Aromatherapy is one of the spa treatments that are very common and popular.
It is known as a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials know as essential oils and other compounds for calming and rejuvenating the mind and for healing purposes.
Aromatherapy is used as an aerial diffusion for refreshing surrounding areas that are appealing.
This spa treatment can be used as a direct inhalation for perhaps respiratory reasons, disinfection, and decongestion.
There are also topical applications of essential oils used in massages, baths, and compresses and in therapeutic skin care.
Here are a few of the components that are used in aromatherapy: Aromatherapy in theory is believed to treat or prevent disease by using essential oils.
Some believe it is the influence of a chemical reaction of the brain through our sense of smell.
Others say that it is the oils themselves, as being the life force of the plants that will balance the energies of the body and promote healing.
It is also a theory that aromatherapy helps in eliminating negative vibrations from the body's energy field.
Essential oils: These oils are fragrant oils extracted from plants through a process of steam distillation.
There are other ways these oils are extracted but distillation is the most common form.
Absolutes: These are fragrant oils extracted from flowers and the flowering plant tissues.
Herbal distillates or hydrosols: This is the watery like left over of the distillation process.
Herbs make distillates for culinary uses, medicinal uses and for skin care.
An example would be rosewater, lemon balm.
Infusions: This is the watery extracts of various plant materials.
An example would be infusion of Chamomile.
Carrier Oils: These are typically oily plant matter that dilutes the essential oils for use on our skin.
An example would be grape seed oil or sweet almond oil.
Vaporizers: This is usually the high oily content of plant based materials that are dried, crushed and then heated to extract and the inhaled in a direct inhalation manner.
A glass vial worn on a chain as a necklace would be an example.
There is no scientific evidence or any collective data that claims aromatherapy is effective in healing.
But for most of us that have experienced some form of aromatherapy, it certainly has helped and is a pleasurable experience.
There are safety precautions with the use of compounds in aromatherapy.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin so they should not be in direct contact with the skin.
Some concerns over long term use are also a precaution as they may create allergies.
Essential oils are usually diluted in carrier oils in order to use topically.
Be sure to follow the recipes and understand the safety precautions.
Always supervise children when they are helping with your recipes and keep these spa supplies securely out of their reach.
It is also best not to use aromatherapy on or near your pets, especially cats.
Their systems can not tolerate even short- term exposure to the ingredients of aromatherapy.
It is best they are not in the same area as your therapy treatment.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful and simple way to start a homemade spa project and there are many different essential oils that are available to make it a delightful and rewarding experience.
You will want to try several fragrances and recipes once you are hooked! Enjoy!