Subtle aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for spiritual or health purposes. Some people may use scent as an aid to meditation or yoga practice. Others find that aromatherapy can benefit their mood. You can easily find subtle uses of aromatherapy, whether it is the scent of your laundry detergent, bath products or household cleaners. Scent invokes powerful emotional memories, explains a 2007 study in "Memory and Cognition." Perhaps it is for this reason that scented products are so popular.
History
The use of essential oils from plants is not a new practice. Discovery Communications, Inc., explains that aromatherapy was used by the ancient Egyptians. Greeks and Romans also used the power of scent for medicinal purposes. In modern times, aromatherapy has become another tool of complementary and alternative medicine.
Uses
You can use subtle aromatherapy in several ways. Scented candles, incense or a diffuser will slowly release the scents of essential oils, which -- if you like the scents and they have good associations to you -- can promote calm. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" found that using aromatherapy with soft music was an effective method of relaxation. Aromatherapy can even help treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments, according to Mayo Clinic.
Stress Management
An important use of aromatherapy is for stress management. Aromatherapy can relieve feelings of anxiety when you are in stressful conditions such as taking tests in college, reports a 2009 study in "Holistic Nursing Practice. Because everyone has some source of stress, subtle aromatherapy has numerous applications. There's nothing "magical" about certain scents -- the key is to find those that you find pleasant or relaxing. What works for one person might not work for another.
Guidelines
Some caution is necessary if you practice aromatherapy. If you use essential oils, it is important not to apply the oils directly onto your skin. These concentrated solutions may cause skin irritations. Some scents, such as hyssop, are inappropriate for people with existing cardiovascular conditions because of the possible effects on the heart. If you have concerns, consult your doctor or an aromatherapist for more information.
References
- "Memory and Cognition"; Olfaction and Emotion: The Case of Autobiographical Memory; J. Willander and M. Larsson; October 2007
- Discovery Communications, Inc.: Complementary Therapies
- "Gattefosse's Aromatherapy"; R.M. Gattefosse; 1937
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Effects of Music and Essential Oil Inhalation on Cardiac Autonomic Balance in Healthy Individuals; S. Peng et al; January 2009
- "Holistic Nursing Practice"; The Effects of Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils on Test-Taking Anxiety Among Graduate Nursing Students; R. McCaffrey et al; March 2009
- "Natural Product Communications"; Relaxing Effect of Rose Oil on Humans; T. Hongratanaworakit; February 2009
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