Aromatherapy and Men

As we are all aware Aromatherapy is nothing new to civilization. However, it is unlikely that you will find the word man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. In fact, if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy for men you would receive a vacant stare in return as they draw blanks in the mental index. The truth of the matter is many properties of Aromatherapy for men will benefit in today’s society. We are not living in the days of hunter gathers so the types of stress a man faces today are different compared to tribal days. Not to say that the amount of stress is not similar to hunting or being hunted. I guess it can be summed up that today’s stress is a battle of the mind. When I think of how Aromatherapy has changed my life I reflect on three major benefits that have taken place in my life. This article will address the benefits of Aromatherapy for men in today’s modern culture. 

 

I think it would be appropriate to start from the beginning and briefly go over what Aromatherapy actually is, in case any of you guys don’t know. Believe it or not modern Aromatherapy was actually identified in France by a man named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920’s. Mr. Gattefosse was a chemist and apparently so prone to getting burned in his lab he became somewhat of a authority on burns from his own personal experience. One day as Mr. Gattefosse lit his arm on fire in a panic he doused the flames in a vat of lavender oil. Gattefosse experienced immediate relief from the pain and additionally in the days to come the recovery process was extremely short with minimal scarring. Compared to the previous burns he had experienced he could not deny he was on to something. After the incident Gattefosse dedicated his life to the study of Aromatherapy. So guys there you go nothing to be shy about Aromatherapy for men is totally natural.

 

The number one benefit that I have seen happen in my life is the ability to deal with the stress in modern life. Previously to my experiments with Basil Oil my depression what at an all-time high. It’s difficult to describe the properties of Basil Oil without smelling them in person. It is important to note that you should never use the exotic variety of basil it could possibly be a source of cancer. However Basil oil is amazing at giving me a second wind at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my daughter and strangely am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. My focus is sharper so I can think clearly about positive aspects in life and bring myself to a place that is pleasant. I have also used Lemon oil but I tend to favour Basil but you should try both.

 

When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about what it can do for us when we are sick. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. Believe it or not Aromatherapy can get you back to the testosterone injected beefcake you once believed yourself to be. Let me introduce you to my little friend - Eucalyptus oil and mint. During a cold or flu this little combo delivers a knockout in clearing the nasal passages. Give it a shot the next time you a feeling sick. Also another amazing essential oil is Yarrow oil it can get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. Obviously again this is treating the symptoms and not the cause but again it should be enough to get yourself positive enough to fight back mentally.

 

Aromatherapy for men is also important in the area of skin burns. Let’s face it guys are prone to skin burns. A nasty header burn on the leg can be a real bummer for the weekend. Skin burns are no bueno and as previously mentioned lavender oil is a great way to get some relief. You may also want to try Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil provides amazing relief.

 

Aromatherapy for men in the future will more than likely be more commonplace than it is today. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. I get through sickness with less misery and if by chance when I’m out playing and I get some sort of skin damage, well I’m covered there as well. Aromatherapy for men in all has many uses. Just remember it’s making your life easier if you are having trouble getting over the stereotype. You are facing some risks with aromatherapy and in turn you will need to become informed with the techniques involved in producing the results you are looking for. If you are interested I have link to my website below full of information on Aromatherapy and yes I’m a man.

Aromatherapy - The Scent Through Your Skin

Scents play a big role in our lives. Some fragrances may recall memories or transmit sensations. Who has not felt better after going to sauna with eucalyptus smell? Or associated flowers` scents to the feelings of calm and peace? Aromatherapy took advantage of this basic human instinct to treat diseases, provide well-being, skin care and relaxation. It can be defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils for prevention and/or auxiliary treatment of physical, psychological and energetic problems.

 

The true Aromatherapy consists on the therapeutic application of 100% essential oils in baths, massages, compresses, diffusions, internal use, etc. Before being used, the essential oils are frequently dissolved in neutral lotions such as vegetal oils, cereal water or cereal alcohol. This preserves chemical properties and chemical/physical activity in the human body.

 

According to "The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils", the favoured technique of aroma therapists is the massage, because it ensures that the oils are absorbed in the skin and into the blood stream. On this method, the essence is diluted into base oil (jojoba, avocado, peanut, soy, peach kernel oil, etc). Another book, "Aromatherapy: Healing for the Body & Soul", emphasizes the importance of rubbing the oil in the skin. The author, Kathi Keville, claims that the human touch warms the body, relieves stress, relaxes and encourages deep breathing.

 

Benefits

 

Aromatherapy is known for bringing well-being and stress relieve to people, but this is only one of its possible benefits. This therapy can affect the body chemistry; the emotions and attitudes; and the ability of the body to function. The book "Aroma Therapy: Healing for the body and soul" cites a wide range of therapeutical uses for Aromatherapy:

 

• Reduction of pain, inflammations and spasms; 
• Stimulation of the immune system, hormone production and blood circulation;
• Skin infections;
• Heal of respiratory and digestive problems;
• Emotional problems, like depression and panic.

 

Precautions

 

Some essential oils, like camphor, thuja and red thyme, can cause damage to the patients due to their high toxicity levels, which can cause severe dermal irritation. Essential oils should not be applied directly at the skin; they should be diluted in a carrier oil or cream. It is also suggested to do a patch test on the skin before using the essential oil, because some people can be very sensitive or have allergic reactions. Some oils, like the lemon and the verbena, when exposed to the sun, may cause spots.

 

The "Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils" warns that pregnant patients or the ones who have diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy can not be massaged with some essential oils. It is recommended that they inform the therapist about their condition. It also adverts that essential oils should not be used at home to treat serious medical or psychological problems.

 

Oils Properties

 

The oils have different properties. Some of the most common essential oils are:

 

• Calming - chamomile, lavender, geranium; 
• Uplifting - ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli, lemon, fennel;
• Energizing - rosemary, thyme (white), grapefruit, cinnamon; 
• Cleansing - rosemary, tea tree, lavender; frankincense;
• Decongesting - eucalyptus, pine, tea tree, peppermint;

 

Profession

 

Although nowadays Aromatherapy has become a widespread practice around the world, it is still considered a complementary medicine in the majority of the countries. In France, Aromatherapy is part of the formal education in Medical schools. During history, medicinal and aromatic plants were used to purify and scent places, scare away evil spirits, treat skin and other physical disorders as in the use of infusions, in the mummification process in ancient Egypt and Roman baths. 

According to The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), the organization that promotes and supports the practice of this method, there is no licensure or laws for Aromatherapy in the US. NAHA determined that to become an aroma therapist is necessary to be graduated in a course of at least 200 hours. Some professionals incorporate the training of this technique with their licensed work. It is the case of many massage therapists, acupuncturists, doctors and nurses.

 

Aromatherapy: New Age Fad Or Age-Old Remedy?

Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils that have been extracted from plants, shrubs and trees. These essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can be used to treat medical conditions or alleviate psychological ailments. Aromatherapy oils are used as cosmetics. Finally, aromatherapy can be used simply for pleasure, to help improve your mood or to reduce your stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to affect both your physical and mental state.

 

Aromatherapy has recently been labelled a New Age fad, but the practice of aromatherapy has a long history. The often negative use of the New Age label causes an unfortunate prejudice against a practice that has many potential benefits.

 

The effective use of aromatherapy requires considerable knowledge and expertise. The essential oils of aromatherapy can be applied in a wide variety of situations. They have been proven effective in treating both serious and minor ailments. Even when aromatherapy cannot provide a cure, it can improve an individual's mood.

 

We often practice aromatherapy on an everyday basis without realizing it. When we choose aromas, bath oils, and air fresheners, we usually choose based on what we like, or on how the fragrance makes us feel. The refreshing scent of a pine forest, the pleasurable aromas of herbs, or the many other daily experiences we have with the scents of plant-derived substances indicate that we are actually practicing and experiencing aromatherapy in many ways.

 

The practice of aromatherapy for treating ailments actually predates chemical-based medicine. The essential oils of aromatherapy have been used for hundreds of years in herbal medicine, disease prevention, and in religious and public ceremonies.

 

The proven benefits of plant-based therapies are being overlooked in favor of artificial substitutes. It's easy to forget that many commonly used pharmaceuticals were originally derived from plants. Many also doubt that something applied externally could possibly have an internal effect. But the answer to many of today's diseases has been with us from the beginning, stored in the plant life around us. Aromatherapy unlocks the power of these essential oils and applies it for our benefit.

Aromatherapy - Using Nature’s Aroma To Cure

Aromatherapy makes use of the essential oils from the plants and other aromatic compounds to help soothe the human mind and cure certain illness. You can do it at home with the help of essential oils, perfume and cosmetics. When it becomes a part of pharmacology, it is known as clinical aromatherapy. 

 

Aromachology studies the effects of different aromas on human behaviour. Certain aromas are believed to have relaxing effect on our mind and body. Aromatherapy includes not only the use of essential oils, but also absolutes, hydrosols, infusion, phytoncides, and carrier oils. The absolutes are oils extracted by superficial fluid extraction, like the rose absolute. Hydrosols, like the rose water, are aqueous by-products after distillation. Infusions are the aqueous solutions of plant material. Phytoncides are the natural volatile organic compounds extracted from plants. Sweet almond oil is an example of carrier oil, used to dilute essential oils.

 

Aromatherapy can be done through inhalation. By taking baths, massages and compresses, the essential oils can be absorbed by the skin. Through oral rinses and gargles, they can be absorbed through the mucous membranes. Ingestion is another method of aromatherapy. 

 

Aromatherapy causes various therapeutic effects like the antiseptic effects, anaesthetic effects, and psychological effects. Aromatherapy has its effects on the central nervous system and the metabolism. For home aromatherapy, you can blend neroli, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, nutmeg, and peppermints in the base oils and add a few drops of basil in that mixture. For bathing purposes, you can add oils like lavender, and rose to the water. Aromatherapy can heal depression, insomnia, acne, joint pains, stress, cough, and other types of diseases. For the skin, aromatherapy best solves acne and dry skin problems. 

 

Aromatherapy helps to enhance the skin and makes it glow. It gives a pedicure and manicure effect, and prevents skin wrinkles. The common essential oils used for aromatherapy are sweet almond, avocado, cocoa butter, grape seed, jojoba, olive, peanut, rose hip, sesame, sunflower and more. Make sure not to use ajowan, almond, arnica, calamus, garlic, melilotus, onion, mustard, wormseed, and wormwood, without proper supervision from the aromatherapy practitioner.

Aromatherapy: Revive Your Senses

The art of aromatherapy had been practiced since the earliest times. Strong evidences were found to link aromatherapy to ancient traditions. Though aromatic oils had been used to treat and cure various ailments and conditions for who knows how long, the formal study on their properties only started in the year 1928.

 

In its simplest form, aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils for therapeutic purposes. They are normally employed to relieve a person from stress and a variety of stress-related conditions. And also for promoting an individual's general well-being and in invigorating the body and the psyche.

 

Aromatherapy works by inducing the olfactory nerve cells with aromatic oils, which then carries out the message to the limbic system in the brain. Limbic system is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling memory and emotions.

 

Aromatherapy is concerned in both the workings of the physical and emotional aspects of the person under treatment. Physically, aromatherapy helps in relieving specific conditions trough the stimulation of the nervous, immune and circulatory system. In emotions however, they may evoke pleasant memories.

 

Yet, the medical circles do not agree if aromatherapy in itself is instrumental to the complete healing of a certain condition. But the idea of recovery through aromatherapy is widely accepted.

 

Essential Oils

 

Essential oils are derived from the distillation of the elements of a plant like the leaves, roots, flowers, stems and bark. They hold the true essence of the plants from which they originally came in high concentration. Though termed as oil, essential oils normally do not have the real properties of oil. Some essential oils are yellow like that of the lemongrass and orange and many are clear.

 

These oils are used in a variety of methods: through inhalation, by adding them in the bathwater and by the application of the diluted oil on the body.

 

The use of oil in aromatherapy is only restricted to those with unadulterated qualities. The purest of the essential oils alone have the therapeutic values.

 

The following is a list of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy. Some of which are used as carrier oils (also known as vegetable oils or base oils):

 

• Almond, Sweet
• Apricot Kernel
• Avocado
• Borage
• Cocoa Butter
• Evening Primrose
• Grapeseed
• Hazelnut
• Jojoba
• Kukui
• Macadamia Nut
• Olive
• Peanut
• Pecan
• Rose Hip
• Sesame
• Shea Butter
• Sunflower

 

Below are listed essential oils that are not advisable to use in aromatherapy, especially if not supervised by a professional aromatherapy practitioner.

 

• Ajowan
• Almond, Bitter
• Arnica
• Birch, Sweet
• Boldo Leaf
• Broom, Spanish
• Calamus
• Camphor
• Deertongue
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Jaborandi
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Onion
• Pennyroyal
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormseed
• Wormwood

 

Aromatherapists put into practice the workings of aromatherapy in a spectrum of work environments including:

 

• private practice
• mobile visiting practice
• natural health clinics
• beauty therapy clinics
• health clubs
• hospitals
• hospices and
• nursing homes

 

In spite of the lack of formal research on aromatherapy therapists and European physicians are often prescribing certain aromatic oils for a range of complaints including colds and flu, insomnia, sinusitis, migraines, digestive problems and muscle pains. It must be understood though that aromatic oils must never be taken orally and should be first tested to determine the degree of skin's sensitivity to some oils.

Are Alternative Medicines Effective?

A growing number of people have become interested in alternative medicine to treat illnesses. Alternative medicine as a practice has created a significant amount of controversy both inside and outside the traditional medical field. Alternative medicine refers to a treatment or substance that is unproven under the application or accepted scientific standards. The most common types of alternative medicine include herbs, supplements, therapies and activities that are outside traditional medical practice. Some of these raise questions about their safety and effectiveness.

 

Acupuncture, massage, meditation, herbal tea, and plant extracts are popular among devotees of alternative medicine, but many traditional doctors believe these treatments are ineffective or even dangerous. Alternative medicine has become increasingly popular as more people face the aches, pains, and illnesses that accompany aging. In some cases, individuals have not obtained a cure with traditional medical approaches and turn to other options to treat their illness. In still other cases, people feel very strongly that natural methods of treatment are better than traditional medicine, so they look for answers from alternative practitioners instead of the family doctor.

 

There are risks associated with alternative medicine. Some of the risks arise through the use of untested, ineffective, and even unsafe substances. The manufacturers of these substances sometimes exaggerate the claims of their effectiveness. They may misrepresent the science related to the material to convince consumers to buy the product, even if its use can endanger a person’s health.

 

Some herbal remedies are advertised as being able to improve memory, raise metabolism, or cure cancer and heart disease. In reality, the remedies may cause harm if taken at high doses. Another risk is that someone with a serious disease like cancer will not receive traditional and proven treatments, preferring to use alternative methods that may not be effective. In these cases, people are risking their lives. Sometimes, patients may be using alternative treatments, but not telling their doctors about them. This can lead to dangerous drug interactions. If a traditional doctor is unaware of the substance a patient is taking, medications that produce harmful interactions may be unknowingly prescribed.

 

It is possible to recognize potentially risky alternative treatment. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While this is a cliché, it is often very true in situations involving alternative medicines. Be careful of products labelled ‘miraculous’ or ‘ancient remedy’. If you are thinking about treatments such as acupuncture or reflexology, check the qualifications of the practitioner before being treated. Ask about the training received, and research the treatment to determine if it has been scientifically tested and found to be effective.

 

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor about an alternative treatment you are considering. Trained medical professionals have the experience and education to help you make safe decisions about your health.

Alternative Treatments For Headaches

There are now many alternative and natural treatments to help people who suffer from headaches and migraines. In this article, I write about these type of remedies and also recommend the types of food people should avoid if they are always suffering from headaches and migraines.

 

There are many causes of headaches including:

 

• Excessive amounts of alcohol
• Over eating
• An incorrect posture
• Too much stress 
• Problems with teeth
• Problems with a person eyes

 

It is important that we learn to deal with stress and to become more care-free. A lot of people react to stressful situations by turning to alcohol. This can only add to their problems and can lead to even more headaches. 

 

If the person drinks to excess they may wake up with a hangover. If this happens to you I would advise you to drink plenty of water as you are likely to be dehydrated. Vitamin C is also useful to remove the alcohol quicker from your body.

 

If you are unable to live a stress-free life, it may be worth looking at alternative treatments. These are the types of natural therapy I would advise:

 

• Osteopathy
• Acupuncture
• Homeopathy
• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• The Alexander Technique

 

There are also certain foods and drinks which are a must to avoid for people who have regular headaches. These include:

 

• Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Alcohol

 

Migraines

 

Headaches are annoying enough, however migraines can be severely painful. I have suffered with migraines for a number of years and have now studied the subject seeking a cure. I am determined to not have to live my life, having these migraines regularly throughout the year, as the pain is unbearable. Maybe I am a bit of a wimp, but they really do cause me a lot of grief.

 

There are a number of reasons or causes for migraines. These include bright lights, certain foods or loud noises. I have to say that I think my own migraines are caused by stress and anxiety. I have always been a worrier and have suffered with a low self-esteem for most of my life. There are many reasons for this lack of confidence, which I will not bore you with at this stage.

 

I decided that I needed to deal with my stress as well as learning about how to eradicate the migraines. 

 

I am now able to relax and have accepted that no one person is perfect. I realise that I will make mistakes and as long as I learn from them, then that is OK. Worrying does not help me in any case therefore I have to stop doing it.

 

I have also used alternative health therapies to help me to reduce my stress including:

 

• Herbal remedies
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

 

I still have headaches as I have to admit that I do like to have a few beers around once a week. I have not however had a migraine for around nine months now. I am a lot happier in life and have learnt how to manage my levels of stress. I regularly meditate and use other natural remedies as mentioned above. This is what has helped me and I hope it helps you too.

Alternative Therapies For Asthma Treatment -- Biofeedback Holds Promise

Recent research has shown that asthma attacks can be effectively treated using alternative therapies. Learn about biofeedback as a means to control asthma.

 

Are there effective alternative therapies for asthma? Many researchers believe biofeedback holds promise as a way to help asthma patients. 

 

What is biofeedback all about? It involves measuring a person's body processes like heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, etc and providing this information to the person in real time. This creates awareness of these processes and in turn, can help the person gain conscious control over related body functions. 

 

For instance, scientists have shown that a person can consciously influence his heartbeat. In fact, some studies at the National Institutes for Health have indicated that patients can be trained even to lower their blood pressure. 

 

Biofeedback training is part of what is called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It was Dr. Neal Miller, a neuroscientist at Yale who first said that it is possible to exert conscious control over automatic body functions. The scientific and medical establishment of the time scoffed at his statement and held that such things are impossible. 

 

However, subsequent research by several groups has shown that control over unconscious body functions is indeed possible. Many patients have found relief from migraine using biofeedback training. Some researchers are studying the possibility of using biofeedback as the main treatment for high blood pressure problems. 

 

How does biofeedback apply to asthma?

 

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways are inflamed and contracted. If these muscles can be relaxed, air would flow more freely into the lungs and the distressing symptoms of asthma would be alleviated. Biofeedback systems train the patient to accomplish just that. 

 

In addition, asthma patients often have abnormal breathing patterns. The Society for Applied Psychotherapy and Biofeedback says that 'barrel breathing' is one such pattern. This is when the asthmatic takes in a deep breath and then doesn't fully breathe out. Instead, they take several shallow in and out breaths without emptying their lungs completely. 

 

As a result, their lungs can't be refilled with fresh air since they never empty fully when breathing out. 

 

Using a process called pneumographic biofeedback, asthma patients learn to recognize their altered heart rates that occur during barrel breathing. And they learn to change their breathing pattern to lower their heart rate as well as improve oxygen intake. 

 

Some studies have concluded that this type of biofeedback treatment not only reduced the symptoms of asthma but also brought down lung inflammation and resistance to normal breathing. The heart beat variability biorhythm treatment has also resulted in lowered medication use and better pulmonary function. 

 

The National Institutes of Health advices asthma patients who wish to use biofeedback training to work with a competent trainer and to keep their doctor fully informed. The latter is important because asthma patients should be monitored regularly and medication may need to be adjusted from time to time. 

 

Overall, biofeedback treatment is one of the more promising alternative therapies for asthma.

Alternative Medicines That Work For Me

There is a lot of hype about alternative medicines, and some of them are certainly without much value. Of course there is a lot of hype about regular medicines, many of which do as much harm as good. The fact that natural remedies and treatments rarely hurt people as much as prescription drugs is one reason to at least try them. Here are a few that I can vouch for from experience.

 

Tea Tree Oil

 

I had a lump on the side of my nose, growing slowly, bleeding at times. I had it for years, and the one time I asked a doctor about it, he wasn't sure if it was actually cancerous. I read somewhere that tee tree oil might work. I bought a bottle at a health-food store for $6. I applied a drop to the lump each day, and in less than six weeks, the lump was gone completely.

 

Coincidence? After having the growth for years? I don't think so. In fact I had another growth years later on my neck, and for several years, I couldn't remember what I had used the first time. When I found a clue in some old notes, I used tea tree oil on that growth, which was even larger than the first one. It was gone in about six weeks.

 

St. John's Wort

 

When hiking in Canada, I cut my foot. The gash was deep. I found St. John's Wort (Hypericum perfolatum), which has been proven to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. I mashed up a few leaves and bandaged them to the cut, replacing them occasionally. I have honestly never seen a cut heal faster.

 

St. John's Wort is one of the better known alternative medicines now. It is used as an anti-depressant, with numerous studies showing its effectiveness. It is also used by some as a temporary mood-elevator. This effect isn't proven yet, but whenever I've had tea made from the plant, it tasted awful and left me happy for two hours. Anecdotal and subjective evidence (I'm not even entirely convinced), but interesting.

 

Valerian Root

 

When my wife has cramps and pain, nothing works better than a cup of tea made from valerian root. You can get the tea in many stores now. I wouldn't try driving after having valerian root. This is a powerful relaxant.

 

In fact, valerian root is too strong for some people. A gentler herb that will relax you is chamomile. You can find this as tea too. It makes a great drink with honey, just before you are ready to go to bed.

 

There are so many alternatives out there. I have stopped a headache just by chewing on willow twigs. I have stopped diarrhoea with oak bark (careful - this can hard on the liver in large doses). I have watched a friend's poison ivy rash disappear overnight with the application of jewelweed juice. 

 

I am sure that I have tried just as many alternatives that didn't work, too, but you know what? Put all the ineffective ones together and the cost probably doesn't add up to the cost of one visit to a doctor. As for the effective ones, well, no doctor yet has introduced me to one of them. You have to do your own research on alternative medicines.