Pulse December 2018 | Page 42

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils With the growing popularity of aromatics and diffusers, aromatherapy is quickly emerging as a way to fill your atmos- phere with an air of wellness—literally! Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils that have been extracted and distilled from various plants. Due to their potent aroma and natural plant chemistry, essential oils help restore balance and well-being physically, emotionally and energetically. The benefits of essential oils can be taken in through the lungs and the skin. When breathed in, the oils stimulate receptors in the nose that send messages to the brain’s limbic system. According to the National Institutes of Health, these messages can affect moods and emotions, and may have some physiological effect as well. When blended into carrier oils and applied to the skin, the dermal layers absorb the essential oils, which are carried into the bloodstream within 20 minutes. Thus, massage for face and body is one of the best application methods for delivering the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Environmental fragrancing systems are being adopted by many hotels and can be implemented effectively in a spa setting as well. Releasing pure essential oils in reception areas, meditation spaces, relaxation rooms, locker rooms and gyms is a delightful way to lift your spa. Once diffused, the naturals Ayurvedic treaments, long part of spa's bedrock, found newfound importance in 2018. 40 PULSE ■ December 2018