Those who suffer from insomnia know how uncomfortable it is to stay up all night. When dawn comes, one still has to deal with the consequences of a bad night’s sleep, which are felt all day long. To get rid of the problem, many people have resorted to aromatherapy to sleep.
If you have difficulties to rest at night or know someone who has, you need to know better this technique, increasingly used in the complementary treatment of people with sleep disorders.
In this post, we will explain what aromatherapy is, what the benefits are, how it emerged and expanded and how it can be used to help in the quality of sleep and in combating health problems. Check it out!
What is aromatherapy and what are the benefits?
Aromatherapy is a therapeutic method that uses essential oils to offer physical and emotional benefits to individuals. The aroma captured by smell reaches the limbic system, the region responsible for emotions. When the aromatic properties reach the brain, it reacts positively.
One of the most common ways to come into contact with this therapeutic technique is through the application of essential oil in a room diffuser or electric or candle-based aromatizer.
Some people inhale the pure substance, but it is also possible to use a home-made aromatizer. To do so, just place white rose petals in 60 ml of cereal alcohol for half an hour. Then just strain the liquid and add three drops of essential oil.
Among the benefits of aromatherapy, are the soothing effect, the relief of stress and anxiety, combating irritation and improving health. In addition, the technique is used by many people who wish to have a quiet sleep or even by individuals who, for some reason, have difficulty sleeping.
It is important not to confuse the essential oils used in aromatherapy with the essences. The essences do not cause any reaction, since they concentrate on the vibrational energy of the plant. The aromatic substances carry the physical properties present in the plant, and their therapeutic effects are scientifically proven.
How did it come about and become known?
The use of essential oils has been made since ancient times by people of Egypt, Greece, China, India and Rome. The Egyptians, in particular, used such therapeutic substances to perfume environments, to worship the gods and even to embalm the dead.
However, the oils used in aromatherapy became known and gained strength only in the 16th and 17th centuries, when they began to be widely marketed in various parts of the world.
It was only in 1928 that the expression aromatherapy was coined by the French chemist Maurice René de Gattefossé. He decided to study the properties of the therapeutic content after suffering burns on the arm. By dipping it at random in lavender oil, the researcher noticed pain relief and rapid improvement.
It didn’t take long for the healing, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral effects of essential oils to be discovered. During World War II, they were applied by doctors to reduce the severity of infections and heal the wounds of combatants, given the lack of antibiotics.
What are the types of essential oils?
There are several types of essential oils used in aromatherapy to sleep or to combat health problems. Know, below, the main ones and know what they are used for:
- rosemary – headaches, muscle and joint pain, migraine, mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating and lack of memory;
- chamomile – depression, stress, inflammation in the urinary tract and muscle tension;
- lavender – colds, headaches, stress, difficulty sleeping and breathing problems;
- lemon – low immunity, headaches, fever, poor digestion, stress, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and lack of energy;
- ylang-ylang – decrease in hair growth, stress, anxiety, nausea, headaches and problems in bowel function;
- jasmine – stress, depression, reduced libido, muscle tension and breathing problems;
- sandalwood – muscle tension, reduced libido, stress and chest pain.
How can essential oils be used?
In addition to the therapeutic use of essential oils by means of inhalation, it is possible to employ such substances in different ways, such as in baths and massages. This is how some people treat certain health problems, such as infections, muscle and joint pain, among others.
However, we should make it clear that essential oils are very concentrated, so direct contact with the skin is not indicated, since they could cause stains during exposure to the sun. In this case, the content should be mixed with neutral bases of moisturizing cream, vegetable oils or grain alcohol.
Therefore, when opting for this therapeutic method, there are those who resort to the aromatherapist. This professional is specialized in therapy that uses essential oils to improve the physical and mental health of people. Therefore, he can indicate the appropriate content and quantity to treat specific problems.
After all, how does aromatherapy help in sleep?
Inadequate sleep generates several physical and emotional problems, such as compromising the immune system, stress, anxiety and depression. Therefore, those who suffer from insomnia have difficulty in memory and to concentrate, fatigue and pain in the body.
It is only through nightly rest that we can replace the energies lost during the day. Therefore, sleeping little or poorly impairs daily activities. Productivity at work almost always falls, as well as self-esteem.
In this situation, many people resort to aromatherapy to sleep. Such therapeutic technique can be used as a complementary or unique treatment. The calming effect of essential oils, which generate a sense of well-being, contributes to a good night’s sleep.
However, it is necessary to use the appropriate content. Therefore, if the intention is to combat insomnia, the most indicated oils are lavender, vanilla, chamomile, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, basil, marjoram, rose, camphor or neroli and others. The combination of some substances can be made, provided that in an appropriate manner in order to achieve the desired effect.
A tip to take advantage of the benefits of aromatherapy is to spray the content of essential oils on pillows and sheets with a spray. For some people, soaking in the fragrant substance before going to bed works best. In this way, it is possible to create conditions for a quiet, quiet and relaxing night’s sleep.
However, although the long-term benefits are scientifically recognized, we must remember that the effects of aromatherapy are not as fast as those of medicines. Therefore, conventional insomnia treatment needs to be followed to the letter if the doctor recommends so.
During the reading of the post, you learned how aromatherapy works to sleep and how this technique helps in the treatment of different health problems, so as to provide well-being and better quality of life. So, do you intend to adopt it in your routine?
Now, yes, you know what aromatherapy is and what its health benefits. Take advantage that you are here and subscribe to our newsletter to stay on top of other news!