Aromatherapy: what it is and how to use a diffuser, paste and oils

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that provides a feeling of well-being, both physical and emotional, with the use of essential oils. It can be used every time the person feels the need to seek some kind of therapeutic effect in their life.

The ideal is to make use of essential oils that have more to do with your moment or the environment in which you find yourself. Each one offers a different property and makes you feel different sensations.

Next, we’ll see what Aromatherapy is, how to use a diffuser, necklace and essential oils in everyday life. If you are interested in the subject, see information about the Aromatherapy course.

Aromatherapy: what is it

But what is Aromatherapy anyway? It is a holistic therapy that uses the therapeutic properties of essential oils for physical problems, such as illness, or psychological and emotional problems, such as anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Aromatherapy shows that there are links between smell and feelings. When inhaling aromas, the olfactory channels send the message directly to the limbic system, the part of the nervous system that is responsible for emotions.

After that, the brain reacts to the aromatic properties, changing someone’s mood or state of mind. Therefore, it is possible that a sad or discouraged person will be a little more cheerful or that someone aggressive will feel calm and relaxed when smelling specific oils for that mental state.

It is possible that a sad or discouraged person will be a little more cheerful or that someone aggressive will feel calm and relaxed when smelling specific oils for that state of mind.

However, it is important not to confuse essential oils with essences – which do not have any kind of effect. Essential oils are made from medicinal plants and have therapeutic effects, already studied and proven by science.

Aromatherapy Course

Aromatherapy is a free profession in Brazil, that is, it is not recognized as an occupation by the Ministry of Labor, nor is it regulated by law by the National Congress.

I’m not going to enter into this long debate here, but if you’re interested in the subject, there are basically two ways: get informed about the subject, which can be via articles (like here on ) or an Aromatherapy book, for example, which you don’t need to consult an aromatherapist, or you can take an Aromatherapy course yourself.

I am super in favor of training and formalizing the activity, but this is a decision that is up to each person. If you want to take an Aromatherapy course, you can take a basic one, which can last around 16 hours and gives you general notions on how to use essential oils, whether for your own use or with your family.

aromatherapy book

If you want to take the first steps in this field, I recommend some Aromatherapy books:

Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: 60 Essential Oils and Their Vibrational Elements – Margaret Ann Lembo – Editora Pensamento
Essential oil application techniques: Health and beauty therapies – Fernando Amaral – editor
The bible of essential oils – Danièle Festy – Editora Laszlo (by the way, Editora Laszlo has several book titles for those who want to learn more about the subject)

How to Practice Aromatherapy

Generally, essential oils are very concentrated and should not be used in direct contact with the skin. To practice Aromatherapy, there are several types of accessories. At home or at work, for example, opt for an aromatherapy diffuser or aromatizer, which can be electric or candle-based, and have a prolonged effect.

If you are not going to stay in the same place and want to carry the benefits of essential oils with you all day or for more days in a row, in the case of treatment, you can use the Aromatherapy necklace, also called a personal Aromatherapy diffuser.

Next, learn a little more about these two types of accessories, which are the most common. Or, if you prefer, learn how to make a homemade air freshener.

aromatherapy diffuser

The humidifier and aroma diffuser has cold diffusion technology, which does not change the essential oil formula, preserving the therapeutic properties of the oils. The mist produced by the Aromatherapy diffuser is composed of water particles and essential oil that also help to humidify the environment. This ultrasonic diffusion adds negative ions to the air, which help to eliminate bacteria, viruses, pollutants and microorganisms that you normally breathe, increasing air quality. The ions generated by the ultrasonic Aromatherapy diffuser also increase the flow of oxygen in the environment, improving overall well-being. Some models also have LED lighting, with seven colors, also bringing the benefit of Chromotherapy.

aromatherapy necklace

There are several types of personal Aromatherapy diffuser, called aromatic necklace, personal diffuser or necklace for Aromatherapy, which vary from materials such as porcelain, crochet, wood, ceramics, crystals, silver, gold and black rhodium, among others. The cheapest and simplest models usually have a lower durability. Necklaces are the easiest way to use oils in everyday life. Some models already have the material (a sponge or cotton felt, for example) to be inserted into the necklace, such as the silver and gold ones. (photo on the side). In that case, just drip 1 to 2 drops of essential oil onto the material, fit the piece and place it around your neck, to benefit from its therapeutic properties throughout the day.

homemade air freshener

If you prefer, you can also make a homemade flavoring. Place the petals of a white rose in 60ml of grain alcohol and let it rest for 24 hours up to 1 week, the longer the stronger the aroma. After that, just strain the petals and add 3 drops of the chosen essential oil.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Essential oils and Aromatherapy can be used whenever a person feels the need to seek some kind of therapeutic effect in their life.

Currently, one of the main searches is Aromatherapy for anxiety. Fame is not for nothing. Some essential oils, like lavender, actually have the power to calm and relax, reducing symptoms.

Below are other benefits and what Aromatherapy is for:

Helps to relieve stressful situations Combats irritation and aggression Generates calming effects Helps to raise self-esteem and self-esteem Can improve affective, family and professional relationships Brings emotional balance and a sense of well-being Helps in states of anxiety and depression Relieves symptoms of diseases Soothes chronic pain Improves sleep quality, bringing calm and tranquility Helps in the immune system

Essential Oils for Aromatherapy

We are talking about Aromatherapy and lavender, which is one of the “joker” essential oils and is widely used for this purpose. But there are over 300 different essential oils. Each has its properties and benefits.

As it is an individual and personalized treatment, it is not possible to classify which are the best essential oils for Aromatherapy, since the chemical components can be repeated in greater or lesser quantities in a given oil, and oils can have contraindications (see later in the article).

Furthermore, if you have an “Aromatherapy kit” at home, you can use more than one essential oil and make a synergy or blend, enhancing the effects you want, but remember that only an aromatherapist can help you and indicate the best synergy or blend for your moment and prevents you from using stimulating oils such as calming oils for example.

Below are some recommended oils for Aromatherapy in specific situations:

aromatherapy for anxiety: lavender and tangerine

Antiviral essential oils: tea tree (melaleuca), because it has excellent antiviral and germicidal properties, is useful in the treatment of repetitive infections and weakness due to viruses and helps the immune system.

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Anti-inflammatory essential oils: copaiba has anti-inflammatory effects, being indicated in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle pain and dermatitis, among other benefits.

essential oils for hair: cedar, as it helps to regulate the scalp when it is too dry or too oily, balancing its pH.

Essential oils for the respiratory system: eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree (melaleuca) and cypress are indicated for both prevention and treatment, to alleviate respiratory diseases, relieving symptoms of rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma and colds. Some oils like eucalyptus have contraindications, consult an aromatherapist.

Essential oils for cellulite and localized fat: grapefruit is excellent for softening localized fat and cellulite, as it acts on the lymphatic system, eliminating toxins from the body, and sweet fennel or fennel helps with poor circulation, fighting cellulite. Remembering that grapefruit is photosensitive (it should not be exposed to the sun), and fennel (also called fennel) has contraindications because it is a phytohormone.

Essential oils to balance the chakras: lavender has the power to balance all the chakras, not to mention that it is an excellent antidepressant, it has the power to relax, calm down and reduce anxiety.

Contraindications

Essential oils, in addition to being highly concentrated, can cause blemishes if used on the skin and exposed to the sun. Therefore, care must be taken to use them only diluted in vegetable oils, neutral bases of moisturizing cream or grain alcohol.

In the case of pregnant women, it is advisable to avoid the use of essential oils until the fifth month of pregnancy (vegetable oils, such as almond and grape seed, can be used).

As for children, the essential oil is allowed, but in minimal dosages – 1 or 2 drops in the air freshener. Contact of the product with the skin of children should be avoided.

A specific oil that has a contraindication is that of ylang ylang. This oriental flower has an oil with a strong and exotic aroma, which should be avoided by those with low blood pressure. Some oils like rosemary cannot be used in case of hypertension and epilepsy.

Therefore, the ideal is that there is guidance from an aromatherapist in the use of these products.

carrier oils

Another option for using essential oils is their mixture with so-called “carriers”. Essential oils cannot be applied directly to the skin, as they cause allergic reactions or burns.

For this reason, it is necessary to use these substances, which reduce their concentration – a function assumed by vegetable oils, such as copaiba, sweet almonds or grape seed.