Aromatherapy better known as flower therapy or Pushpa Ayerveda, is gaining momentum especially among health conscious people. Flowers, very delicate and rich in fragrance,have huge potential and immense importance on account of their aroma.The aromatherapy gives relief in stress, headaches, migraines, allergies, neck pains, shoulder pains, menstrual problems, anxiety, nausea, isomeric, chromic conditions, back strains, menopausal imbalance, gastro intestinal problems, fatigue/ tiredness etc.
Aromatherapy is an art and science of using essential oils from flowers and plant parts for health and well bieng. Essential oils have been used in healing since ancient times. They are obtained from various plant parts like- petal(rose), leaves(eucalyptus), roots of grasses(vetiver), heartwood (sandal wood) and resin(frankincense).
Through aromatherpy we can improve our emotional and physical health. The essential oils if applied on our skin act as an anti- bacterial, anti- viral and anti-fungal.The aroma affects our emotional senses because the olfactory nerves pass directly from our nose to the limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. To enjoy the smell of essential oils it is very essential since this gives us emotional balance.
The practice of true aromatherapy consists of inhalation and application of essential oils, volatile essences of plants, obtained through steam distillation, from various parts of certain plants. The tools of holistic aromatherapists are both essential oils and hydrosols. The aromatherapists also use carrier oil- fixed oils freshly cold- pressed from fruits, nuts or seeds- in which essential oils are diluted before applying to the skin.
Flower waters, also known as hydrosols, hydroflorates or distillates are products from direct steam distillation of whole plants. Unlike their “essential oil added to water” counterparts, true steam distilled hydrosols contain all the beneficial components that whole plant matreials have to offer, and are more true to their scent. They are wonderful and inexpensive as a facial splash, as a deodorant, and freshner for skin application, during massage, as in your body care recipes, and most may be used in culinary creations. They are moisturizing, fragrant, cooling and contain poroperties as essential oils in much less concentration, which makes them lovely alternative to those with sensitiveness.
A no. of hydrosols are used and marked for their beneficial effects. They are basil hydrosols ( for spraying halls, kitchens, refrigerators etc) ; calendulla hydrsol (refreshing , soothing, sweet with mild floral activity) is a perfect facial toner, may be used to bathwater; chamomile hydrosol (known for its ability to calm and ease the anxiousness et); celery sage hydrosol (cosmetics and body care formulations) ; cucumber hydrosol (refreshing cooling, crisp aroma) ; lavender hydrosol(relaxing and balancing) ; lemon balm hydrosol(calming effects on mental stress and fatigue) ; rose geranium hydrosol (cosmetic uses); orange flower hydrosols( various uses); sandalwood hydrosol (body perfume and aphordisiac); yarrow hyrdosol(beneficial in menestrual cycle) etc.
In massage, aromatherapy helps relax our muscles and encourage our mind to take a break from its usual frenetic activity. The massage oil extends massage into a therapy which gives profound effect on mind affecting emotional and physical behavioral of the people having learning difficulties. The massage with essential oils reduces stress level in certain type of patients.
A lady with pregnancy induced hypertension gets relief with lower blood pressure if she is asked to a massage her feet with a cream added with three drops each of Canarage odorate and Lavenderanqustifolis.
Aromatherpy also helps in postnal scars relieving problems like caesarean section wounds, emotional imbalance, fatigue and hemorrhage. A large number of essential oils are stress reducing and they can be used on a paper tissue, in the bath and in a vaporizer.
