Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a way to improve the quality
of life on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Aromatherapy is already
a part of our lives, although we may not have associated the name with
the experience. Everyone has emotional responses both pleasant
and unpleasant, to certain scents. The idea behind aromatherapy
is, first to find the scents, unique for each individual, that enhance positive
sensory feelings and emotions; and then to introduce those scents into
our everyday life to enhance well-being.
Natural scents keep us connected
to the earth sparking memories and emotions.
The pure intelligence of essential oils may
be the only tool that can reach into the deep recesses of our brain, cross
over the chemical barriers and open the hidden channels of our minds, allowing
access to greater knowledge and discernment in reaching our potential.
We
want to raise our frequency so we can heal ourselves and then help other
heal themselves.
Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through
inhalation. Essential oils, because of their fragrance and volatility,
have been reported to help create greater spiritual, physical and emotional
harmony when inhaled.
The olfactory, that part of our nose responsible
for odor detection, sends impulses created by various odors to the amygdala,
which is the memory center of our brain for fear and trauma. It was only
discovered in 1989 that the amygdala plays a major role in the storing
and releasing of emotional trauma, and only odor or fragrance stimulation
has a profound affect in triggering a response with this gland. Fragrance
is one of man's greatest enjoyments, bringing back memories of past experiences
and creating a feeling of security, grounding, and well-being. Dr. Joseph
Ledoux, of New York Medical University, feels that this could be a major
break-through in releasing emotional trauma.
Aromatherapy is an ancient art begun in Egypt
5000 years ago. Aromatherapy is even documented many places in the Bible. Aromatherapy is the natural method to care for mind, body
and soul using pure essential oils. These oils are extracted from natural
botanicals (flowers, trees, herbs, and plants) and are used to calm, balance,
and rejuvenate us. Our sense of smell has the longest recall of all the
senses yet it is the most under appreciated sense.
The sense of smell affects:
- Our emotions and memory (the Limbic System)
- The pituitary regulation (Hypothalamus)
- The release of hormones and body regulation
(Pituitary)
- Odor identification (Olfactory Cortex)
- The connection to the neo cortex (Thalamus)
- The intellectual connection (Neo cortex)
Clinical research shows that essential oils
may even help create an environment in which disease, bacteria, virus,
fungus, etc., can not live.
When we recognize the incredible attributes
of essential oils with their high antioxidant, antiseptic properties,
and immune-stimulating power, one would almost have to conclude that
essential oils are truly one of GOD'S Greatest gifts to mankind!
Ways to use aromatherapy products
include:
- Aesthetic (products used on the skin or scalp,
for example an aromatherapy facial)
- Massage (body care through the sense of touch)
- Olfactory/Psychological (products to enhance
emotional wellness)
- Therapeutic (products to encourage natural
healing)
Essential oils are used in drops rather than
ounces and capture the "quintessential" life force of the source.
Like gems, precious jewelry, or fine wine, high-quality pure essential
oils are indeed, special.
When selecting aromatherapy products, look
for natural oils instead of synthetic. Synthetic oils can cause allergies
or distress to the skin and do not contain the "life force" that
natural oils contain.
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