The history of Aromatherapy started with the ancient Egyptians. Over 6,000 years ago, the Egyptians realized the value of essential oils that came from different plants. They used these oils during baths, with massages and sometimes to even embalm their dead. This type of therapy soon died down but in the early 1930's the use of Aromatherapy began to grow again and today is a widely used method.
Aromatherapy is an alternative approach for healing the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy is used to achieve emotional and physical satisfaction through the essential oils and fragrances. Usually, when you think of Aromatherapy, you think of lotions, soaps, and massaging oils. Today, many are using and finding that scented candles made with pure essential oils work as well as the soaps and lotions do.
Aromatherapy candles work by sending out streams of herbal and floral essential oils into the air. As you breathe in these chemicals, they flow through your body, including your brain. This allows your mind and body to receive the benefits you desire from the candles.
You can achieve both physical and mental healing from the use of essential oils. However, the most common reasons for choosing Aromatherapy scented candles are to relieve stress, enhance concentration, to gain energy or to create a sensual mood and setting. Don't expect to receive a stress-free mind from a one-time use. Aromatherapy is designed to allow you to receive the benefits subtly through continuous use.
One way to help you achieve your desired goal is to set the mood. If you are stressed out, take a candle light bath using the scents for relaxation. Write a poem, a story or read a book while using concentration fragrances. Have a romantic candle lit dinner to scented Aromatherapy candles made to make you feel sensual.
Fragrances to help you relieve stress include lavender, chamomile, geranium and rose. If you are looking to enhance your concentration, you will want to choose, lemon, lemongrass, orange, grapefruit or bergamot fragrances. Peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, vanilla and rosemary scented candles will revitalize your body and allow you to gain extra energy. When you want to create a sensual mood and setting, go for vanilla, rose and sandalwood. Make sure to look for "Pure Essential Oils" on labels when shopping for your Aromatherapy candles.
At some point, you may decide you want to combine different scents. While combining candles together is okay to do, you want to make sure that you don't send a mixed message to your body. You don't want to burn a lavender scented candle with a cinnamon scented candle. On one hand, your body will receive the message to relax but on the other hand, your body will receive the signal to gain energy.
Candles are the fifth leading cause of fires, so please be sure to follow safety guidelines when burning candles.
1. Always use a candleholder.
2. Cut wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting.
3. Place candles 3 inches apart.
4. Use a candlesnuffer.
5. Don't leave a candle burning while leaving the house or sleeping.
6. Don't place a burning candle in an area that can be knocked over by children or pets.
