In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly important to find a balance that gives us a reprieve from our busy lives – so we can de-stress, relax and focus on our health & wellbeing. We all have our different methods and go-to’s but one modality that has gained popularity in recent times is aromatherapy. But, how does aromatherapy work? and what are the benefits of aromatherapy? Below we explain what aromatherapy is, the mind & body benefits that make it a popular choice along with why we recommend adding infrared sauna aromatherapy to your sauna experiences.

Found—Space (then iHealth Saunas) was founded in 2008 making us the longest-running infrared sauna company in Australia. But we don’t just see ourselves as a sauna company. We see ourselves as a health technology company that recreates home spaces to better serve health and wellbeing and we’re dedicated to helping our customers use their saunas effectively as part of their healthy lifestyles. Where possible we’ve incorporated different modalities into our sauna experiences to enhance benefits including, colour therapy lighting and aromatherapy. Here is what aromatherapy is, how it works, what the benefits are and info on infrared sauna aromatherapy

What Is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils made from natural plant extracts for physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is considered a complementary health modality as it is most often used in conjunction with other health practices.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

How aromatherapy works depends on how it is used – which can be done in one of three ways – through your sense of smell, inhalation and absorption of the skin.

How Does Aromatherapy Work Through Sense Of Smell?

When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel to the top of the nose where they come into contact with the olfactory nerves. These nerves have tiny hairs that recognise a specific smell through what is called the ‘lock and key’ process. This process creates nerve impulses that travel to the limbic system – the part of the brain that deals with survival, instincts and emotions. It is suggested that these nerve pulses can alter brain chemistry. They may also have an impact on your hypothalamus creating feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin.

How Does Aromatherapy Work Through Inhalation?

When you inhale the scent of essential oils they are absorbed inside the body. This can be particularly effective for the respiratory system as some essential oils have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral properties; read ‘Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review’ for more information.

How Does Aromatherapy Work Through Skin Absorption?

When applied to skin, the essential oil’s molecules travel through the epidermis (the top layer of skin) reaching the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) and the blood vessels allowing them to circulate through to all areas of the body. Some essential oils may also help relieve skin issues and pain (it is important to ensure you know what oils are suitable for use on the skin and most times, they will also need to be diluted).

Benefits Of Aromatherapy

There are many reported benefits of aromatherapy, perhaps the most well-known benefit being that they help you to de-stress & relax. Another benefit of aromatherapy, making it popular with many, is that it is a gentle, non-invasive modality that is also pleasant and enjoyable.

Other benefits of aromatherapy include:

• Eases stress, anxiety, and depression
• Boosts feelings of relaxation
• Improves sleep
• May ease certain types of pain / soothes sore joints
• Fights bacteria, viruses and fungus
• Treats headaches and migraines
• Can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and pain
• Eases discomforts of labour
• Improves digestion
• Improves hospice and palliative care
• Boosts immunity

Based on these benefits aromatherapy has the potential to treat many conditions such as asthma, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, menstrual issues, alopecia, arthritis and menopause.

Infrared Sauna Aromatherapy

As a complementary health modality, infrared sauna aromatherapy is the perfect addition to our infrared sauna experiences especially as the benefits of aromatherapy align with the benefits of regular infrared sauna use. Because many people use their saunas at the end of the day to help them relax and prepare for sleep, adding the soothing aromas of essential oils will enhance both the sauna experience & the benefits. We offer a range of essential oils designed with your health & wellbeing in mind including our signature essential oil – ‘Inhale’ and lavender essential oil & peppermint oil from Rare Earth Oils.

Find Out More About Infrared Sauna Aromatherapy

Get in touch today to speak with us about infrared sauna aromatherapy and our range of saunas that promote better health & wellbeing. If you’re in Melbourne or Brisbane you can visit our showroom to see our beautiful saunas first-hand to try a sauna before you buy one. Call 1800 665 704 to book your visit day and time to visit one of our showrooms.