Aromatherapy 

Utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.  As a holistic practice, Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active method to employ during acute and chronic stages of illness or ‘dis’-ease. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils which are used in highly-concentrated form. The oils are often extracted through steam distillation from a number of herbs, fruits, flowers, and roots. The essential oils also have distinct chemical profiles that offer therapeutic properties. Each of them is classified according to properties such as:

• Antiviral
• Relaxing
• Balancing
• Digestives
• Analgesics
• Anti-fungal
• Stimulating
• Antibacterial
• Decongestants
• Anti-inflammatory

Here are some essential oils I like to use:

Lavender is used to ease tension headaches, clean wounds, reduce inflammation and pain, relax people and help them sleep, and to assist in the repair of cuts and burns.

Ylang Ylang is good for any skin as it balances the natural oil production. It is uplifting emotionally and relaxing.  The calming effect of this oil may be the reason it is considered an aphrodisiac. It decreases tension or anxieties, help balance male and female energies, positively influences sexual relationships, and restore confidence.

Aromatherapy is used today in a number of health care settings such as hospitals in relation to cancer care for the relief of nausea, or in the care of seniors to reduce agitation while improving sleep. It is used to improve indoor air quality, as well as in massage therapy to reduce body pain and for relaxation.