When people think of relaxing, a few things cross their mind. Maybe someone’s idea of relaxing is lying down mindlessly watching TV, another person’s might be reading their favorite book, while others may prefer more physical activities such as yoga to calm their mind and body.

However, one type of peaceful meditation that a lot of people do not think about is aromatherapy. This is a great way to calm the body and mind using your sense of smell as essential oil fragrances are released into the air around you.

It is considered a very spiritual method of peaceful meditation, as it is tapping into one of your senses to try and calm your body down and, in some instances, cure it holistically.

Different types of aromatherapy

There are a couple different ways aromatherapy may be used. One of them is direct inhalation, where the fragrances are released into the environment. These scents are extracted from plants and using an oil diffuser will release these wonderful scents into the air for us to smell.

I have never tried aromatherapy myself, however from personal experience, when I am in an area where the smells are wonderful and I am allowed to relax, it definitely does bring a sense of peacefulness and serenity throughout my entire body.

Another method utilized in aromatherapy treatment is topological treatment where these oils are used on the skin in an attempt to further relax the body.

One example of this is when essential oils are used in massages. These essential oils are plant-based oils that are meant to relax the muscles of the body and release stress, pain, and tension from the muscles in the body.

Why you should try aromatherapy

There is never a golden rule when it comes to relaxation and peaceful meditation practices. Every individual is different and, therefore, there are a variety of ways people have found to connect them to their inner peace.

You never know what type of activity you may take a liking to or end up having a deep passion for until you try it. Therefore, giving aromatherapy a try is a great new way to find peace and tranquility and to see if it is something you would want to do more often in the future.

Many of my friends have tried it and love these types of relaxation practices and are big advocates that it really does help in the stress department.

How aromatherapy works

Aromatherapy works by first diffusing the scents in a manner your body is able to absorb. By inhaling these scents, it sends signals to the “smell” receptors in the nose which then process the information and communicate with parts of the brain which acts as a storehouse for memories and emotions.

Once the brain starts sensing these signals, research has shown the brain responds and stimulates certain physical, emotional and mental responses. Once this occurs, the relaxation process begins as the body starts to find that calm place and center itself on certain thoughts and emotions.

Aromatherapy for other use

Even though many people do not realize it or think to use it, aromatherapy can be a great way to help with a drug recovery process, or be used throughout one to ease the stress and trauma on the body as it goes through withdrawals.

It can be used as a substitute for the feelings the drugs once used to bring and hopefully help a person on their path to sobriety.

Final thoughts

Aromatherapy is widely accepted supplement to meditation and is something that everyone should at least try once. It may not be something you become majorly interested in, but there is nothing wrong with approaching every new idea with an open mind and giving all of the options out there a try!