Despite modern medical advances, natural herbal remedies remain popular as they are used to maintain good health and reduce symptoms of various ailments in a natural and safe way. In particular, aromatherapy is a favorite as it is known to help one relax and may ease respiratory symptoms.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic health therapy which involves inhaling or applying onto the skin —aromatic essential oils that can induce relaxation and improve one’s mood. It is said that aromatherapy also provides numerous health benefits such as clearing the respiratory system and combating inflammation.
Inhaling the aroma of essential oils stimulates our smell receptors, which activates the brain to produce chemicals that calm our nervous system. By breathing in essential oils, we are able to balance our physical, psychological, and spiritual selves. One main reason why aromatherapy is so widely used is its convenience: it can be practiced at the comfort of one’s home.
In this post, we share how aromatherapy helps boost one’s mental well-being and physical health, as well as the various methods of using essential oils for aromatherapy.
Health Benefits of Aromatherapy
1. Promotes relaxation and better sleep
The aroma of essential oils not only decreases the likelihood of having sweaty palms or heart palpitations, but also helps reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, aromatherapy may relax the muscles and slow one’s heart rate to encourage sleep.
2. Aids in alleviating respiratory ailments
Essential oils such as eucalyptus have antiseptic properties that can help clear the air of bacteria and mold, thereby improving respiratory problems such as runny nose, coughs, and sinus infections.
3. Reduces pain and inflammation
Essential oils not only provides a boost to one’s mental well-being, but is also used to reduce pain and inflammation. To help soothe muscle tension, joint pain, inflammation or headaches, you can combine different essential oils to inhale or apply onto sore areas.
How to Use Essential Oils Effectively
1. Inhale directly
When inhaled, essential oil molecules interact with the olfactory system to bring about its relaxing effect. Start by placing the essential oil bottle at chest level, sniffing it gently, before moving it closer to your nose. As you become more relaxed, take deeper breaths.
2. Take an oil bath
Place a few drops of essential oil in a hot tub of water and soak in the bath. The water will quickly dissolve the essential oil and release its aroma in the air. For a more relaxing session, immerse your face in the tub of water to steam. Consider using swimming goggles to prevent the essential oil from entering your eyes.
3. Use an essential oil diffuser
A diffuser uses air, water and ultrasonic waves to diffuse essential oils in the air. The machine creates a fine mist in the air and doubles the humidity, allowing essential oil molecules to stay in the air for up to several hours.
4. Apply as a massage oil
You can either massage essential oils directly onto your body, or you can use a base oil such as almond, coconut or olive oil to dilute it.
Gently apply essential oils onto the skin and massage your acupuncture points. When performing a massage for children using essential oils or mixing with other organic ingredients, consult a specialist to find out if it is safe to do so.
Sunbreeze® Oil: For Relaxation and Energy Regeneration
Aromatherapy is more than just smelling pleasant aromas; it aids in maintaining optimal mental and physical well-being by lifting our mood and relaxing the muscles. If you are interested in including aromatherapy to your health journey, try out Sunrider’s very own SunBreeze® Oil.
Infused with natural essential oils and an ultra-concentrated blend of nature’s best botanicals, SunBreeze® Oil is the perfect match for stress, tension, overworked muscles, and stiff, aching joints. Simply massage into your neck, temples, or anywhere on your body for instant relief. The concentrated extracts of essential oils gently penetrate into the skin with a pleasant aroma that dispels fatigue and stress, returning a state of balance to the body and mind.
For more healthy living tips and habits, check out our article on: How to Detox and Feel Good Every Day.
