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

Alternative Medicine has developed remedies for almost all foods based on simple and amazing substances. Who could have thought that just smelling a scent 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 rid the body of unwanted agents and disease-causing microbes.

Both Aromatherapy and Hydrotherapy are techniques based on Mind-Body Intervention methods. Both are very effective at what they do. Not many of us know much about these two relatively new techniques,

Here is a brief description to familiarize you with them:

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 both physical and psychological benefits when used correctly. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. They are mixed to make a ‘synergy’.

In addition to essential oils, aromatherapy also uses other natural ingredients, such as cold-pressed vegetable oils, herbs, powdered milk, 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.

Direct inhalation is the best mode as it effectively relieves the body of all respiratory tract problems. It affects the nervous system since the aroma triggers a reaction in the brain that results in the relief of psychological mood. Topical applications are applied to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream. The massage blends are made up of aromatic oils that help reduce muscle aches, pains, and migraines. Having an aromatic bath will speed up the healing of skin disorders; reduce stress levels and increase circulation and blood flow. Using compresses to apply smelling salts to the body will also benefit the affected area. This method is used to treat muscle pain, varicose veins, sprains, menstrual cramps, and respiratory congestion.

HYDROTHERAPY

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

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

Hydrotherapy is used as physiotherapy for the treatment of people with severe injuries and muscle atrophy. Hydrotherapy is also used for people who have joint problems or severe physical disabilities.

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

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