Aromatherapy An All-Natural Way To Support Good Health and Healing

By Patricia Bonnard, Integrated Coach

Starchaser

. http://www.starchaser-healingarts.com/

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Aromatherapy An All-Natural Way To Support Good Health and Healing

Aromatherapy is the use of natural plants aromatics (essential oils) to evoke physical, mental, emotional, energetic or spiritual change. These essential oils can be used to support healing, promote and maintain good health and well-being or simply provide enjoyment.

Although the scent of an essential oil is one of its important healing attributes, an essential oil typically has a wide range of healing properties that can be made assessable to the body when added to creams, balms, sprays, and other products, and absorbed through the skin. Several essential oils can be combined to reinforce or expand the healing attributes of the resultant blend. For example, the addition of a relaxation or muscle decongesting blend of essential oils to massage oil is an excellent way to enhance and personalize the massage experience. Likewise, massage is an excellent way to enhance the absorption of a therapeutic aromatic blend.

Some common uses of aromatherapy are to

reduce stress and the physical, emotional, mental and energetic effects of stress;

address specific physical conditions such as respiratory congestion, muscular aches and pain and skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis;

stimulate mental clarity, concentration and focus;

uplift the spirits and emotions;

induce calm and relaxation;

promote and maintain balance;

support meditation, energy work and spiritual quest;

reinforce other healing modalities (massage, reflexology, acupressure, conventional medicine); and

pamper oneself.

Aromatherapy Consultations

An aromatherapy consultation begins with a detailed assessment of the client's holistic health history, conditions, and reasons for seeking aromatherapy and application preferences. The assessment covers the client's physical, mental and emotional history and status. The aromatherapist than reviews the information with the client and develops a holistic aromatic essential oil blend and application (lotion, spray, balm, and inhaler) tailored to meet the client's specific needs and intentions. The client is given instructions on product use and the aromatherapist will typically follow up with the client within three days to a week of the treatment and again after a few weeks, if necessary.

A Cautionary Note

Essential oils are extremely concentrated one drop of rose essential oil may contain as many as thirty roses. Many practitioners offer aromatherapy or use essential oils in their treatments, but not all have adequate training. Some people promoting the purchase of essential oils and aromatherapy products are not aromatherapists but sales representatives. For appropriate, safe and effective use of aromatherapy, consult with a registered aromatherapist.