Aromatherapy: How It Works

The Neuro Science behind Aromatherapy: For thousands of years aromatherapy has been used to heal the body, mind, spirit and emotions. In recent years there has been a great deal of scientific research conducted on neuropeptides and neuro receptor sites. Neuro relates to nerves and indicates intelligence or the ability to cognize or think.

It is your nervous system, your body's electrical pathways, that coordinates the Consciousness and function of all your Systems including, your organs, endocrine glands, lymphatic (immune function), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, integumentary (hair & skin), urinary, reproductive and respiratory systems. In a very real sense your nervous system is the physical counterpart of your Mind.

Your nervous system has two networks of intelligence. Your Central or Conscious Intelligence System and your Autonomic or Unconscious Intelligence System. This branch of your nervous system is instinctive and operates below your "normal" perception of conscious control.

Research scientists have discovered nerve cells, located within every organ and system of the human body, coordinating communications between each of your cells. In fact it's been discovered that cells from each of your body systems are to be found eavesdropping within every other system of your body.

It is through this cellular matrix and network of communications, operating like a mini-nervous system, that neuropeptides, or chemical messengers, transmit their information to all your body's organs and systems. This interconnected field of information operates with such incredible speed and efficiency that it boggles the mind.

We now understand from this research that aromatic oils are chemical messengers that attach to human nerve receptors to induce a chemical response. For instance it is known that the chemical component Azulene that is in Blue Tansy and German Chamomile give them an anti-inflammatory effect. While an estrogen-like effect is induced by the Sclareol content of Clay Sage and the plant esters of Lavender oil stimulate a calming effect.

It has also been documented that the whole natural plant molecule has a myriad of properties that interact with the human body in ways that science cannot reproduce synthetically. Hence it is always recommended to use pure aromatic oils for best therapeutic results.

Recommended Methods: 1) Direct Inhalation: 1-3 drops of an aromatic oil in your palm, rub hands together and inhale for 30-60 seconds. 2) Bath - Blend 6-12 drops of oil in a teaspoonful of honey or unscented jojoba oil, after drawing your bath stir the mixture into your bath water and soak!

Either of these methods will effectively allow aromatic oils to enter the neuro-chemical delivery pathways of your nervous and hormonal systems. The Vapors from the oils enter through your nose and immediately go into your Lungs, as well as stimulate your Olfactory nerves.

Your Olfactory nerve then signals your Limbic system, the control mechanism in your brain for emotions and memory. From your lungs the oils immediatley enter your bloodstream and are delivered to your Heart, as well as all of your Body tissues and Organs, the Liver and Pancreas, your Reproductive organs, Skin, Kidney and Bladder.

The oils then circulate back to your Lungs where they are excreted. Research shows that through inhalation aromatic oils will remain for a longer period in your cell tissues ( 4-6 hours) than through any other means of application.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative healing therapy for improving your physical, mental, and emotional health.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book about her AromaTest system, "Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal," are scheduled for release in 2006. To order aromatherapy oils: Order Pure Organic & Wild Crafted Aromatherapy Oils Please refer to KG's chart diagram for Aromatherapy Delivery Pathways KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles

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What is aromatherapy?

The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being.
A system of caring for the body with botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender (used to soothe cuts, bruises and insect bites), and peppermint. These essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin, inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room. This therapy is intended to relieve pain, care for the skin, and alleviate tension and fatigue.
The use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers as a healing art. Aromatherapy refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce a sense of well-being. Each individual essence is used to produce a specific beneficial effect. Used in massage and facials.
The use of essential oils from aromatic plants to restore and enhance health and beauty as defined by the American Aromatherapy Association. Aromatherapy uses as its basic ingredients essential oils, which represent the highest herbal energy. Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile extracts retrieved from aromatic herbs, flowers, seeds and trees; they contain hormone-like properties, vitamins, minerals and natural antiseptics.