AROMATHERAPY & WELLNESS
AAlthough a large number of people pass off Essential Oils and Aromatherapy as new age jargon, Aromatherapy has its roots traced back to the ancient Egyptian civilizations which were more than 3500 years before the birth of Christ. They used various spices, flowers and herbs to make them into incenses, medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. Aromatic plants played a central role in the healing arts of early mankind. As the Egyptian empire fell, the techniques found their way to various parts of Europe through the years. The therapy flourished in Greece under the works of ‘The Father of Medicine’ – Hippocrates and then moved along the generations sparking interest of the people in the field of botanical sciences and its relation to human health and wellbeing. In the modern Era it was brought back by a French Chemist, Rene Gattefosse in the 1920’s who realized its great healing potential. It was later used to heal soldier burns, wounds and psychiatric problems during the First World War by Dr. Jean Valne
WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
Aromatherapy is an ancient technique of using naturally extracted plant essences to promote wellness of the body, mind and spirit. The emphasis of the technique is to focus on prevention rather than cure. It is your ideal partner if you wish to work on yourself to relieve fear or stress, to relax, to meditate, to find joy, to let go, to balancing your chakra and many more. The list is endless, and the path is beautiful!
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Plants produce fragrant essences in secretory cells, using nutrients from the soil, water, light and warmth from the sun. These cells are near the surface, located in flowers and leaves. These essences are defined as the life force energy, soul or spirit of the plant. While these essences are distilled they undergo certain chemical changes and become essential oils.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ESSENTIAL OIL?
Every Essential Oil has a number of properties and there is more and enough information available on the internet if you wish to find one to suit your needs completely. We suggest, do enough research, look around, and pick the one that calls out to you the most. If you seriously look around, your essential oil may pick you before you do so !
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils work on our mind, body and soul and have proven to be extremely effective for millions of users across the world through centuries. They can be used through various means, the most popular ones being
>> Blend 2 – 3 drops of an essential oil with 6 – 8 ml of carrier oil and massage gently on skin and hair.
>> Add a few drops to bath water to reap benefits.
>> Add 4 - 5 drops of essential oil in water & diffuse to witness wonderful fragrances.
“ Healing begins with an aromatic bath and daily massage” – Hippocrates.
Oils are extremely potent and fast-working. Our skin’s outer layer is made up of fatty tissue; skin understands oil as its own natural extension and allows for rapid penetration. Our body naturally produces oil to moisturize the skin, due to which offering a substance with a similar molecular structure has much faster results than chemicals.
“ Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years that we have lived.“ - Helen Keller
The reason why essential oils affect our mind is because when we inhale through our nose airborne molecules interact with the olfactory organs and almost immediately, the brain. Molecules inhaled through our nose or our mouths are also carried to the lungs and interact with the respiratory system. Thus, inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways.
These odor molecules travel through a variety of receptor sites one of which is the limbic system which is also referred to as the emotional brain. This system is directly connected to the parts of your brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress and hormonal balance. This explains how smell often triggers emotions. This clearly also justifies the number of reported psychological and mental effects of essential oils.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything.” – Albert Einstein.
Aromatic herbs and oils, including essential oils, have been an integral part of the spiritual practices of many religions and cultures throughout history. Ever wondered why it is so? It is because of the unbelievable power of nature that we have chosen to look through in the last few decades. Why does it feel so good when you for a walk through the woods?
It is a scientifically accepted fact that Mother Earth and everything that exists on the planet shares the same pulse and vibration. Unfortunately, due to the artificial and dense mesh of vibrations and energy that we have created in the form of technology and even restricting our emotions we have lost touch with all of creation. Even holding a bottle of essential oil changes our vibration drastically as you are in contact with the field of the life force energy of the plant. These oils are said to be very beneficial to the glands and the organs that are associated with our chakras.