Since relaxation is one of its main benefits, treating a seriously ill person to a soothing aromatherapy massage can do wonders for their state of mind. Also some of the oils can help alleviate nausea and pain that has settled into the joints and tissues. Even though many have learned to practice aromatherapy at home, in the case of sickness or pain they should definitely consult an expert.

 

Two French doctors, Lapraz and Durrafourd, both from Paris have conducted clinical trials on the effects of taking essential oils internally. They have found that certain oils don’t always work on the same type of infection, but that the patient’s chemistry plays a big part in determining how best to treat him or her.

Since it was Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé who named aromatherapy, it only makes sense that his countrymen are continuing his work. For more information go to http://www.essentialoils.co.za/medical.htm.

Studies show that essential oils work mainly on our olfactory senses. Think of the times you get a whiff of something and it immediately triggers a memory or emotion.

 

In simple terms, our entire senses link to our brains and smelling is no different. Even though research is still being done, it’s pretty conclusive that the right essential oils can improve our moods by impacting the emotional parts of our brains. The mind is affected by aromatherapy via the sense of smell.

 

There is a complicated process at work as with most of our bodily functions. We will try to explain what happens as simply as possible. The aroma is inhaled via the nose and attaches to the fine nasal hairs which link to the olfactory nerve. Then it becomes and electrical signal to the brain. The part of the brain receiving the signal is called the limbic system and is the most primitive section of the human brain. It influences our mood, our emotions, and how alert or tuned in we feel. Well-trained aromatherapy specialists believe that since the essential oils are received by the brain, they are able to influence both physical and psychological selves.

 

There has also been research showing that aromatherapy can relieve pain. Some believe it to by a placebo effect, but even if this is true, if pain is eased then the result is positive. However, some believe results are due to the parts of the brain stimulated by essential oils. Chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine which make us feel good, are released when they interact with certain oils.

 

History proves that essential oils do help a number of health problems. That doesn’t mean that they cure everything they touch, but they definitely help in making people more comfortable. They affect our physical, mental, and emotional health. You can study medicine and drugs to see that they have been using essential oils for years in some form or other. Just remember that pure oils are better than those that have been chemically altered.

 

Aromatherapy is a treatment in the holistic and/or naturopathic medical model. Some westerners are so ingrained with the use of traditional western style medicine that they think of anything else as some sort of quackery. As mentioned before, a lot of people are hoping to simplify their lives and get back to more basic ways of existing. These are some of the folks who question so-called modern medicine that employs so many harsh chemicals in its treatment plans. There are now a good, and growing, number of western doctors who are