WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY?
AROMATHERAPY:
A therapeutic or aesthetic treatment based on the benefits that certain aromas bring to psychological and health conditions.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils (i.e. volatile, strong-smelling substances from plants) to achieve physical and psychological well-being.
The oils are extracted by steam distillation, which once cooled separates the oil from the water.
Essential oils are contained within various organs of the plant. The organs from which essential oils can be obtained include: leaves, flowers, petals, bark, wood, seeds, pericarps and roots.
Due to the paucity of clinical data, aromatherapy cannot be called a true therapy, although the materials used in the therapy and some of the methods of use have been subjected to clinical and pharmacological studies. However, a scent can certainly have an effect on the limbic/celebral system of each individual, triggering different sensations, reactions and moods.
ESSENCES
There are numerous essences that have beneficial effects on the physical and mental level.
Aromatherapy must-haves are the essential oils of:
- Lavender: Makes you sleep better, cures flu and bronchitis, soothes and calms sunburn. Also good for relieving neck pain.
- Rosemary: effective against rheumatism, neurosis and intestinal disorders
- Thyme: useful for respiratory problems and relaxing when diluted in bath water.
- Rose: has aphrodisiac and calming effects, but also has positive effects on hypertension and states of anxiety.
- Sandalwood: has antiseptic properties and has a beneficial effect on mood.
- Peppermint: beneficial for digestion and concentration or for those suffering from chronic headaches.
AROMATHERAPY AND SAUNA
In the sauna, aromatherapy is carried out by diluting oils and/or concentrates in water. The result is poured onto hot stones that turn the liquid into steam, spreading the intense scents throughout the sauna.
The most popular essences in the sauna are eucalyptus (intense), pine (intermediate) and birch (mild), but other essences such as apple (mild), lemon and peppermint (intense) are also used today.
AROMATHERAPY AND HYDROMASSAGE
Hydromassage is a perfect way to use essential oils: first of all, a hot tub contains warm water, which is great for volatilising substances much more easily. In addition, the air moves in swirls thanks to the whirlpool effect, which pushes air into the hot water.
In addition to the benefits of immersing the body in water and massaging the body with the whirlpool system, there is no doubt that oils can bring additional value.
ATTENTION However, oils must be chosen carefully: the description must mention that they can be used in the tub. This is because other essential oils could be harmful to the whirlpool pump, for example.
In addition, these oils must not produce foam, must not contain oil or leave an oily residue, and must not contain strange chemicals that could interact with e.g. chlorine.
