What does aromatherapy do for the body?

First of all, its a big deal. I was a registered massage therapist here in Arkansas for a couple years and saw the effects of aromatherapy everyday with my clients and myself.

When you breathe air, molecules are present that travel to a patch about 2.5 cm square of nerve receptors deep within the nasal cavity.

The amazing thing is that this is the only place where the brain is directly connected to the outside world through these receptors; so, you can see that the body considers the ability to smell a high priority. The molecules bind to hairlike receptors which trigger a chemical reaction that produces an electrical current which is eventually transmitted to the limbic system.

Not only is the limbic system where the brain processes smell but also where memories are stored and emotions are processed. If I had you wear a blindfold and smell mustard, you would recognize it because you've smelled it and seen it before- maybe on a hot dog. You might even remember eating a hot dog at a family picnic when you were a kid. Even if you aren't conscious of that memory- your subconscious mind connects the dots and does remember.

So, do you see how the mind creates your sense of reality from linking different senses together?

This is the therapy aspect where we can choose what stimulus to use to affect one's mood which in turn can cause the body's parasympathetic nervous system to activate. One must be in a stress free state for this system to activate which takes care of the body by encouraging proper digestion, relaxed breathing and a whole series of balanced self maintenance functions.

Many studies claim that 75% and more of dis- ease is related to overstress.

Just as thinking a happy thought from your past can put you at ease so can aromatherapy.

Essential Oils are those derived from plants. Nature is an infinite self maintaining system and it is a testament to the problems with "education" that something as important as the signifigance of natural plant substances is considered alternative therapy.

Pharmaceutical companies are where people turn to for relief because they bomard people and doctors with advertisements which are more potent than culture in our time. Thanks to the internet, we are connecting individual experience, professional advice and ancient knowledge together for use by anyone who can make it to the library. If we develop our ability for critical thinking by doing our own research to confirm what I'm telling you here or any claim made this can help to balance the power of information between the common folk and experts as it should be.

Pharmaceutical companies essentially figured out how to synthesize these natural compounds which gives them the ability to own the rights to them. This is good for them and bad for you. They stand to lose alot of money and control if you discover that you can get the same or better results for a headache with the right blend of essential oils cheaper than you can with over the counter pain relievers for example.

Corporations are right to offer us solutions for our every desire and it is our responsibility to learn how we take care of ourselves and our community with safer natural products.

If you are looking for a great introduction to aromatherapy, I would point you to a product called Sunjing by Vitamark. For just $14.95 you will get the only known pain reliever with no side effects. It contains a blend of peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, orange, lemon and rosemary oils.

It can be used to temporary relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains.

You will enjoy the smell and can put a dab of it on your upper forhead (avoid eyes- if you don't just flush with water, no big deal). Its amazing how it can improve your focus just like when you drink coffee.

You may put a drop on the bottom of a cup, fill it with water, heat it in the microwave and gargle for a natural antiseptic.

This experience with this product will show you how nature has what we need. You can find the answer to your health needs.