Aromatherapy is a method in which to use essential oils in order to stimulate or relax the senses, specifically targeting the smell receptors in your brain, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center website. There are hundreds of types of essential oils used in aromatherapy. While you can acquire many in liquid or resin form, you can also use incense for aromatherapy techniques. Incense is generally in the form of a stick with the aromatic materials attached to it.
Significance
Aromatherapy is practiced for a variety of reasons, but most commonly to relax the senses and create a calming effect on your mood and increase a sense of well being. You will find aromatherapy used frequently at salons and spas around the world, to make clients feel welcome when they enter the building. Aromatherapy can be used subtly or behind the scenes with a burning incense or essential oil burner. It can also be used directly as part of a spa experience with the client choosing a favorite scent.
Types
There are many types of incense that you can use for aromatherapy. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy shares some of the most popular scents. These include lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, sage, chamomile, rosemary and ylang ylang. These oils are mixed into charcoal powder to create a base in which to make the incense. A bamboo stick may be used as the incense structure and then dipped into a scented oil or powder.
Benefits
One of the first things that you notice when incense is burned is its strong smell. This is from the essential oils, or the essence of the plant they are derived from, notes Aromaweb. Depending on your mood, you can burn different aromatic scents that help contribute to the room's atmosphere. If you are seeking a calming affect try lavender, ylang ylang or chamomile. These can be burned during a massage or while relaxing with a good book before bed. For a more uplifting benefit try lemon, rosemary or geranium -- their strong yet subtle scents are beneficial if you need to awaken your senses. If you are suffering from allergies or a head cold, try burning some incense that includes eucalyptus -- this will help with clearing clogged sinus passages.
Effects
Incense should leave behind a positive feeling when you use it. You can also implement incense burners to add to your home or room decor. Aromatherapy scents that are chosen should help set the mood for relaxation for a massage, peaceful night's sleep or a relaxing bath. Some people burn citrus incense when they clean to help stimulate the senses and create a room full of clean and pure scent.
Warnings
In some cases if you have respiratory difficulties, the smoke from incense can aggravate your breathing. Some of the stronger oils such as patchouli or frankincense can irritate the nasal passages of some people. Use care and caution when using incense for the first time until you are used to the smell and aroma.
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