About Aromatherapy Diffusers
Aromatherapy has become a popular alternative treatment for chronic medical conditions. It involves inhaling the aroma from oils derived from plants to help enhance health and well-being. These oils can be mixed with a variety of natural materials and used in compresses, mixed into baths and used in diffusers. Aromatherapy can be used alone or in combination with other healing methods such as massage.
Identification
An aromatherapy diffuser is any object that holds and disperses essential oils. The diffuser absorbs the oil's smell and releases it into the air so it can be inhaled by the user. Aromatherapists believe that the aroma given off by the oils create physiological changes in the body (see Resources below). Advocates of aromatherapy believe that as the user inhales the odor, the brain triggers psychological and physical reactions. These can help the body release tension, ease sinus pressure and congestion, relieve breathing difficulties, enhance the activity of the digestive and immune systems, improve mood and reduce pain. The practice of aromatherapy does not cure disease, but rather it eases symptoms.
Types
A diffuser can be as simple as a tissue or cloth which is soaked with essential oil and then placed in a room. Aromatherapy diffusers can also involve some type of clay holder or pot that has openings to release the aroma. Some diffusers release a stronger aroma into the air, and others are more subtle. Diffusers that provide a stronger smell may be useful when trying to clear sinuses or when you need immediate relief from a chronic symptom. Diffusers that offer a more subtle aroma may be helpful if your goal is to promote relaxation and if you will be using the diffuser on a regular basis.
Features
Some diffusers use a source of heat to help release the aroma of the oil. This can include placing drops of the oil into a pan or bowl of boiling water. In this case, the aroma from the oil is released with the steam from the hot water. There are also diffusers that are heated with candles. Drops of the oil are placed into a bowl that sits over a tea light or candle. As the candle burns, it heats the oil and the aroma is released into the air. You can purchase rings made of terra cotta that can sit on a light bulb, and the aroma is released as the heat from the bulb warms the ring. In addition, there are electric diffusers that hold oil, and when turned on, the oil is heated and a fan helps to disperse the smell.
Other Options
Another type of diffuser is called a nebulizer, where the oil is not heated; instead, an air pump pushes the oil out and releases it into the air through a cold and fine mist. The glass portion of the diffuser is designed to disperse the aroma throughout the air more evenly, and can cover a wide area. Some aromatherapists claim that vaporizing the oils through a nebulizer is the most efficient way to get benefits from aromatherapy, since they believe that heating the oil destroys some of its properties. Nebulizers can be placed in a room that expose users to the aroma as they enter a room, or users can also directly inhale the vapors.
Considerations
Simpler candle diffusers and light bulb rings are very inexpensive and easy to use. However, it is dangerous to leave a candle unattended, and light bulb rings can cause damage to the light bulb and lamp if they overheat. Electric diffusers and nebulizers can cost anywhere from $20 up into the hundreds of dollars. They are often safer and can be left unattended, but they all have parts that can break and may need to be replaced, which can make them a more expensive option. They must also be cleaned well to avoid clogging.
Keep in mind that since the practice of aromatherapy is not regulated, there is no oversight on the selling and usage of essential oils. Talk with a professional aromatherapist as well as your physician and/or pharmacist to make sure you are getting a good product and are using it correctly.
Tags: light bulb, believe that, aroma from, aroma released, bulb rings