Aromatherapy Tips Promoting Self-Love and Well-Being
Aromatherapy is an effective process in bringing peace to your mind and body. Here’s how.
How Does Aromatherapy Work?
Researchers understand that essential oils are made up of different molecules that have been shown to have therapeutic effects and can be effective in helping the body heal and restore balance. One way this happens is through our sense of smell. The “smell” receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain. They influence physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, scientists believe lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells in the amygdala like the way some sedative medications work. There is ongoing research to see if using essential oils through inhalation can help restore the loss of smell.
Baths and Oils
Bathing is a beautiful way to cleanse, relax and unwind. If desired, you can listen to your favorite form of relaxing music, read a good book and diffuse calming essential oils. Essential oils can be added to your bathwater, but don’t add them to your bathwater without first solubilizing them. It’s important to ensure that you solubilize the essential oils first. Essential oils do not stay mixed with water and have the potential of seriously irritating your skin. Essential oils can offer a powerful supportive tool for those seeking to cultivate inner hope, happiness, and emotional healing during troubling times. Their benefits increase when used in conjunction with other therapies and positive coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.
Diffusers
Aromatherapy diffusers take essential oils and evaporate them through the air. This can be with the help of a candle or with batteries if you want to avoid the fire. Diffusers are great because they spread the scent quite effectively. The battery-run ones can be safer than candles—no open fire involved. This is another convenient method of creating a soothing atmosphere. Many of them look nice as well, adding to the soothing vibe you should create anyway.
Jewelry and Personal Inhalers
Today you can take the benefits of aromatherapy with you everywhere! There are beautiful pieces of jewelry that allow you to add 1-3 drops of essential oil to them to enjoy throughout the day. You can also add essential oils to a personal inhaler. Either a plastic one-time use inhaler or a metal inhaler that can be used over and over. These little inhalers can fit in your purse or pocket to use anytime you’re feeling anxious or need a little uplifting.
Continue this conversation by emailing Molly Messmer at mollymessmerlmt@gmail.com, or contacting her via her website at http://www.mollymessmermassage.com/