Since ancient times, pleasant scents have been used for therapeutic purposes: in massage, meditation and the treatment of emotional states. Aromatherapy is based on the effect of essential oils on the brain: the limbic system, which is responsible for smell, also regulates emotions, sleep and behavioral responses. Therefore, with the help of aromatic oils or mixtures, it is possible to influence the functioning of the body without pharmaceutical agents. However, aromatherapy should be perceived as a beauty ritual that allows you to better feel and learn the connection between body and mind, and not as a replacement for traditional medicine. The effect of aromas on the body is still being studied. Thus, a group of scientists from Hong Kong conducted a study and proved that aromatherapy (especially in combination with massage) really helps in the treatment of symptoms of depression.
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What is essential oil and how to choose it
Essential oils are extracted from flowers or leaves and are not used alone, but added to bath salts / foams and creams. Lavender oil is considered a universal oil in aromatherapy: it calms the nervous system and has a beneficial effect on sleep problems. All citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) and bergamot have a tonic effect: they help to concentrate, increase efficiency, give vigor and improve mood. Tea tree oil is considered a natural antiseptic. It is used for disinfection of premises with the help of an aroma lamp, applied to acne and inhaled for infectious diseases. Geranium helps with headaches and mood swings. Mint is a great helper for those who cannot stand transport. It also helps to concentrate and, when applied to the skin, eliminates itching, swelling.
What are aroma mixtures and how to choose them
In the form of blends, aromatic oils work even more effectively, reinforcing each other. When mixing essential oils, it is important to consider not only their properties, but also their dosage. Therefore, many cosmetic companies produce ready-made aroma mixes in the form of sprays or oils.
However, with a large assortment of mixes, choosing the right one can be quite difficult (as when choosing a perfume). There are many approaches, but most of them are based on sensory choice. “We invite our guests to abstract themselves from the world around them and work with the subconscious, since it is the subconscious that knows best what we need at the moment,” says the coach of the Aveda brand in Russia Kristina Muslimova, how to choose the right aroma mixes. - Aveda has chakra sprays, and to get to know them we lay out seven chakra cards with visualization of the symbol, color and name of the chakra. Then we invite the guest to choose three of them. Then one of the three is selected - with his eyes closed, so as not to be distracted by the outside."
How to use and apply
Essential oils can be used with aroma lamps or applied one drop to the wrists, under the earlobes, and to the collarbone. Roller aroma oils are applied according to the same principle. Their only difference from pharmacies is that they are presented in convenient packaging that you can take with you on the road. Sprays based on essential oils are important to spray in a pre-ventilated area.>