from hives, ingrown hairs, sunburns and eczema. Lemongrass is an astringent that balances sebum while reducing inflammation. It’s also an antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial.
For delicate skin: German chamomile is safe for infants and the elderly;but It offers soothing qualities especially for dry skin. It’s commonly used for slow-healing wounds, eczema and hives. A few other popular essential oils for anti-aging include: patchouli, ylang ylang, sandalwood, frankincense, rose and yarrow.
Some essential oils help with lightening and removing red marks and dark spots; a few of these include: lavender, lemon and frankincense.
Citrus oils are also known for being photosensitive, meaning you may be more susceptible to have redness, burn or irritation if you go into the sun right after applying them. These include: bergamot, grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange, ginger, cinnamon and german chamomile. Be sure to wear a good sunblock whenever going outside.
There are numerous pure, high-quality essential oils which can be used for nourishing and balancing the skin and a myriad of health benefits, most often it can be the preference of the client as to which aroma they may prefer. There are florals, citrus, mints, trees, herbs & grasses and spice aromas to choose from to support the mind, body and soul. Talk to your professional about which essential oils are best for you and your skin (health) goals.
At Moore Rd. Medispa, you may elect to compliment your service, facial, massage or acupuncture with essential oils.
