Healing with Aromatherapy
The thought of healing with aromatherapy conjures up many images due to the rich history of the practice. Many people will think of the medicine man in a smoky hut in the jungle, fumigating the air around an ill tribe member.
Others will envision the witch doctor or the shaman in the sweat lodge burning a smudge stick of white sage. Aromatherapy has existed for thousands of years and it has come a long way. The benefits of aromatherapy are as numerous as the essential oils and aromatics that aromatherapy employs. Not only are the sweet scents and aromas generally pleasing and therapeutic, they are also powerful holistic healers. The benefits of aromatherapy have been proven time and again.
Who can benefit from the healing benefits of aromatherapy? Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, the baby and even Fido and Fluffy, have much to gain from the practice of aromatherapy. People of any age or persuasion can derive positive results in many areas of their lives. Stressed-out parents can use aromatherapy to induce a sense of calm and relaxation in the home after a long day at work. Kids can reap the benefits of aromatherapy too. Using certain scents while they do their homework can increase concentration therefore lengthening attention span. The elderly can utilize aromatics as a means of pain management with problems like rheumatoid arthritis. Even pets can experience the benefits of aromatherapy. Lavender oils have been shown to help cats repel insects. It also makes them sleepy and mellow. Chamomile can be used to soothe and treat ear problems in dogs. However it is important to remember that essential oils must be used carefully and correctly in order to obtain successful results.
What are the benefits of aromatherapy? The benefits of aromatherapy range from the simple to the profound. Practiced used of aromatics and essential oils produces more than just a sweet smell. The use of aromatherapy also promotes better mental and physical health. Muscle pain can be eased with rosemary. Lavender is known for its ability to help with sleep and migraine headaches. It is also a very affective stress relieving aromatic. Essential oils can be incorporated into daily house cleaning. Homemade house cleaners infused with the scent of certain oils help to heal the environment. Cleansing the home with smudge sticks dates back to the rituals of Native Americans. Blessing a home often involves some of the fundamentals of aromatherapy. Natural house cleaners cut down on the number of toxins we come into contact with in a given day. The benefits of aromatherapy apply to everything from cancer and carpet cleaning to dog care and dish soap. With practice and knowledge aromatherapy can be a viable holistic healing method.
Cautions…
- Always seek professional help with serious health problems
- Do NOT apply directly to skin (unless oil has been specified as safe or has been diluted in carrier oil
- Do NOT take internally
- Do NOT use if pregnant, nursing, on children under age 2, or with serious health problems without consulting a professional
- More is NOT Better