The Soothing and Therapeutic Properties of Candles

Stress - in the modern era, it is an inescapable fact of life. Our jobs, traffic, lowered customer service or even our interpersonal relationships can create tensions that affect both mind and body. Luckily a number of holistic and homeopathic approaches exist that can help us unwind after a long hard day. One of them is the use of scented candles in an aromatherapy ritual.

Just what is aromatherapy?

By definition, it is the use of volatile or essential oils that come primarily from plants to remedy emotional and physical ailments. Devout practitioners believe that aromatherapy can cure a whole host if ills, from diabetes to some forms of cancer. In the mainstream world, this holistic approach is solely applied to relaxation.

Using candles gives you two forms of relaxation fixations as the soft and subtle flickering of the flame provides a visual stimulus that works in conjunction with the scent of sweetly released fragrance.

Today, one can find any number of outlets that carry candles, but to experience true aromatherapy, one has to locate the right kind.

Candles for aromatherapy

While you can buy fragrant candles in any drug store, true aromatherapy candles contain natural plant essences and have very few chemicals. The wax is also natural and burns in a way that creates stronger, more healing aromatic releases.

With this in mind, a person who wishes to use candles to reduce stress, anger or to facilitate tranquility should try to locate candles that are as close to all natural as one can get; organic in origin if possible.

Beeswax - the best kind of beeswax candles are pure with natural fragrances and free of toxins. Beeswax is especially calming because they have been proven to release negative ions, which cleanse the air. This is very conducive to creating a mellow mood and in time, detoxifying the body.

Paraffin candles - Paraffin candles have been around for centuries and are slow burning and long lasting.

The drawback is that they are petroleum based. Because of this, there are split factions of aromatherapists who tout both benefits and drawbacks of this candle's use. Look online and do your own homework before you decide whether or not paraffin candles are for you.

Soy candles - these candles are becoming more and more popular with individuals because they are clean burning and aromatic. They are also all natural, biodegradable and non-toxic. Even with all of these wonderful attributes, soy candles can be wonderfully cost effective as well, making them an all around delight for connoisseurs of aromatherapy.

Feng Shui Candles - feng Shui, which literally translates into "wind-water" is the ancient oriental practice of achieving balance to facilitate positive health and beauty. It is also based on the concept of "Chi" or life energy. Feng Shui candles come in several different colors that represent elements, for instance, a red candle would symbolize fire. In this way, candles can add to a spiritual dimension to an individual's aromatherapy.

Votives candles - scented organic votive candles are small in size, circular and primarily used for devotional purposes. People who enjoy candles like the variation in theme votives can offer as they can be placed anywhere and add a rich ambiance to any room. For example, a person who wanted to take a nice scented bath can lower the lights, place these small candles around the room, and add water sensations to their relaxation therapy.

You can locate these types of candles at any store that carries holistic foods or accessories. A quick online search can dig one up in your area if you do not already frequent such a place. The candles themselves can also be ordered online at a variety of Internet shops.

Other relaxation Accessories

Of course, candles are not the only items that can assist harried individuals in unwinding.

Incense - incense made from all natural or organic materials can be utilized in the same a manner as candles in order to evoke aromatherapy benefits. This product usually comes in sticks, bricks and cones and will burn slowly. The best thing about natural incense is that the smell is not as overpowering as those that are chemically based.

Potpourri - made from dried herbs, flowers, leaves or seeds, potpourri is used to refresh rooms, a ritual that dates back hundreds of years. Potpourri can come in a sachet or a bag of loose items that can placed in closets, cupboards or even dressers. When placed on a windowsill, potpourri can freshen the room for days.

One can also boil these all natural items to maximize their fragrant aromas.

Essential Oils - essential oils often contain volatile aromatic substances and botanicals wholly derived from plants and can come in various concentrations. Unlike heavy perfumes or "fragrant oils" essential oils have no chemicals or agents that dry the skin and are usually organic.

If you come across an essential oil with any additive in it, then it is not a true essential oil. To be used, these oils have to be diluted and mixed by carrier oils, like grape seed, to helps the body absorb it for healing effects.

The main caveat for the use of pure essential oils is that there are certain types that may be bad for pregnant women to handle because they may cause intrauterine contractions that lead to premature labor. There are however, a few oils that are actually beneficial in helped combat many of the common ills of pregnancy like morning sickness or water retention.

If you are pregnant consult with your doctor prior to purchasing any essential oil.

There are so many avenues and paths one can follow in the pursuit of relaxation in a turbulent world, but one will never go wrong with holistic practices that involve the marvelous fragrances of all natural, organic candles.