Have you ever experienced the feeling of a pressure being relieved by the scent of a fragrant flower, or the scent of incense? Or the smell of a balm you use when you have a headache, doesn't it? Smell is actually something that can affect our mind and body. Today we are going to talk about a treatment method based on that concept.
Simply put, what is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It uses essential oils, which are fragrant oils extracted from plants, to enhance your well-being. It is a holistic treatment that supports your mind, body, and spirit. Aromatherapy is mainly done by inhaling these essential oils or applying them (diluted) to the skin.
People all over the world have been using this method for centuries. In our country, this method is often recommended for people with conditions like anxiety, in addition to other treatments. People also use aromatherapy to stay healthy and to find general peace of mind.
The most important thing is that even though you can do this yourself at home, it's important to know exactly what you're doing and do it safely. So it's best to talk to your doctor before starting something like this to find out if it's right for you and how to do it safely.
How does this smell affect our body?
This is a very amazing process. When you inhale a scent, it directly affects our nervous system. Simply put, when you inhale an essential oil, tiny particles of that oil are released into the air.
When those particles enter your nose, special cells in your nose called ``olfactory receptors`` detect them. Those cells then send messages to your brain via the ``olfactory nerve.``
These messages stimulate the parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and the limbic system, which control things like emotions and memories . This stimulation causes the brain to release various hormones.
- Serotonin
- Endorphins
- Dopamine
These hormones regulate many things, including our mood, sleep, and digestion. So the release of these hormones can have many benefits, such as reducing your anxiety and reducing your pain perception .
What conditions can be relieved by aromatherapy?
Research has found that aromatherapy can help manage the following conditions:
- Stress
- Sleep disorders
- Menstrual cramps
- Early labor pain
How does aromatherapy help with anxiety?
Many studies have shown that aromatherapy can help manage anxiety. It is especially useful for temporary anxiety (state anxiety) that we experience when faced with a stressful or dangerous situation. For example:
- When undergoing a test like an MRI scan
- Before surgery
- During childbirth
Some research suggests that it may also help with trait anxiety, not just anxiety that occurs during certain situations. For example, this type of anxiety can be seen in people with generalized anxiety disorder. You can talk to your doctor about the benefits of aromatherapy for your condition to learn more.
What are Essential Oils and Carrier Oils?
It is very important to know exactly about these two.
| Oil type | Description |
|---|---|
| Essential Oils | These are highly concentrated plant extracts extracted from various parts of plants, such as flowers, stems, and leaves. Imagine, it takes a kilo of rose flowers to make just a few drops of rose oil. These are that powerful. |
| Carrier Oils | These are also derived from plants, but they don't have a strong scent. They are used as a 'vehicle' to safely deliver those powerful essential oils to our skin. It's like mixing a strong sweet drink with water. They also contain skin-friendly antioxidants. (Ex: coconut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil) |
What are the methods of using aromatherapy?
There are several main methods used.
- Inhalation: There are several ways to inhale essential oils. You can add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water, close your eyes, and inhale the vapors. Or you can use a diffuser to diffuse the scent throughout the room.
- Aromatherapy Massage: A massage can be done by a qualified person using a lotion or oil containing essential oils. If doing it at home, be sure to use only an essential oil that has been properly diluted with a carrier oil.
- Bath: You can also add essential oils to your bath water. But don't put drops of oil directly into the water. Doing so will cause the oil to not dissolve in the water, and it can also damage your skin. Therefore, you should first mix it with a carrier oil before adding it to the water.
Be careful! Be sure to remember these things.
Essential oils are natural, yet very powerful substances. They can harm you if not used correctly.
- Always dilute before applying to the skin: Never apply an essential oil straight from the bottle. Always mix it with a carrier oil or an unscented lotion.
- Do not store near fire: These oils are flammable. Therefore, do not store or use them near fire, candles, etc.
- Do not drink for any reason: It is very dangerous to drink `essential oils`, or to add them to tea or water.
- Keep away from children and pets: These oils can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Keep bottles tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets.
If a child or anyone else accidentally drinks this oil, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo immediately. They will advise you on what to do.
What are the risks of aromatherapy?
The risk is usually low when used correctly, but sometimes things like this can happen:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Skin discoloration when exposed to sunlight (Photosensitivity)
Some oils, especially clove oil, may contain high levels of chemicals that are harmful to the skin.
These people need to be especially careful.
If you belong to one of the following categories, be sure to consult your doctor before starting aromatherapy.
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant: While aromatherapy is generally safe during pregnancy, some oils and techniques may not be suitable for you.
- People with other medical conditions: Aromatherapy may not be suitable for people with epilepsy, asthma, and some skin conditions.
- People taking medications: Although these are natural products, they may interact with medications you are taking. Therefore, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Most importantly, aromatherapy is not a substitute for prescribed medication. Never stop taking your medication without medical advice.
Is aromatherapy really effective?
The answer is a bit complicated. Some studies show that it is effective for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. But other studies say that it has little effect on some symptoms (e.g., depression in cancer patients).
There are several reasons why the results vary in this way. Many factors affect this, including differences in research methods, the quality of the oils used, and the personal factors of the participants.
So, don't think of aromatherapy as a 'magic' cure-all. However, if used correctly and safely, it can be a great complementary therapy that can provide relief for your mental and physical well-being.
Take-Home Message
- Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that can be used in addition to medical treatment, but is not a substitute for medical treatment.
- Essential oils are very powerful. Always dilute them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying to the skin.
- Avoid ingesting essential oils for any reason. It is very dangerous.
- Keep these oils safe and away from small children and pets.
- If you are pregnant, have other medical conditions, or are taking medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting aromatherapy.
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