Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy is thought of as both an art and a science. Recently, aromatherapy has gained more recognition in the fields of science and medicine.
Aromatherapy benefits
Aromatherapy has an array of benefits. It’s said to:
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manage pain
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improve sleep quality
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reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety
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soothe sore joints
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treat headaches and migraines
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alleviate side effects of chemotherapy
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ease discomforts of labor
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fight bacteria, virus, or fungus
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improve digestion
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improve hospice and palliative care
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boost immunity
How Aromatherapy Works
Experts think aromatherapy activates areas in your nose called smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain.
The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions. They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.
Some experts think that when you put essential oils on your skin, they cause a response in your skin and other parts of your body, like your joints.
