Aromatherapy is the use of various plant oils for rejuvenation or relaxation and other health benefits. The concentrated formula used in Aromatherapy consists of oils are derived from the bark or leaves of plants. The oils should never be applied directly to the skin. Applying them directly without proper dilution can be harmful to your health. Aromatherapy has been used for thousands and thousands of years dating back to the ancient Egyptians. Aromatherapy is everywhere from your dish soap to shampoo to perfumes and even air deodorizers. It is even used as a marketing tactic to get shoppers into a spending mood. Day spas use aromatherapy as a way to give you a desired benefit whether you wish to relax or be energized. The benefits of aromatherapy can be felt either by inhaling the oil or having it absorbed through your skin. It has been known to provide health benefits ranging from relaxation to relieving congested nasal passages from the common cold.
To understand the power of aromatherapy you have to understand how scents can affect your mood. As you breathe in the scents around you, these scents travel across the olfactory nerves and to your brain, to the area that can control the way you feel. For example if you are feeling stressed out, tell the folks when you call that you are looking for relaxation and stress reduction. Scents that relax and reduce anxiety include lavender, jasmine, geranium, chamomile and hyssop. Lavender and chamomile are also known to help reduce depression. And if you are having sleep difficulty chamomile is great in tea as well. If you are having problems concentrative or with sleepiness ask your day spa provider about using bergamot, peppermint, grapefruit, lemon or basil oils.
One popular use of aromatherapy in day spas is through massage including reflexology. With reflexology for example, the client soaks their foot in aromatherapeutic oils so they benefit from inhaling the scent as well as have oils massaged into their feet. With a full aromatherapeutic massage you can reap both the benefits of smelling the wonderful scent as well as the benefits of having the oils massaged into your skin.
Aromatherapy oils also have antifungal and antibacterial properties. When a day spa uses facial massage they personalize the oils that are used based upon what your individual needs are. Most spas will begin with a personalized consultation to determine what oils will be used for your skin type – whether you have dry skin, or an oily t-zone, the aromatherapy oils can help you when used in conjunction with a facial massage.
Since the time of the Egyptians, aromatherapy has been used for its wonderful properties from relaxation to its antibacterial properties, plants have been helping people for thousands of years. Aromatherapy is used not only in many common household products, but also in medications used to relieve congestion. Day spas reap its benefit through its use in massage oils. The benefits are realized in the patient through services such as facial massage, full body massage and reflexology. The benefits are felt both by inhaling the scents and the properties of the oils when applied to the body including its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Next time you are feeling down enjoy some chamomile, and when you are feeling tired and need a little pick up, try eating some mints. And the next time you really want to feel relaxed or rejuvenated, go to a day spa to realize the benefits of aromatherapy. |
