Aromatherapy, or better yet, “Aaaaaahhhhromatherapy”, is simply put, health and healing through the sense of smell and skin absorption. In today’s world, aromatherapy is synonymous with essential oils. And although it seems you cannot bypass any grocer without seeing them offered, they have actually been around for centuries. Now without getting mired down in a lengthy history lesson, let it just suffice to say that if something sticks around for that long with devoted followers, there’s some proof in the puddin’. Even the Mayo Clinic cites it’s potential benefits.
But is it art or science? Medicinal or psychological? Holistic or healing? This can be a polarizing debate, but let me ask a question here – Does it matter? I believe it’s simply what works for you. The benefits are often highly individualized, so you might not know if oils will offer you the solution you are looking for until you try a few (or more) out.
Here is where your nose can really point the way. It’s often cited that an oil that has a pleasing scent to a specific person will likely be one with perceived therapy. Alternatively, those that make you squint and recoil might not be the path to go down for your aromatherapy pallette. So let your schnoz steer you on your oil exploration path.