| therapy as a practice dates back to the ancient | | | | instance their are several oils that are known for there |
| Egyptians and has experienced a resurgence in the | | | | powers to relax, so the choice becomes a personal |
| west in recent years. The science behind | | | | one. |
| aromatherapy is known as psychoneuroimmunology | | | | 1. Ylang ylang is known for its strong, sweet exotic |
| which studies the interactions between the | | | | scent and is extracted by steam or water distillation |
| psychological, neurological and immune systems. | | | | for the fresh flowers of the tropical tree Canago |
| Research has shown that there is a very strong | | | | odorata better known as the Ylang ylang tree. |
| correlation between positive and negative experiences | | | | 2. Neroli has a very feminine sweet floral smell and is |
| and our immune system as well as our psyche. This | | | | extracted by enfleurage or steam distillation from the |
| premise is recognized by the fields of science and | | | | orange blossom petals of the orange tree Citrus |
| medicine giving credence to the old adage mind over | | | | auratium. Neroli essential oil is generally sold in a cut |
| body. | | | | form (with another oil) and is one of the more |
| Aromatherapy utilizes the strongest of our senses | | | | expensive oils on the market. |
| which is the sense of smell. The sense of smell is | | | | 3. Jasmine is another oil that can be described as |
| unique because it has a direct path to our brain and | | | | having an exotic, sweet floral scent. Jasmine essential |
| more importantly it has a direct path to our limbic | | | | oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant Jasminum |
| system. Through this direct portal aromas are able to | | | | officinale. |
| directly affect conscious thought and reactions as the | | | | 4. Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils |
| limbic system is responsible for our memories (turning | | | | as its benefits and applications are vast. This lightly |
| short term to long term), learned responses, emotions | | | | floral scented oil is extracted by steam distillation from |
| and feelings. | | | | the plant Lavandula augustifolia. |
| The use of aromatherapy oils to promote relaxation | | | | 5. Sandalwood is has a sensual musky or woody |
| has become very popular by the mainstream | | | | scent and has been used for thousands of years. This |
| population. For this purpose essential oils can be applied | | | | essential oil is extracted by steam or water distillation |
| in several different ways including baths, diffusers, | | | | from the heartwood (nonliving central wood)and roots |
| direct inhalation, or through a massage to name just a | | | | of the tree Santalum album. |
| few. How you choose to use your aromatherapy oils | | | | This is by no means a complete list of the |
| is a personal preference as long as enjoy the process. | | | | aromatherapy oils that can be utilized for the purpose |
| The number of different essential oils on the market is | | | | of relaxation, it is instead a sample of the vast number |
| vast leaving the decision of which one to try | | | | to choose from. When choosing an aromatherapy oil |
| somewhat daunting. It should be noted that each | | | | try to find one that you can use for several desired |
| essential oil has many specific therapeutic applications | | | | benefits and more importantly find one that you find |
| and many of these are similar with other oils, which | | | | pleasing to smell. If you do not like or enjoy the scent |
| allows you to choose an oil that will give you the | | | | of your oil chances are it will not give you the results |
| desired benefits as well as an aroma you enjoy. For | | | | you are looking for. |