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Orachorn Ekapabsakol
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Orachorn Ekapabsakol (Chung) is a Thai accredited aromatherapist and the author of Mahatsajan Nammanhomraheit (The Miracle of Aromatherapy). This book is a bestseller in Thailand and has inspired many Thai people to join the aromatherapy industry.
Today Orachorn is a freelance writer, advisor and speaker on the topic of aromatherapy. She has also developed her own line of aromatherapy products – Aromatherapy by Chung.
In the past Orachorn has written for Thai newspapers and magazines such as Siamrath, Life and Decor, Madamm Figuro and Lips. She has written extensively about Thai handicrafts, helping to promote Thai ancient heritage alongside local inspiration.
To learn more about Orachorn, visit www.aromamodaka.com. |
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Aromatherapy for a Stress-free Sleep
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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy uses concentrated essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, trees and other plants to help us feel better—and get a good night’s sleep. The oil can be heated and inhaled, massaged directly into the skin, diluted and mixed into lotions that are absorbed by the skin, or dried to make tea and sachets that can be put into pillows, rooms, cars and drawers.
How does Aromatherapy Work?
A smell can transport us to a different place and time because it goes directly to the part of our brain that affects our emotions, behavior and long-term memory—the limbic system. That’s why any smell produces an immediate and powerful reaction. Choose the scent that’s right for you, in the form that’s right for you, in order to produce a specific physiological and psychological state. There are scientific principles at work when we inhale an aroma that can have significant health benefits, as well as risks. The key to knowing what is right for you is to listen to what your body is saying.
How to Choose an Appropriate Scent
Lavender has been put in pillows for centuries for a soothing, restful sleep. But not everyone will react well to the scent of lavender. For people with low blood pressure, there will be another scent that encourages sleep such as rose essential oil, for example.
Our mind can play tricks on us in other ways too. You might think you don’t like an unfamiliar smell at first, but your body can tell you it’s good for you. Try this with a friend’s assistance. Hold a bottle of oil in your right hand close to his chest and your left arm outstretched to your side. Ask your friend to gently apply pressure down on your left hand. As you inhale the essential oil, if your arm resisted the pressure and remains still it indicates your body likes the aroma. However, if your arm dips with the pressure your body is rejecting the aroma.
Different aromas arouse different emotions. Choosing the appropriate aroma depends on what state of mind you want to achieve. Are you stressed and want to relax? Are you having trouble sleeping, or are you sleepy and want to revive yourself?
Lavender is the best known, but there are many different aromas that can induce sleep. Basil, chamomile, mandarin orange, rose, sandalwood, thyme, and ylang-ylang or help relax the mind.
And you can absorb these scents in different forms: by inhaling (sachets, heated oil, candles), through skin absorption (massage oil, skin lotion or gel or soap) or by drinking therapeutic tea.
How to Use An Essential Oil
What’s the best way to conduct a smell test for an essential oil? Hold the open bottle at chin height and move it slowly back and forth as you gently inhale. Don’t sniff directly from the bottle, because some oils have overpowering aromas, and this is the most potent form of aromatherapy.
Do not apply essential oils to infants or small children, since they may have allergic reactions, and also avoid applying oil directly to any skin that is broken or affected by a rash or skin disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not risk having an adverse reaction and other vulnerable people include those who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, varicose veins or deep-vein thrombosis. Consult a trained aromatherapist for advice and specific massage techniques if any of these conditions apply to you.
Inhalation and massage are the most common ways to use essential oils in aromatherapy. Inhalation can simply involve applying drops of oil to a tissue or handkerchief and holding it close to the nose. Steam inhalation or vaporization is particularly therapeutic and the oil can also be used as a healing perfume. First you need to dilute an essential oil before applying it to the skin, you can do this by mixing drops of oil with massage oils, lotions, creams, balms and gels. Examples of other therapeutic applications include compresses, and mixtures added to foot, hand and body baths.
So the next time you have an urge to reach for a sleeping pill, visit Parker & Morgan instead.
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