Do you remember the wonderful feeling of peace and tranquility that comes from the scent of a blooming flower or the scent of rain falling on parched earth? Some scents evoke memories and instantly change our mood. Today, we are going to talk about a wonderful treatment method that utilizes the connection between scent and our emotions. That is aromatherapy.
Simply put, what is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It uses highly concentrated essential oils , extracted from plants, to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
This is also called "holistic therapy." This means that it seeks to provide relief not only to your body, but also to your mind, body, and spirit . It mainly involves inhaling essential oils or applying them diluted to the skin.
This method has been used by people around the world for centuries. Sometimes aromatherapy is used as an adjunct to, or in addition to, mainstream treatments for conditions like anxiety. But remember, it is not a substitute for mainstream medical treatment.
Well, how does this smell affect our body?
This is a very interesting process. When you inhale the scent of an essential oil, tiny particles released from it enter your nose.
1. A special type of cell inside the nose, called olfactory receptors, detects these odor particles.
2. Once detected, these cells send messages to the brain via your olfactory nerve.
3. These messages go directly to a key part of your brain that controls emotions and memories: the limbic system and its part, the amygdala.
4. Due to this stimulation, the brain begins to release hormones that bring happiness and comfort to our hearts.
Simply put, the moment we smell a scent, it triggers a chemical process in our brain that can alter our mood, sleep, and even the way we perceive pain.
Some of these "feel-good hormones" released by the brain are:
- Serotonin: Helps regulate mood and sleep.
- Endorphins: Act as a natural painkiller.
- Dopamine: Creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
What conditions can aromatherapy help with?
Research has found that aromatherapy can help manage the following conditions. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor before trying any of these.
| Status | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Stress | There is evidence that scents like lavender and bergamot can help calm the mind and reduce stress. |
| Sleep disorders | Oils like lavender and chamomile help you fall asleep and achieve a restful sleep. |
| Anxiety | It helps reduce temporary anxiety, especially before an event (e.g., before an MRI scan, surgery). |
| Menstrual cramps | Some oils (e.g., clary sage, lavender) can be applied to the abdomen to relieve pain. |
The Difference Between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
When talking about aromatherapy, it is very important to know exactly what these two types of oils are.
- Essential Oils: These are highly concentrated plant extracts that have a strong scent. They are very potent. Think about it, a large amount of plant material is used to make a bottle of this oil. Therefore, they should never be applied directly to the skin.
- Carrier Oils: These are the oils used to dilute the powerful essential oil. Like a vehicle, these oils safely transport the essential oil to our skin. They don't have a strong scent. Examples include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil.
How to use aromatherapy correctly and safely?
Although essential oils are natural products, they are powerful and can be harmful if used incorrectly. So be very careful with these things.
| Method used | How to do it and tips |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | You can add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam with your eyes closed. Or you can use a diffuser to diffuse the scent throughout the room. |
| Massage | It should be diluted in a carrier oil for massage. Typically, 5-6 drops of essential oil are used per 30 milliliters of carrier oil. |
| Bath | Do not add a few drops of essential oil directly to the bathwater. Since the oil does not dissolve in water, it can cause skin irritation. First dilute it in a carrier oil , then add it to the water. |
Very important: Essential oils are flammable, so do not use or store them near open flames or candles.
Things to definitely take care of!
You need to remember this part very well.
- Never drink essential oils: They are very dangerous to drink. It is not advisable to mix them with water or tea.
- Be sure to dilute before applying to the skin: Do not apply directly from the bottle. Always mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil.
- Keep away from children and pets: These are toxic if ingested in large quantities. So keep bottles tightly closed and out of reach of children.
- In case of accidental ingestion: If anyone, especially a child, accidentally drinks this oil, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Do not panic and follow their advice.
Who should be especially careful?
If you belong to one of the following categories, you should definitely consult your doctor before using aromatherapy.
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Some oils are not suitable during pregnancy.
- People with other medical conditions: These may not be suitable for people with epilepsy, asthma, and some skin diseases.
- People taking other medications: Although natural, these oils may cause adverse reactions with medications you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment that can provide relief in addition to your primary medical treatment. It should never be considered a substitute for medical treatment.
- Essential oils are very powerful. Be sure to dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin.
- Do not ingest essential oils for any reason. It is very dangerous. Keep away from small children and pets.
- If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking other medications, talk to your doctor and get permission before starting aromatherapy.
- Keep in mind that while products like "aromatherapy candles" may be soothing, they are not considered professional aromatherapy.
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