Read this article by Niloofare Abi to know more about aromatherapy and its effect on pain relief.
Aromatherapy is a treatment
Aromatherapy or aromatherapy is a comprehensive treatment in which natural plant extracts are used to promote the health and well-being of people and it is sometimes known as essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy is both an art and a science, and it uses essential oils to promote physical and mental health. Even aromatherapy has been considered in the scientific and medical fields.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are extracts that are produced from different parts of the plant. It may take a lot of herbs to make a bottle of essential oil. Essential oils, in addition to creating odors, also perform other functions in plants. Essential oils can affect the health of the body and some studies show that the use of this oil affects anxiety, depression, nausea, insomnia, anorexia, and dry mouth.
Methods of aromatherapy
Some of the most popular methods of aromatherapy are inhalation and massage.
In inhalation aromatherapy which takes place in steam baths, essential oils are diffused into the air using diffusers and enter the nose and mouth through respiration, thus reaching the brain. The benefits of inhalation aromatherapy include its positive effects on emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, memory, stress, and hormonal balance.
In aromatherapy massage, the massage oil is absorbed through the skin. Blood circulation is also increased in the part of the body where essential oils are used. Topical aromatherapy is done using products such as bath salts, body oils, creams, or massage lotions.
A variety of essential oils are used in aromatherapy, but people use the most popular oils. Essential oils have unique healing effects, but their combination usually brings more benefits.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Some of the benefits of aromatherapy can be mentioned the follows:
- Pain relief
- Improve sleep quality
- Help reduce stress, restlessness, and anxiety
- Relieve joint pain
- Treatment of headache and migraine
- Reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
- Reduction of pain and common problems during pregnancy (aromatherapy in pregnancy)
- Fight against bacteria, viruses, or fungi
- Improve digestion
- Strengthen the immune system
The most popular aromatherapy oils
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), The most popular aromatherapy oils include:
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Roman chamomile
- Red flower
- Rosemary
- Tea tree
- Geranium essential oil
What are the effects of essential oils?
Different oils have different uses and effects, some of which are mentioned below:
- Rosemary essential oil is good for the nervous system and blood circulation.
- Ginger essential oil is used to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
- Chamomile essential oil can help treat eczema.
- Clove essential oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.
- Eucalyptus essential oil can help open sinuses during colds or flu and is often combined with mint.
- Geranium essential oil can be used for skin problems, stress reduction, etc.
- Lavender essential oil is used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and burns and to increase the comfort and quality of sleep. This essential oil relieves the symptoms of headaches and migraines.
- Rosemary essential oil can help hair growth, strengthen memory, prevent muscle spasms and improve the circulatory system.
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy
To use aromatherapy and essential oils, pay attention to how they work and how they affect. Always consult your doctor before starting any aromatherapy treatment and remember that aromatherapy is a complementary treatment.