Aromatherapy employs botanical oils to help treat a variety of conditions. Regardless of how it is applied – to the skin, inhaled or infused – it is known as a complementary treatment approach that enhances mood, alleviates anxiety and depression, invigorates the senses, and encourages relaxation. Each scent provides a specific set of benefits.
The Benefits of Individual Scents
Geranium: Alleviates anxiety
Jasmine, lavender, lemon, sandalwood, ylang ylang: Improves Mood
Peppermint: Relieves nausea
Roman chamomile: Reduces inflammation
Eucalyptus: Alleviates headaches and migraines
Thyme: Relieves cold and flu symptoms
However, individual scents may provide myriad other benefits. For example, lavender is helpful in treating depression, nausea, and insomnia.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used various ways, and each method provides specific benefits.
Typical methods of using essential oils include:
A pillow: Apply a few drops of oil on a tissue or handkerchief, and put it under your pillow. This helps alleviate sleep disorders.
Steam inhalation: Boil a pot of water, and wait for it to cool. Place a few drops of the oil(s) in the pot. Wrap a towel over your head, and create a “tent” between you and the pot. Carefully lean your head over the infusion, being careful not to get too close. Take deep breaths of the aroma for 10 minutes.
A room diffuser: Place a few drops of the scent into the room diffuser, or humidifier.
A room spray: Mix a few drops of the essential oil with 250 ml of water in a spray bottle, then shake the concoction, and spritz the room. You may also use this concoction to soothe skin irritation.
Inhalation is especially recommended for the treatment of respiratory problems, and to reduce anxiety.
Topical Applications
With topical applications, you must first dilute the essential oil with a so-called “carrier” oil, such as grapeseed or olive.
A bath: Mix a few drops of the essential oil into a tablespoon of the carrier oil, then place the mixture into the bath. Adding Epsom salt may also help alleviate muscle fatigue, and maximize relaxation.
A massage: Place a few drops of essential oils into the carrier oil, applying it slowly during the massage.
Topical applications are also good for skin conditions, such as acne.
Contact your Peoria Chiropractor
Although it is very beneficial, essential oils may interact with some homeopathic remedies, so it advisable to seek chiropractor Peoria advice as to the appropriateness of its use for your individual case. Moreover, essential oils should be 100% pure to offset negative reactions, and provide a more potent version of their intrinsic benefits.
Your chiropractor Peoria can offer invaluable advice on how to integrate aromatherapy in your daily life. Be sure to discuss it in your next visit!
