Aromatherapy, the ancient art of healing entails more than just massaging with essential oils. Aromatherapist Rupal Tyagi elaborates on the most pleasing form of rejuvenating one’s soul.
A mood-altering method of healing, aromatherapy, uses essential oils extracted from plants, herbs, trees, flowers, etc. It uses a holistic approach, which eliminates the side effects of modern medicine. The therapy, with its methods
of healing with oils, aims at treating the mind, body and soul not only by addressing the disease but also its causes—an approach that is useful in treating both men and women, while aiding in reducing stress and uplifting one’s mood.
The approach
As most health issues are the result of one’s lifestyle, a complete aromatherapy session includes going through clients’ medical history and the lifestyle they lead, with an emphasis on understanding their frame of mind. Once all these are clear to the aromatherapist, the patient is given a blend of essential oils, with a recommendation for suitable lifestyle changes, diet and exercise.
Blender’s art
Aromatherapy is the art of healing by blending one or more essential oils in the base oil, which are usually cold-pressed nut, fruit or vegetable oils. These blends are used on patients either by way of massage or topical application. Essential oils can be used on their own as long as they are diffused.
Oil for the organs
Each essential oil has an affinity to different organs of the body. For example, eucalyptus heals respiratory problems, whereas peppermint works wonders on the digestive system, and rose oil helps the reproductive system.
When essential oils are massaged onto the skin or inhaled through the nose, their molecules get absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the organ. However, it's important to note that aromatherapy does not overrule the need for modern medicine even as it supplements as an effective alternate therapy.
The writer is a certified aromatherapist and founder of Wikka, which supplies essential oils used for aromatherapy.
Benefits of essential oils
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender can be used in a wide variety of situations including minor burns, sunburn, rashes, bruises, wounds and insect bites. It is helpful to ease sore muscles and headaches.
Apply it on minor burns, as soon as possible, to ease the pain and to prevent blisters.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
German chamomile is an oil that comes handy during summer. It’s used to treat inflamed, irritated skin including dermatitis, boils, acne, nappy rash, eczema, psoriasis, and dry and itchy skin.
It also relieves soreness associated with burns, sprains, cramps and insect bites.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
An age-old home remedy, eucalyptus is useful for bringing down fevers and treating the symptoms of colds that happen in the summers. The oil can also be used for easing muscular aches, pains and strains, and in healing wounds and insect bites.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
If you suffer from high temperature, a drop of peppermint essential oil rubbed on the soles of your feet can help bring the temperature down. Peppermint is also useful against headaches caused due to digestive issues and sinus congestion. The oil also soothes the mind and helps alleviate motion sickness. It can be used to keep one alert while feeling weary due to the heat or during a long drive.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
A regular full-body aromatherapy massage with a blend of essential oils like lavender, geranium and chamomile helps in de-stressing the mind and relaxing stressed muscles. During the massage, oils like lemongrass and eucalyptus, when diffused in the air, help clear the mind and uplifts the mood.
