For ancient Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Easterners, fragrances were of great importance throughout life. Incense was used in religious and preventive, curative and cosmetic purposes. They were used everywhere: during state meetings and rest, for embalming and in war. For example, very fond of fragrant oils, ointments and lipsticks ancient Greeks and Romans. In the Roman Empire, even flourished industrial industry, engaged in fragrances. Especially valued roses. Flowers threw at the victors' feet, their petals were carpeted with floors during the feasts, filled with aromatic baths. However, for example, Julius Caesar believed that a man should smell of garlic rather than flower aromas.
At the beginning of the 20th century, during the rapid development of science, aromatherapy in Europe ceased to play such a significant role. Scientists were carried away by the development of synthetic pharmacological agents. His second birth of ancient art survived in the second half of the last century. This was due to a sharp deterioration in the environmental situation, numerous complications associated with the use of synthetic drugs. All this has prompted mankind to turn again to the experience and knowledge of wise ancestors.
Basic principles of aromatherapy
- Before using aromatherapy consult an expert. He should advise what oils to use. What dosages you should use, taking into account your state of health and individual preferences. In some cases (pregnancy, heart disease), the use of essential oils is contraindicated or should be limited.
- Pregnant women and children can not use basil oil, and also wormwood, rosemary, marjoram, cedar, camphor. Baths with vanilla oil are forbidden.
- To newborns and children under 3 years of age, aromatic oils are generally contraindicated.
- Try to buy essential oils of famous companies, the quality of which complies with international ISO standards and is confirmed by state certificates. Such goods are sold in beauty salons and pharmacies.
Smells from a hundred diseases
At the heart of aromatherapy are the principles of the effect on the human body of natural essential oils. They create and preserve the harmony of body, soul and spirit. They relieve stress, serve for the prevention of a variety of diseases. Essential oils are light, volatile, low-fat flavors produced by plants (it is thanks to them that the latter smell so miraculously). They got their name because of their similarity to oil - in appearance and touch - although they do not have anything to do with ordinary oil. Essential oils have a wide range of action: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal. For example, it has long been known that tea tree oil, frankincense, lavender, sandalwood, thyme kill bacteria and disease-causing fungi. Natural essential oils are non-toxic, non-addictive and do not give negative side effects.
The mechanism of action of the smell is simple. Special receptors of the body are irritated by molecules of fragrant substances. Then, through the nerve endings, the information gets immediately to the brain department responsible for the sense of smell. So there are feelings of smell. The center of smell affects the parts of the nervous system that control emotions, the hormonal background, the blood supply of internal organs, and the tone of the vessels. Therefore, different smells differently affect our physical condition and mood. Aromas can cause vasospasm and headache, slow or accelerate the heart rate, increase blood pressure, induce a happy smile or doze in complete peace. For example, vanilla scents are considered a tonic and a stimulant. There is a saying that you will not be full of one smell. However, scientists hold a different opinion. It turns out that if a sweet tooth is allowed to get a vanilla aroma for a while, and a person has a feeling that he already ate a candy or a bun. This simple trick can overcome an irrepressible craving for sweets.
A few tips for stress relief with aromatherapy
- When getting rid of stress, you should use essential oils, the aroma of which you are pleasant.
- Carefully handle citrus oils - they can not cause irritation when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, after using them, try not to leave the house for at least four hours.
- Do not use oil inside.
- Keep them away from the eyes. If oil gets into your eyes for any reason, they should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water.
- Essential oils are potent concentrated substances. Therefore, before use, they should be diluted in oil-based (soybean, peanut, wheat germ oil). It is better not to use mineral oils. And if you are afraid of something confusing, buy ready-made cosmetic and medicines based on essential oils.
Aromatizing lamp is the most convenient and widespread form of aromatherapy. With its help you can clean the house of foreign smells, fill it with the fragrance of comfort and warmth. First, in the special tank of the aroma lamp, pour warm water and only then drop a few drops of the corresponding essential oils (for every 5 square meters of the room area - 2-3 drops). After that, light the candle under the tank. As a result, the mixture of essential oils and water will heat up and gradually evaporate, filling the air with aroma. Such a lamp, in a well-ventilated room and with closed windows and doors, can burn 1-2 hours.
Nodules for memory
- In the evening before going to bed, a warm bath with the addition of 5-7 drops of a mixture of lemon, sandalwood, fir, orange, lavender or rose is good for the prevention of stress.
- Add 2-3 drops of lemon or lavender oil to the water when cleaning the room.
- If fatigue and stress during the working day have pain and heaviness in the head, rub the whiskey and take a deep breath of the mixture (1: 1) of lemon and geranium (or lemon and rose).
The range of application of essential oils is quite wide. They can be used, making massage or inhalation, added to the water before taking a bath, and also to achieve with their help in the room a pleasant aroma.
You can easily find out how beneficial the effect of aromatherapy. When you are ready to take a bath, drop a couple of drops of lavender oil into it. The difference will be felt immediately. Inhaling a soft, relaxing fragrance, you will feel how a soothing, gentle fragrance will relieve you of stress, stress, return a feeling of peace and lightness, give a good mood. Just remember that the duration of the first two procedures should not exceed 5 minutes.
Excellent relieves stress from massage with the use of essential oils. The effect of massage with essential oils is several times greater than that of the usual. In addition to positive effects on the respiratory system, blood circulation and nervous system, this massage helps to relax and regain composure. Pour a little oil on the palm, lightly warm it in your hands and start the massage, starting with light strokes.
Which way of aromatherapy as a method of getting rid of stresses depends on the personal preferences of each person. Of course, before becoming an avid fan of this ancient art form (after all, healing was once considered art), it is better to first study the relevant literature, consult a specialist. And do not forget that aromatherapy is based on the unity of man and nature, to which we, people of the 21st century, begin to strive.