Essential oils derived from plants, interact with our olfactory (smell) center in the brain,
concentrated energy centers along the spine, which in turn interact with nerve bundles and
organs. Aromatherapy has multiple benefits including improving and promoting energy flow,
mindfulness, emotional wellness, higher consciousness and spirituality, relaxation, healthy
sensuality, and balance. Essential oils can be used during massage therapies (Swedish, Deep-tissue, Chakra) and facials to enhance these experiences. Touch when combined with smell in customized aromatherapy massages and facial therapies, elicits powerful treatments for the mind, and body. Aromatherapy Chakra massage using essential oils and energy crystals directed at each of the seven chakras, and during the facial, promotes neuroplasticity, strengthening existing pathways and the ability of the brain to change in a positive way.
Aromatherapy is commonly used for home self-care. Essential oils can be added to the bath or shower, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, and can also be dispersed into the room via a diffusor. Given that they are very concentrated, they should never be applied directly to the skin and should be diluted in a carrier oil (almond oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil). There are dozens of essential oils. Here are some of the therapeutic benefits and some of the commonly used essential oils:
Calming: lavender, chamomile, sandalwood
Detoxyfying: ginger, sage, rosemary
Depression: bergamot, lavender, neroli, rose
Sensual: Ylang-Ylang, geranium, sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine
Menopause symptoms (irritability, insomnia, depression, hot flushes): sage, geranium, cypress, yarrow
PMS (irritability, fatigue, depression): Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, marjoram
Anti-inflammatory, rheumatic pain: eucalyptus, nutmeg, Swiss pine
Promotes positive attitudes, energy: sweet orange, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary
Antiseptic: Tea tree, lemongrass, eucalyptus
Muscle soreness: mint, rosemary, ginger, birch, nutmeg, Swiss pine
Brain boosting: grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, peppermint
Anxiety: bergamot, clary, sandalwood
At El Noel Wellness we offer aromatherapy massages, facials, hydrotherapy baths and also use the essential oils in our after-treatment body butters, lotions and oils. (see our aromatherapy services on our site).
Author
Yvonne E. Noel, M.D.
Gynecology
Environmental Educator & Advocate
Owner, El Noel Eco-Center for Integrative Wellness
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