How Aromatherapy Works

When you inhale the aromas of essential oils, they activate areas of your nose called smell receptors that send messages through your nervous system to certain parts of your brain. These messages could help you relax, energize or feel calmer. Some studies suggest that aromatherapy may also boost your immune system and reduce pain.

Sense of Smell

Smell is a very important aspect of aromatherapy. It evokes memories, emotions and shapes perceptions. Smell is also connected to areas of the brain that deal with emotion and memory, such as the hippocampus and amygdala. In humans, we have an olfactory bulb in our forebrain that enables us to detect odors and communicate them to the rest of our body. Odors are sent up to this part of our brain via the olfactory nerve, which runs through the nose. The olfactory bulb sends this information to parts of our brain that are related to memory, emotion and instinctual actions. We don’t know exactly how this works yet, but the research is starting to reveal some fascinating details. For example, a recent study has found that smelling lavender essential oil before bed can help people sleep better and improve their mood and depression measurements. And, when used as part of a routine to train the sense of smell, scents can boost your energy and attention during the day.

Inhalation

The inhalation process is one of the most simple and effective methods for achieving aromatherapy results. Depending on the oils used, this can be done through nasal inhalation, steam inhalations, vaporizers or sprays. Inhalation of essential oils is often recommended by aromatherapy therapists to reduce stress and anxiety, help with sleep disorders, or improve mood. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can also be effective for reducing pain, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer. To learn how to use essential oils safely, it is important to contact a qualified aromatherapist.

Topical Application

In medical aromatherapy, doctors, nurses, massage therapists and other health care professionals use these oils to treat medical conditions. It is a natural therapy that has been used for thousands of years. In order to safely apply topical medication, the area must be cleaned. The health care provider should also place the glove or gauze that was used to apply the medication in a trash bag and discard it. Then, the health care provider should change gloves and perform hand hygiene in between applications.

Bathing

Adding essential oils to your bathing process can be the perfect way to enhance your experience and add some extra benefit. But it’s important to use the right oils for your needs so that you get the most out of them. Each oil is unique and has different effects on the body, so learning about how each one works will help you choose the best for your goals. A few drops of an appropriate essential oil will give a relaxing, calming, or refreshing experience. But do remember that some oils can be very strong and should only be used with caution.