What is Aromatherapy?

The universe of aromatherapy is vast and beautiful. And today you are invited to meet him. Aromatherapy is part of phytotherapy, which is the study of medicinal plants and their applications in curing diseases. Aromatherapy, in particular, uses aromatic plants for these medicinal purposes, taking advantage mainly of their essential oils in the search for the individual's health and well-being.

Essential oils are aromatic substances extracted from plants, and each essential oil has several extremely concentrated active principles. Most of these oils are easy to evaporate. With this, when we inhale an essential oil, we absorb several of those active principles, which easily reach our brain. There, they are decoded by brain receptors, generating stimuli in the most diverse spheres, which are sent to various parts of the body, moving us physically, mentally and vibrationally:

Physical Plan

Some essential oils don't even need to reach the brain to act in our body. Most physical issues can be treated with essential oils directly on the skin (with the proper dilutions, of course). O lavender essential oil (Lavandula officinalis), for example, is indicated to soothe skin that has suffered from insect bites and allergies. O rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) rebuilds skin fibers, which is why it is used in anti-aging and cellulite creams. Another great example is the geranium (Perlagonium graveolens), which regulates female hormones, both to relieve PMS and regulate the menstrual cycle and to balance menopausal symptoms.

emotional plane

Certain active principles in essential oils are able to stir our emotions. It is scientifically proven, for example, that the oil bergamot essential (Citrus bergamia) in the hospital waiting room environment reduces anxiety and makes patients more optimistic. Lavender soothes and brings warmth, and for this reason it is even used in maternity hospitals so that the birth of babies is peaceful.

Vibrational Plane

This way of acting goes beyond the emotional, they are benefits that cannot be explained by the physics or the chemistry of the compounds of essential oils. They are empirical, based on observation. Essential oils that act in this field can change the way we act in certain situations, help us to better deal with anger and resentment, bring focus to life. They also bring spiritual protection and determination to change certain things that are bothering you. O fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) is considered the oil of communication, it allows us to overcome the barriers of shyness and helps us to talk clearly, to make ourselves understood. Another example is bergamot, which gives us self-confidence to face obstacles and joy to live more lightly. Bergamot is also very helpful in cases of addictions, compulsions or obsessive ideas.

These are just a few examples of the power of essential oils. Treatments for many other problems are possible with aromatherapy, naturally and non-invasively.

Care

Essential oils are super concentrated natural assets and can help our health a lot. But care is needed. Seek to know the best ways to use and especially the correct dilutions in each case. You need to know how to use them. Super dosages can be toxic, there are oils that in contact with the sun cause burns, others that are contraindicated for pregnant women, hypertensive patients, epileptics. Inform yourself very well before starting a treatment on your own or look for a trusted aromatherapist.

Another important issue is to use pure essential oils. Synthetic essences or altered products will not have the same active ingredients as essential oils and should not be used for therapeutic purposes.

On Harmonie's website [harmoniearomaterapia.com.br] there are several tips for using essential oils, all with the indicated dosages and safe dilutions, in addition to essential oils and other pure and quality raw materials.

Article written by Cristiane H. Correa, Harmony Aromatherapy.