Aromatherapy
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Aroma-Therapy Information
~ The first section of this on-line catalog is designed to familiarize you with Aroma Therapy and the benefits of Essential Oils. The infgormation presented on this web site is by no means intended to substitute for medical care or the advice of a physician.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
What are Essential Oils?
ESSENTIAL OILS are the subtle, volatile liquids distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds.
For thousands of years, priests and physicians were using Essential Oils to heal the sick. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Some precious oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard were used for anointing and for protection against the ravages of disease.
Science is just now rediscovering the healing substances that were used in ancient times and is beginning to acknowledge their value. Safety Note:
Essential oils should never be taken internally, and should always be well diluted in a massage oil or lotion,before using on the skin. If you are pregnant, or breast-feeding, please be sure to consult a qualified Aromatherapist, before using essential oils in any way, as some essential oils can be harmful to your baby's health. Essential oils should always be kept in a safe place, away from children. What is Aroma Therapy?
For more detailed information see our Aromatherapy pathfinder!
Aroma-therapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants and herbs to treat conditions ranging from infections and skin disorders to immune deficiencies and stress. Essential oils are widely used throughout Europe and a system of medical aroma-therapy is currently practiced in France.
Aroma-therapy has recently found it's way into mainstream science in the United States. The National Institutes of Health in 1992 officially recognized "unconventional medical practices" and began a study to integrate these practices into modern health care. Among the unconventional treatments; herbal medicine, of which aroma-therapy is a branch.
"Aroma-therapy works two fold," according to Michael Scholes, president of Aroma-therapy Seminars, Los Angeles, California. "These essenceses have a smell that, when inhaled, is processed in an area of the brain that controls emotions. They penetrate the skin to get into the bloodstream and the immune system to work in a physiological method."
Go to the Top of the PageHow do the essential oils work?
1. The aromas are perceived by the nerve endings at the back of the nose, and signals are passed to the limbic system in the brain. An important part of the limbic system, the hypothalamus, governs the pituitary gland, which controls hormone release throughout the body. Additionally, production of different neuro-chemicals can be triggered by smells. These neuro-chemicals can change your moods - like serotonin, which calmes, or endorphin, which gives a natural "high".
2. During the massage, the very small molecules of essential oils are absorbed through the skin. They thendissolve in the natural body fats and fluids. This allows them to flow around the body in the lymphatic and blood systems, to relax or stimulate, detoxify and regenerate.
3. The phytochemical components of essential oils have been analyzed and tested, and many therapeutic effects have been shown to occur.
4. Smells and fragrances can affect mood and emotions, and trigger the production of hormones in the body. They can uplift the spirit, clear the mind and totally relax the body.
Go to the Top of the PageHow can they help me?
Holistic Aromatherapy massage can:
1. Disperse toxic build-up in muscles, reducing chronic tension.
2. Stimulate the lymphatic system and improve blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to skin, muscles and essential organs.
3. Stimulate or sedate (as required) the central nervous system, to improve the performance of body systems and enhance wellness.
4. Act on the endocrine system, through the pituitary gland, stimulating hormone production, and re-establishing balance.
5. Promote a sense of physical and mental well-being, reducing stress and strengthening the body's defenses.
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