Aromatherapy is a term used to describe the practice of employing essential plant oils to promote healing and balance in the mind and body. It is use in it's traditional sense in skincare salons and spas across the world in order to promote balance and well-being. However, many think that the aromatic plant compounds which are aimed at improving a person's health or mood is just plain hokus pokus. But others in the spa industry feel that this is a form of relaxing the person with olfactory therapy and in doing they help the person achieve a glowing complexion. How? Stress affects your skin negatively and relaxing melts away the aged look a person gets when he is being overwhelmed by life circumstances. Everyone has been the effect of stress at one point or another and scientifically this can be proven as stress eats away at vitamin and mineral sources in your body, depleting them.

These essential oils stimulate your olfactory nerves and release stress as the various smells of the oils enter your body, affecting the part of the brain that controls moods and emotions.

There is an array of scents used in aromatherapy, each with healing properties concentrated towards specific physical and psychological aliments. For example, lavender promotes relaxation and help to relieve tension and stress. Lemon refreshes and lowers stress levels by increasing serotonin, a feel good hormone directly linked with our moods. Peppermint and jasmine invigorates the senses, encouraging alertness.

Aromatherapy and essential oils can be used in a variety of settings, such as in the bath and during a massage. This is especially beneficial since the oils are not only absorbed through the nose, but through the skin. Therapeutic massage coupled with fragrant oils such as chamomile aid in increasing circulation and blood flow. Candles and diffusers distribute the scents throughout the day, and you can even sniff the oils directly by adding a drop to a scarf.

These healing oils are also useful as part of your daily skin care regime and can be found in some of the skincare products that you use. A toner with Eucalyptus and alcohol free can help purify your skin and because of the antiseptic properties found in Eucalyptus.

Some people use aromatherapy oils also as a way to balance and align their chakras. The word "chakra" refers to the seven "energy centers" ranging from the base of the spiritual column to the area above your skull. Many essential oil blends are formulated for the specific areas and energy centers in need of restoration. Aromatherapy sprays are great to mist around your head and body when you need a clear and refreshed mind.

With a balanced mind and relaxed sense of being, you are able to face the day with a clean slate and a restored sense of being.