Integrative Health Blog

The official definition of aromatherapy is the inhalation or bodily application of fragrant essential oils for therapeutic purposes. In layman’s terms, aromatherapy is the study of scent.  

Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds, extracted using a specialized distillation process, from the leaves, stems, bark, flowers, roots and fruits of a particular plant.  The oils are the essence of the plant; highly concentrated and very powerful.  They provide the plant with protection, defense, healing, communication and help them attract pollinators.  A myriad of benefits is passed on to us when we utilize essential oils.  

Scents Trigger the Brain

Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically or internally.  Different odors stimulate different parts of the brain.  Many scientific studies confirm the positive benefits of natural aromas reaching the brain directly through the olfactory nerves in the nose.  Inhaling essential oils can have a profound effect on the mind and emotions.  Applying oils directly onto the body facilitates their absorption into the skin and blood stream affecting the nervous and lymphatic systems.  Sometimes, the effects can be felt within moments.  Although ingestion of certain essential oils is somewhat less known in the United States, the French model of aromatherapy has long known the impressive benefits of this type of application.  

Using aromatherapy can be a fun and uplifting experience.  More importantly, essential oils should be considered a powerful ally in your overall wellness goals.  As with anything, please do your research before beginning your journey into oils.  We often hold educational classes on essentials oils at NIHA. You may be surprised at how the use of essential oils may help improve mood or promote health. Mother Nature has once again provided us with another powerful tool for wellbeing.

Here is a short list of commonly used essential oils and their benefits:

Lavender

• Widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities.
• Soothes occasional skin irritations.
• Reduces appearance of skin imperfections.
• Helps to ease feelings of tension. *

Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil)

• Renowned for its cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin.
• Promotes healthy immune function.*

Peppermint

• Rub on temples after you wake up for a morning energy boost.
• Helps reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion.*
• Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing.*
• Repels bugs naturally.
• Relieves feelings of tension.

Wild Orange

• Contains powerful antioxidants.*
• Can be used to cleanse and purify countertops, tables and other surfaces.
• Powerful cleanser and purifying agent for the body.

Experience Aromatherapy with an AromaTouch Treatment

The AromaTouch technique was developed by Dr. David K Hill, D.C., to help provide people an uplifting way to experience essential oils.  AromaTouch is a therapeutic application of Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils.  Oils are applied to the body according to a specific protocol to assist the body with stress relief, immune support, inflammation response and homeostasis.