Q&A on Aromatherapy, Healing Gift of Nature

While even the gentlest scent has the might to hold a memory in the mind of the most absent-minded, fragrances have been artful in mesmerizing even the stoic. While odors’ subtle skill can alert folks of an impending danger, aromas have the power to drive away even the most stubborn gloom. For such are the gifts of smell and the impulses stimulated by it bring forth positive outcomes in one’s mind, body, and soul through the right practice of Aromatherapy. All aromas and scents cannot heal the body and mind. Aromatherapy uses essential oils or the pure essence of plants to promote good health in a person through the sense of smell. For therapeutic value, it is important that synthetic chemicals or artificial ingredients are not used to bring about the aroma. Aromatherapist Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Founder of Aroma Magic range of products, speaks to Medindia on the benefits of Aromatherapy.

Q. Aromatherapy is currently used for tending to skin, hair and treating mild medical conditions like common cold and fever. How effective is it in treating serious medical conditions, such as heart congestion or cancer?

A. Aromatherapy is an increasingly popular method in both managing stress and providing a supplement to those receiving traditional or medical cancer treatments. While many consider stress an everyday part of life, its biochemical impact on the human body makes it a cause of concern. Symptoms include elevating blood sugar, weight gain, premature ageing, physical pain, exhaustion and result in an impaired immune system - which impacts the body’s ability to fight off cancer. Therefore, Stress Management is an effective home remedy for cancer.
Aromatherapy is used in an attempt to help heal wounds, energize, improve skin tone, relax muscles, regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, aid in sleep, fortify the immune system, kill bacterial and fungal infections, decrease upper respiratory congestion, improve digestion, increase blood circulation, and relieve tension headaches.

Q. How can aromatherapy be used along with conventional therapy? Have you offered such assistance?

A. Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils, has health benefits to the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness of a person. These essential oils are also used for skin care as these can keep skin moisturized, young looking, and healthy. The use of essential oils in aromatherapy is an alternative way to treat illness compared to conventional treatment. It is highly beneficial for the emotional and psychological well being of a person. The particular use of essential oils has good therapeutic effects on the body. The use of aromatherapy has also helped people who are recovering from surgery, mothers recovering from labor pain and cancer patients who are still under treatment. Aromatherapy can be used with Ayurveda and acupressure to maximize their effectiveness.

Q. Aromatherapy is offered in salons and spas, which gives it a cosmetic impression or considered a luxury, how do you promote the curative aspect of the therapy?

A. Aromatherapy has gentle effects to affect the mood of a person – it stimulates relaxation, reduces nervous tension and alleviates the feeling of fatigue and restlessness. It is also used as part of the beauty regimen – used in beauty spas, hair treatments and as skin moisturizers.

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Q. To what extent can aromatherapy be practiced at home? What are the side effects?

A. Aromatherapy not only allows you to create a refreshing scent for your home but also has a number of other benefits. Using aromatherapy rather than a plug-in or aerosol air freshener is a natural, safer and environment-friendly option.

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Bergamot essential oil has a natural deodorizing effect. It is known for its uplifting and refreshing nature. Bergamot is able to treat stress and depression and also has the added benefit of having antiseptic properties. Ylang Ylang oil is known for its euphoric and aphrodisiac qualities. It is used to create a feeling of relaxation and is also widely used in skin care. Tea Tree oil can be used for acne.

Q. Aroma candles, massages are all topical, what of internal medication?

A. Some oils are used as insect repellents, air fresheners, and massage oils and for other medicinal purposes. Aromatherapy is not used for internal medication because it might chemically react with the body systems, fluids, etc.

Q. When is aromatherapy not advisable?

A. Essential oils should be avoided by pregnant ladies, epileptic patients or if someone is simply allergic to Aromas. One should also avoid while the person is undergoing Homeopathy treatment.

Q. What should one do to get the best out of aromatherapy?

A. Aromatherapy should be used everywhere and in every form. Make it a part of your life. Use oils in your bath water, diffusers, laundry, apart from skin and hair care. It can also be used as natural room fresheners and insect repellents.

Aromatherapy as an alternate medicine has proven to be worth its salt because what comes from nature assures safety and contributes to the overall well being of a person. Medindia thanks Dr. Blossom Kochhar for sharing the benefits of Aromatherapy and wishes readers the best of health in your mind, body and soul.

Source-Medindia