As usual in recent weeks, on Fridays we add content to our section on techniques for reducing stress. This week we talk about aromatherapy.

As usual in recent weeks, on Fridays we add content to our section on techniques for reducing stress. This week we talk about aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a specific branch of herbal and its name derives from the Greek "aroma" and "therapy" which means healing attention.

Aromatherapy uses concentrated plant oils, called essential oils to improve physical and emotional health, but unlike the herbal essential oils are ingested but not inhaled or applied to the skin with massage or bandage.

Today I count techniques, effects and precautions to be taken when using essential oils in aromatherapy treatment. Do not miss it!

As mentioned, the emphasis on aromatherapy scent. This is a sense that never rests, as we are constantly exposed to the fragrance of the surrounding environment: smells of nature, people, things ...

Our body perceives odors through the olfactory sensory cells, which are located in the olfactory mucosa of the nose, whose processes are the nerve responsible for transmitting signals to our brain aromatic.
Essential oils

esencialesLa aromatherapy oils is to use herbal oils and other aromatic plants for application to the body and thus achieve relaxation or pain relief.

Essential oils are extracted from leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, fruits, bark and resin of various plants and diluted in water or unscented oil, such as jojoba oil.

Essential oils are intensely aromatic, non-fat, volatile (evaporate so quickly) and sparse.

The aromatic scents, besides being used to reduce stress, are used to solve problems of stress, emotional, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and insomnia, among others.

The most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy are:

* Juniper berries (ripe berries) - A pungent and spicy fragrance that is used in sprays, baths, compresses and massages for its soothing effects.
* Eucalyptus - its leaves are used, which have a strong aroma and bracing, in sprays, compresses, baths and massages.
* Geranium - leaves are used, whose scent is pungent and spicy and is used in sprays, baths and massages.
* Jasmine - The flowers have a faint aroma and are used in facials and baths, for their relaxing properties.
* Lavender - Its flowers have a strong sweet fragrance and is used in sprays, bath towels and massage it is said to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
* Chamomile - dried flowers are used, which have a mild aroma and sweet, for their sedative effects and is used in sprays, baths, compresses, facial masks and massage.
* Mint - The leaves have a fresh scent and invigorating, inhaled or used in bathrooms.
* Pine - Its resin is invigorating and has a pleasant smell of wood is used in sprays, baths and massages.
* Rosa - The flowers have a long lasting floral fragrance, which is used in baths and massages for their soothing qualities.
* Clary sage - The flowers have a tangy aroma, inhaled or used in sprays, baths, compresses or massage.

Precautions for aromatherapy

Despite being naturally occurring substances should be taken into account some basic ideas for using essential oils in aromatherapy.

Most of them are not applicable to pure state directly to the skin, as they are very concentrated and can burn. Therefore, it is necessary to dilute with oil or water bases.

For the same reason, essential oils do not have to come into contact with the eyes, in case it should be washed well with water and if pain persists see a doctor.

Because of their properties, moderate use is advised for pregnant women and children.

Finally it is important not to confuse essential oils with synthetics: the quality of the latter is much lower and if applied on the skin can cause allergies and burns.
Aromatherapy Techniques

Aromatherapy bases its effectiveness in the sense of smell and the absorptive capacity of the skin. According to therapists inhaling certain fragrances causes the release of brain chemicals that fight stress and fatigue, and if absorbed through the skin has medicinal effects.

Essential oils can be applied to the skin with a relaxing massage, can be inhaled as a vapor or smoke scented candles, can be used as bubbles or oils in bath water or used in compresses that are applied in certain body areas.

In aromatherapy can enjoy a dip hot with a few drops of one or two aromatic oils, causing drowsiness or stimulant produces a toning oil depending on the employee.

Also, apply diluted essential oils in warm water to water vapor mixed with the essences is absorbed through the respiratory tract and release its virtues.

Lastly, the Aromatherapy uses essential oils for relaxing massages and reductive, offered recently in spa services.

Remember, scientifically, and as a rule, traditional doctors dismiss any therapeutic benefit than the placebo effect and relaxation. Nonetheless, essential oils can have psychological effects relaxing, balancing, stimulating, antidepressant, aphrodisiac and stimulating the mind.

Enjoy an aromatherapy session in your own home or go to your trusted spa center.