Aromatherapy & Diffusers
If you’re like most people, you probably have a friend or a coworker who swears by aromatherapy. They’ve told you again and again to get an aromatherapy diffuser and see for yourself. They likely even recommended their favourite aromatherapy oils at the same time. If you still haven’t checked it out the wonderful world of essential oils and you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s a quick look at everything you need to know.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a type of treatment for healing and relaxation. It involves using the extracts (essential oils) from certain plants to activate smell receptors in your nose, which in turn send messages to your brain through your nervous system. Different extracts activate different parts of your brain, so you can target specific areas of your body. Aromatherapy can also involve rubbing essential oils on your skin, such as through massage.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy?
Different essential oils offer a range of different benefits, and each one may effect different people in different ways. You may need to experiment a bit and find the ones that are right for your needs. Aside from helping you simply relax and unwind, aromatherapy has been known to help people manage pain, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, aid ingestion, and boost immunity, to name just a few.
It’s important to note that perfume oils and fragrance oils do not offer the benefits that essential oils from plant extracts do.
How Can I Enjoy Aromatherapy at Home?
One of the most popular ways to enjoy aromatherapy at home is by using a diffuser. These are small, simple devices that can be placed on a side table or nightstand. Once essential oils are added, diffusers emit a fine aromatic mist into the air, spreading the particles of the plant extract throughout your room.
Types of Aromatherapy Diffusers
Not all diffusers are created equal, and each type has its own pros and cons. The most common diffusers are ultrasonic. These diffusers use electric ultrasonic waves to break essential oils down into small particles, which are then emitted in a fine cold mist. Overall, ultrasonic diffusers tend to be the most affordable and are the easiest to clean, making them highly convenient.
Another popular option is an atomizing diffuser, also known as a nebulizing diffuser. These diffusers are more expensive, more complicated, and harder to clean than their ultrasonic counterparts, but they break oils down into smaller molecules.