Aromatherapy

You’re walking down the street, listening to the soles of your shoes tap a rhythmic sound on the pavement, when suddenly you stop. A bakery sits just around the corner. Minutes ago the owner of the bakery pulled two dozen freshly baked loaves of bread out the oven. The scent of the delicious food has now made it to your nose. The calming smell immediately takes you back to your grandmother’s cozy cottage where you used to spend your summer vacations as a child. You smile nostalgically and continue on your way.

 

This is one example of how an aroma can provoke thoughts and feelings. What if they could do more? What if they could help heal your body? Is there a scientific basis for Aromatherapy?

 

Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. In fact, Egypt has been credited with furthering the use of essential oils like the kinds we use today. The ancient Egyptians used essential oils in many different settings including religious ceremonies, embalming practices, and even cosmetics. They must have realized that certain oils could be used for healing the body, mind, and spirit by simply breathing in the right fragrances.

 

 

The Science Behind Aromatherapy

It is hard to imagine with all our scientific advancements that smelling a fragrance can help your body begin to heal or even transition your mindset, but there is scientific basis for such an idea.

Tiny oil molecules absorb into the tissue of the nose when you breathe in essential oils. This stimulates the part of the brain connected to the sense of smell. Molecules inhaled through the nose or mouth are carried to the lungs. They  interact with the respiratory system. This makes it possible for essential oils to affect different systems of the body.

One of the systems these molecules interact with is the limbic system. This system is commonly referred to as the “emotional brain.” It has a direct connection to the parts of the brain that control functions including the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balances.

 

 

What are the health benefits to Aromatherapy?

 

Because these oils have such a far reach, it isn’t too surprising they can have both a psychological and physiological effect on our bodies. Here are a few of the health benefits from essential oils:

1. Can reduce blood pressure

2. Can speed up metabolism

3. Can calm ease stress symptoms

4. Can ease anxiety symptoms

5. Can stimulate the body

6. Can provide an energy boost

7. Can interrupt the damage cause by free radicals, fungus, and cell mutation.

 

 

What Services Can I Add Aromatherapy To?

Aromatherapy is an excellent way to enhance many of our spa treatments. We use various Aromatherapy Blends throughout the spa in order to promote a sense of relaxation and peace. Our oils come from the purest sources available, and are quality tested. You can currently receive Aromatherapy for any one of our massages, hydrotherapy soaks, and relaxation package. Simply tell your therapist that you want to add on Aromatherapy to your session.

Energize Blend

Stress Ease Blend

Uplifting Blend