Have you ever heard of aromatherapy? It may seem hard to believe that smelling something is enough to improve your overall health. But more and more research has sprouted up over the years, detailing all the different benefits aromatherapy can provide. While it’s certainly not a cure-all, it can also be a powerful tool for maintaining your well-being.
If you want to dip your toes into aromatherapy, here’s your brief overview of what you need to know.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy can be more accurately described as ‘essential oil therapy.’ It uses different kinds of essential oils for different therapeutic benefits. You can either apply these oils to your skin or inhale its fumes, with both methods being able to grant you both physical and psychological benefits.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
So what, exactly can aromatherapy do for you? Depending on the type of oil and method used, aromatherapy can provide a surprising amount of benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety. If you feel like your brain is going haywire with anxiety, you can try a few calming or invigorating oils to help. Citrus and peppermint can be uplifting scents that can help you manage your stress better.
- Helps with fatigue and insomnia. The next time you’re struggling to fall asleep, try using lavender oil on your aroma diffuser. Lavender fumes have been proven to decrease blood pressure and put you in a more relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Kills bacteria when put on skin. Certain oils have antimicrobial properties, so massaging them into your skin can kill any lingering bacteria, virus, or fungi. The best oils for this include ylang-ylang, lavender, or tea tree oil.
- Alleviates allergies. If you’re getting the sniffles because of your allergies, consider putting lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil into your diffuser. These oils can reduce inflammation, saving you from your stuffy nose.
When should I use aromatherapy?
The simple answer is that you can use aromatherapy whenever you need it. There are certain ways you can use aromatherapy no matter where you are. For example, you can use essential oil diffusers at home. This way, your family members will also be able to benefit from your essential oil of choice. Plus, your home will smell good, which can help get rid of any unwanted odors.
There are also plenty of options for when you’re out of the house. The most common way you can use aromatherapy on the go is by using an aroma stick. These sticks look like lip balm tubes and have an absorbent wick that soaks up essential oil. You can also use aromatherapy accessories, such as bracelets and necklaces. These accessories are also made of absorbent material. Apply the oil of your choice and enjoy a portable and fashionable way of using aromatherapy.
Finally, you can use aromatherapy alongside other self-care practices. One of the best ways to do so is by using body oil during a massage. Not only will the massage help you relax, but your skin will also absorb the oils and provide you great benefits.
If you’re interested in getting a massage with aromatherapy, consider booking an appointment with a home service spa such as Massagedaily.ph.