Using essential oils for various health purposes has a long and varied history. It is said that aromatherapy oils can boost one’s mood and help them stay healthy. The working of aromatherapy is on two different levels, inhalation and topical application. Find more details about how aromatherapy works by reading on in this article.
Aromatherapy works to capitalize on our sense of smell, which is the most primitive of all our senses. Due to this, aromatherapy oils trigger emotional and physical responses within some of the deepest parts of the brain. When aromatic molecules are inhaled, they connect with specialized nerve cells which form part of the olfactory system. The olfactory cells are linked to tiny hairs in the annals which recognize and respond to specific aromas. After that, nerve impulses travel from the olfactory cells to the limbic system, which is a part of the brain that controls instincts and emotions, blood pressure, hormone balance, breathing, stress, and memory. Therefore, breathing in essential oils has a holistic effect on the brain and the body of a person. Depending on the essential oils that one uses, distinct aromas can change one’s mood, provide relaxation or stimulation, and even helping with anxiety and depression.
Topical application often involves massaging essential oils into the skin to increase absorption. Essential oils have various characteristics that make them beneficial for the skin in different ways. Most of the essential oils are antibacterial, while others are also antiviral, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory. The molecules found in the oils are also small enough so that they can penetrate through the top layer of the skin to reach the deeper layer of the skin. After this subsection, the molecules pass into blood vessels, which enables them to circulate the body. Essential oils reach parts of the body with good blood vessel networks such as the liver, some groups of muscles, and the kidneys. Once in these places, the essential oils prevent cell damage and promote cell renewal due to their antioxidant properties.
It is required that you use essential oils properly according to the different methods for you to harness their power. In most cases, inhalation is the best method to use the essential oils, except when you want to use the essential oils for the skin or as part of massage therapy. For inhaling aromatherapy oils, one can use different methods including using a personal inhaler, steam inhalation, or an aroma diffuser. You can also do away with issues on the skin such as eczema and acne when you use topical application of aromatherapy oils.
This website has further details on how you can use aromatherapy oils.