Our sense of smell is the strongest compared to all the others. We associate certain smells with things we like and also things we don’t. Researchers in the field of Alternative Medicine have studied the primary response that humans have towards pleasant smells. Alternative Medicine uses methods beyond the conventional ones to cure various diseases among people. This science has the advantage of having fewer or no side effects during an individual’s treatment, as there are uses for medications.

Alternative Medicine has developed remedies for almost all ailments based on simple and surprising substances. Who could have thought that the simple act of smelling an aroma can cure us of our disease? This branch of alternative medicine is called aromatherapy. As unusual as this, is hydrotherapy. Yes, as the name suggests, hydrotherapy uses water to remove unwanted disease-causing agents and microbes from the body.

Both aromatherapy and hydrotherapy are techniques based on mind-body intervention methods. They are both very effective at what they do. Not many of us know much about these two relatively recently developed techniques,

Here is a brief description to familiarize you with:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses volatile plant materials, called essential oils, for the purpose of altering a person’s mood or health. Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have the quality of providing physical and psychological benefits when used correctly. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. They combine to create a “synergy”.

In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy also uses other natural ingredients including cold-pressed vegetable oils, herbs, milk powders, sea salts, clays, and mud.

Aromatherapy can be performed in two ways: by direct inhalation of the aroma or by topical application in the form of baths, massages, compresses, etc.

Inhaling directly is the best way, as it effectively relieves the body of all respiratory tract problems. It affects the nervous system as the aroma triggers a reaction in the brain that alleviates psychological moods. Topical applications are applied to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream. Massage blends are made up of aromatic oils that help reduce muscle aches, pains, and migraines. Taking an aromatic bath will accelerate the healing of skin disorders; Reduce stress levels and increase circulation and blood flow. Using compresses to apply aromatic salts to the body will also benefit the affected area. This method is used to treat muscle aches, varicose veins, sprains, menstrual cramps, and respiratory congestion.

HYDROTHERAPY

We are made from 80% water and based on this fact, studies have revealed that water can be used effectively to cure the human body of various diseases.

As drinking water is a universal solvent, it helps significantly in the removal of waste products that accumulate in the human body under certain circumstances and cause definite injuries.

Hydrotherapy is used as physical therapy to treat people with severe injuries and muscle atrophy. Hydrotherapy is also used for people with severe physical disabilities or joint problems.

Hydrotherapy can be used in various ways in baths such as hot, cold, neutral, sitz, sauna baths, etc. While cold baths improve blood flow to tissues and reduce swelling, steam baths are effective in opening skin pores and refreshing the body. Sitz baths are used to treat broken skin and for ailments affecting the genital and urinary organs. Sprays can be administered for a number of disorders and a neutral bath is best for relaxation and sedation as it has a temperature similar to that of the body and this has a healing influence on the nervous system and the hormonal system.

Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy are very effective and have absolutely no side effects in their use. With little practice, both techniques can be accomplished.