Wednesday, January 14, 2009
By
Antoinette Boulay
Aromatherapy is natural, easy to use and healing. Mankind has been using aromatherapy for centuries; for many years before modern medications were available. People from many cultures have revealed astonishing uses for the essential oils. You may think that aromatherapy is only for use in spiritual rites, or for nutcases who avoid modern medicine, but it is not the case.
Even people who consult doctors regularly can get much from aromatherapy. Common and widely available oils are good to keep around the house for health, and tea tree oil is almost certainly the most widespread.
It can be used for soothing skin irritations, fighting acne and skin blemishes and relief for insect bites. There are oils that can help fight off colds and congestion. Peppermint or eucaplyus can be rubbed on your body to help break up chest congestions.
It can be used for massage. Many spas specialize in them, and some lucky people have a partner who gives a good massage. You can augment your massage experience with essential oils, using aromatherapy by either rubbing the oils into your skin, or putting them in a diffuser and breathe in the scents. Never had an aromatherapy massage? Find a local spa that can specialize in this kind of massage and give it a try, it is relaxing for the body and mind.
There are many ways these oils can be used for home remedies. You can put a fee drops in your bath for a soothing touch, or diffuse them in an oil burner for healing fumes. Different oils are useful for different ailments. You can find relief from skin conditions like acne, burns, athlete's foot, cuts, exzema, herpes and poison ivy. Minor irritating conditions such as earaches, congestion, muscle pains and toothaches are amenable to soothing calming scents.
Find the essential oils that you like best and try them out around the house. Check out the diverse types of diffusers available. Once you get used to it, you will love what this type of therapy can do for your mind, body and spirit.