insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Page 124
HEALTH+WELLNESS
THE WONDERS OF
AROMATHERAPY
IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED WHAT BODY-AND-MIND HEALTH SMELLS
LIKE (HAVEN’T WE ALL AT SOME POINT?), IT CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS A
HEADY COMBINATION OF FLORAL SCENTS AND SPICY AROMAS THAT COME
TOGETHER IN THE ART AND PRACTICE OF AROMATHERAPY.
Simply put, aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that utilises naturally
extracted aromatic plant essences for the treatment of illness and
disease, and mental health issues too. In fact, it is often used in spa
treatments to help those in need to recharge and re-energise. The idea
behind aromatherapy is that it addresses any imbalances within the
body and mind, setting the patient back on the right track.
BENEFITS
According to practitioners, there are many benefits to aromatherapy.
The first – and perhaps most useful of all since it links to so many other
health issues – is that it reduces stress. It could be because it is usually
combined with a relaxing massage, or at least asks that the patient is
still and calm whilst the treatment is being performed, but whatever it
is, studies have shown that blood pressure and feelings of anxiety are
both greatly reduced after an aromatherapy session.
Another benefit is that aromatherapy is understood to help with
depression. Although it won’t cure it if you are clinically depressed, it
will help to fight those feelings of fear and worthlessness that come
with depression. If you are simply feeling down, aromatherapy should
have you feeling yourself again in no time.
Pain can be reduced when aromatherapy is used as well. Again, it could
be down to the blissful state of relaxation that a good practitioner can
put you in, or it might be the scents themselves – science isn’t entirely
sure – but either way, it’s a good thing, and can help sufferers of chronic
pain immensely.
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THE SCENTS
In aromatherapy, each different
scent means and does something
specific. Whether it’s anxiety,
insomnia, high blood pressure,
lack of energy or any number of
other things, there will be a plant
– and therefore a scent – that
helps. There are hundreds of
different aromatic oils and
essences, but we’ve put together
a list of the most frequently used
to give you an idea of what they
can do for you.
Rosemary
Rosemary is said to be good for
improving mental performance
since it stimulates the brain and
helps aid concentration.
Lemon
If you ever have one of those days
when your brain feels fuzzy and
you can’t get anything done, you
might want to smell some lemon
essence. Lemon is used to
clear the mind, allowing you to
think clearly.
Lavender
Lavender is extremely popular,
and has a couple of different uses.
The first is that it uplifts and re-
energises, so if you’re feeling low,
lavender is the way to go.
Secondly, it aids a restful nights’
sleep, with many people putting
a few drops of lavender oil in their
pillow before they drift off.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a calming scent
and is used to induce a state of
relaxation; it calms the nerves.
Eucalyptus
You’ve probably already used
eucalyptus without realising you
were practising aromatherapy –
it’s ideal for clearing blocked
sinuses. It can also help with
headaches.
Thyme
Thyme is used to improve
the memory and boost
concentration.