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Aromatherapy is a billion dollar industry. Aromatherapy products include massage oils, incense, candles, bath and shower products, room sprays, lotions, etc. Many people tout the benefits of aromatherapy. There are even schools where people can learn about aromatherapy and then help others utilize it’s benefits. But do these products work? Are these products worth the money spent on them?
Aromatherapy is not new. Many cultures in history have been documented using aromatherapy as an approach to healing. Indians, Egyptians, Chinese and many other cultures believed in the power of aromatherapy as a tool to heal the sick and aid every day living. The term, “aromatherapy” was actually coined by a French perfumer named Rene Gattfosse in the 1920’s.
The use of highly fragrant essential oils extracted from plants, flowers, seeds, and grasses to enhance, soothe, relax and excite the senses, is the basis of aromatherapy. These essential oils are used in two ways, through our sense of smell and being absorbed by the skin. Our sense of smell is very powerful. When we are exposed to scents, they stimulate the limbic region of our brains. This is the region of the brain that oversees memory, hunger, emotions and sexual response. When an essential oil is absorbed through the skin, it goes directly into the bloodstream. The idea is that by using different essential oils we can change the way our mind and body feel because our olfactory, mental, respiratory and circulatory systems have been stimulated.
Proponents of aromatherapy suggest that the benefits of it are extensive. Aromatherapy can relax muscles, relieve stress, balance emotions, increase metabolism, cleanse and hydrate the skins, eliminate toxins from the body and boost the immune system. It has been suggested that aromatherapy will aid in everything from relieving arthritis to curing digestive problems. However, most aroma therapists also say that aromatherapy is a holistic and gentle type of therapy that should be used in addition to modern medicine practices and not as a replacement for them.
As with all products, these claims should probably be taken with a grain of salt. It is also important to use common sense when employing aromatherapy products. The essential oils are very strong, and are not to be applied to the skin directly, nor should the ever be ingested. Follow the directions for any product you buy, and if in doubt consult someone who can advise you about an aromatherapy product.
In my opinion, aromatherapy products are a wonderful way to enhance our well-being. Using them is a lifestyle choice that is not for everyone. However, if you believe in the positive power of aromatherapy, it is not generally a harmful practice and can provide some benefits. Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years, and has been used by ancient, intelligent cultures. The bottom line is that aromatherapy allows you to feel pleasurable. Feeling pleasurable is healing for many people and simply enjoyable for others. Plus, having a home that is pleasantly scented is always nice and smelling good to others is definitely an attraction. So, go ahead. Buy some aromatherapy products if you want to. If the cost seems reasonable and you like the way it makes you feel, there is nothing wrong with being part of the aromatherapy boom.
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