THE AROMATHERAPY
Smells remind us of experiences that have been stored in our mind, and have the ability to influence mood.
Aromatherapy is a therapy aimed at smell and skin sensitivity, whose function is to harmonize the body and mind. This is achieved by modifying moods.
Each aroma has many physical and psychological effects. Some oils bring these aromas and can be used in different ways (inhalations, oral, massages, facials, baths, compresses, ...).
The use of essential oils is a good way to use the healing benefits of Nature. Many of them have medicinal properties that have been applied since ancient times and have been scientifically confirmed in modern research.
In the use of essential oils, the following precautions must be taken:
• Correctly apply essential oils, since if they are misused (incorrect dosage, inadequate route of administration, inadequate amounts, ...) can cause irritation, allergies, ...
• If you are pregnant, you should consult a doctor.
• Bottles should be kept completely closed in cool, dark places and away from children or pets.
• Some oils are photosensitive (orange, petitgrain, ...). After applying them you should not sunbathe.
• If you are following a homeopathic treatment, allow at least one hour to pass between taking homeopathic granules and applying the essential oil.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ESSENTIAL OILS, AROMAS AND FRAGRANCES
Essential oils (they are natural)
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid that contains the aromatic compounds of a plant. They have therapeutic and medicinal properties.
For its elaboration, the scented essence of a plant (from its leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, root, berries, ...) has been extracted, either by distillation or by pressing.
Huge amounts of these plants are needed by weight to be able to obtain a few milliliters of an essential oil, so they are very concentrated oils.
They cannot be used directly on the skin, mucous membranes or vital organs, as they would cause irritation, due to the high concentration of the active extract.
For an essential oil to retain all its healing qualities, it must be extracted from plants grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.
Essential oils are very expensive, but a bottle can last for months or years.
Natural essences
Everything said for essential oils is applicable to natural essences. The big difference is that in these, the concentration of plants is quite lower so they are cheaper.
Synthetic essences
They are artificial essences obtained in the laboratory. They imitate almost perfectly the natural aroma, but they do not have any of the beneficial properties of the plants.
They are much cheaper than essential oils and natural essences.
They can be irritating to the skin due to its chemical components.
Natural aromas (fragrances)
They are odorous by-products that come from a natural essence, but that has been greatly diluted. The concentration of active product is very low, so its beneficial effects are minimal.
Synthetic aromas (fragrances)
They are very dilute synthetic essences. They are the most popular for candles and soaps.
Commercially they are usually called esencias, but in reality they are aromas (or fragrances). they need enormous amounts in weight of these plants to be able to obtain a few milliliters of an essential oil, so they are very concentrated oils.
They cannot be used directly on the skin, mucous membranes or vital organs, as they will cause irritation, due to the high concentration of the active extract.
For an essential oil to retain all its healing qualities, it must be extracted from plants grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.
Essential oils are very expensive, but a bottle can last for months or years.
Natural essences
Everything said for essential oils is applicable to natural essences. The big difference is that in these, the concentration of
Plants is quite smaller so they are cheaper.
Synthetic essences
They are artificial essences obtained in the laboratory. They imitate almost perfectly the natural aroma, but they do not have any of the beneficial properties of plants.
They are much cheaper than essential oils and natural essences.
They can be irritating to the skin due to its chemical components.
Natural aromas (fragrances)
They are odorous by-products that come from a natural essence, but that has been greatly diluted. The concentration of active product is very low, so its beneficial effects are minimal.
Synthetic aromas (fragrances)
They are very dilute synthetic essences. They are the most popular for candles and soaps.
Commercially they are often called "essences", but in reality they are aromas (or fragrances).
Author: Renée Muchen
Territorial Delegate of the Ong Hao of Barcelona in Argentina
So Ham School of Reiki Heiwa to Ai, Meditation, and Therapeutic Yoga
www.sohamreiki.com
