Aromatherapy
As the popularity of alternative medicine rises more and more people are turning to aromatherapy which is the practice of using scents to affect a person’s health and mood. Very highly concentrated oils from aromatic plants are typically used in aromatherapy and these are often referred to as essential oils.
These oils are can be used in a variety of different ways, although the most common method of application is diffusion in the air, using an burner to heat the oil and spread it’s scent through the air. Some aromatherapy techniques require direct application of the essential oils; however this must be approached with caution as the extremely concentrated oils can cause allergic reactions in some people. Essential oils are also frequently diluted into carrier oils, allowing them to be safely applied to the skin directly. Olive oil is frequently used for this purpose. These diluted essential oils are frequently used for aromatherapy massages.
Aromatherapy first was first developed in France where it is remains popular to this day. Aromatherapy is often used in mainstream medicine in France and the various essential oils are frequently used in the treatment of infections.
There are many people who offer aromatherapy as a holistic treatment for a variety of illness, however some people choose to practice aromatherapy themselves in their own homes. There are a number of books and websites available which contain a great deal of information about aromatherapy techniques and most of the essential oils required are readily available.