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Aromatherapy, once virtually unheard of, is making itself known in the field of holistic medicine today. It is based on the premise that scents unlock emotions in the brain. For example, how many times has the whiff of a certain scent throw you back in a memory of a place or a person? In essence, aromatherapy does the same thing by using scents to stimulate the release of chemicals that can change a mood or make you more alert. Aromatherapy can also be used to alleviate physical problems like stress, postpartum depression, and oddly enough, as a libido enhancer.

The way aromatherapy works is that nearly a quarter of all the air we breathe is transported by olfactory receptors that are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. This switchboard of the brain' controls moods and emotions. The oils that are inhaled alter the rhythm of the brain waves and work either in a calming way, which slows the rhythms, or a stimulating way, by energizing the rhythms.

Aromatherapy is used in a number of office buildings today to boost productivity and alertness. Scents like grapefruit, lemon, and orange are pumped through air ducts and are known for their stimulating, yet relaxing effects. Many employers notice the positive effects these oils have on their employees. These same oils, along with others such as bergamot and frankincense, are used by holistic practitioners to help new mothers with post-partum depression and college freshman who suffer from fatigue and home-sickness'.

The relaxation benefits of aromatherapy are becoming more popularized. Lavender has become a widely used aromatherapy oil and is in everything from laundry detergent to deodorant. It is used for calming anxiety, stress, and tension. Chamomile and neroli are also used for their calming causes. Some hotels routinely spray the linens with their own blends of these oils. This helps promote a relaxing atmosphere, as well as restful sleep. This is also a way to boost marketing in hopes that the customer will remember the calmness of the atmosphere and return, just to feel that relaxed and rested again.

Your health can also be assisted by aromatherapy. Whether used in massage, applied topically, or inhaled, essential oils can help fight the physical symptoms of many common ailments. Nausea is often helped by ginger and lemon. Colds are made less severe by peppermint and eucalyptus. The symptoms of PMS can be relived by oils such as fennel, anise, and sage. Libido can be restored in men and women by ylang-ylang, patchouli, vanilla, and rose. The list goes on and on. No matter what the ailment, aromatherapy has oils that are designed to help alleviate some, if not all of the symptoms.

If aromatherapy interests you, I advise that you set up a consultation with a certified aromatherapist. They will help you better understand the oils that are beneficial for your conditions and will show you how to properly use it so that it is most effective. There are so many benefits to aromatherapy, it is certain to become a popularized form of medicine someday soon.

Learn more about this author, Angie Taliferro.
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