Leave your perfume on the counter and keep your scented lotions in a drawer. And, while you're at it, go ahead and put your aspirin bottle back in the medicine cabinet. It's time to learn about aromatherapy.
|
Renee Seeley, of the Denim Lounge and Perfume bar in Longview, demonstrates how to apply oils to pressure points like the wrist, neck and heels.
|
|
This Earth Elements Fragrance Diffuser can be found at Longview's Louis Morgan for $24.
|
Why aromatherapy?
"Aromatherapy is the use of aromas for physical, mental and emotional healing," said Renee Seeley, a certified aromatherapist and owner of The Denim Lounge and Perfume Bar in Longview. "I got into it about six years ago ... when my perfumes were giving me really bad headaches."
The unnatural chemicals in her fragrances were causing health problems, and aromatherapy was her solution. Not only did the essential oils used in the practice keep her smelling great, but they also worked to enhance her health and well-being.
"I believe we all have the power to heal ourselves," Renee said. "Essential oils help us do just that."
What exactly are essential oils?
Essential oils form the basis of aromatherapy. They are volatile, highly concentrated extracts from the aromatic parts of flowers, trees, herbs, roots and grasses.
"What people don't realize about these oils is that they have anti-viral, antifungal and antiseptic properties," said Brenda Lanaken, a licensed massage therapist in Longview. "I think they're much more effective than any medicines behind a counter. I use it in massage therapy all the time."
How does aromatherapy work?
"Essential oils are made up of molecules that quickly evaporate into the environment," Renee said. "When you inhale an essential oil, its unique active components react with your olfactory membrane in your nose."
This membrane is directly linked to the hypothalamus and limbic system of your brain, which are two areas that are crucial to your emotional and physical health.
"You can apply the oils (mixed with carrier oils) to your skin for a more direct impact. The molecules literally move into your bloodstream this way," she said. "You can also use diffusers if you're wanting to just smell the oils in the air. The sense of smell is very powerful."
What are carrier oils?
When using essential oils, it's important to dilute them in carrier oils. Since essential oils are so concentrated and powerful, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. Carrier oils are pure vegetable oils that are used to dilute and "carry" essential oils into the skin. Common carriers are sweet almond and grapeseed oil.
*****
Do you need therapy?
Tea Tree - blemishes, cold sores, bites/stings
Peppermint - headaches, fever, nausea, indigestion
Rosemary - aches, pains
Lavender - minor burns, insomnia, aches
Neroli - stress, depression
Jasmine - PMS, fatigue, anxiety
Chamomile - sunburn, allergies, blemishes
