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Aromatherapy is based on the principles of holistic health.
It consists of the use of natural aromatic essences extracted from
plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe that the
action of the oils maintain and restore the natural life force which
supports the body's own healing mechanisms. The oils are said to
have both physiological and psychological actions, the latter
operating via the sense of smell. Physiologically the oils are believed to work by being absorbed in minute
amounts through the
skin and mucous membranes into the bloodstream, affecting the entire
body's organs and systems..
Aromatherapists most frequently employ therapeutic massage to
administer oils, using in addition a variety of techniques that
may include shiatsu and reflexology. Individual blends of oils are
made up for each patient, taking into account the volatility of the
oils, the therapeutic effects of each oil and the patient's
preferred smells. Aromatherapy has also become popular for home use,
especially in baths and oil burners.
Commonly prescribed oils:
The most commonly prescribed oils include the following:
Lavender: versatile oil, used for treatment of insomnia,
headaches, depression, anxiety, burns, wounds, heat exhaustion and
insect stings.
Eucalyptus: used for treating respiratory infections, fevers,
exhaustion, cramps, wounds, and skin ulcers.
Rosemary: used to relieve poor circulation, headaches,
general debility, poor memory, muscular aches and pains.
Tee tree: used for respiratory infections, skin conditions,
fungal conditions, wounds and insect bites.
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