Weight loss and aromatherapy, are they connected? Of course, they are. But you need to know the basics of which oil works well for you, before you enter into aromatherapy for weight loss program. Another fact to remember is, weight loss is in no way associated with essential oils except that some oils help you forget your appetite or improve your fat-burning activities. The first step toward a weight loss program with essential oils is to check whether your body is acclimatized to aromatherapy and how you can use oils in the right proportion to help with your weight loss. This is because one individual is different from the other and not all individuals can work with the same weight loss principles.
Aromatherapy for weight loss – first steps: The first step, as mentioned above, is to consult your regular medical practitioner on how to control weight gain and which program is suitable for you in aromatherapy. You can also discuss with a licensed aromatherapist on this. Work with both your doctor and aromatherapist to design a safe plan that will suit your needs. This plan has to be framed after you analyze the reason for your food cravings or whether you eat more. If yes, why do you crave for food? The reason could be – physical or medical, you may have a poor quotient of nutrition supplements in your food, you may consider eating as a form of comfort or an activity in an otherwise boring routine, or you maybe suffering from grief, depression or other emotional problems. Once your freeze on the reason for your food cravings, base your weight loss program on that.
Why essential oils for weight loss? There is no particular reason except the scientific. Aromatherapy is the only kind of alternative medicine which has a huge impact on the limbic node of the brain. This limbic system activates the hypothalamus immediately and releases hormones or chemical messengers into the body. By controlling the hypothalamus, one can control everything from sex drive to appetite. Called the Master Gland, hypothalamus helps stimulate your hormones and reduce your cravings for food. To be exact, oils stimulate the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and that can cause fullness in the stomach. This kind of satiety can reduce your appetite to a phenomenal extent, make you food-proof and a regular eater.
Dr. Hirsch in his book, ‘Guide to Scentsational Weight Loss’ talks of how he experimented with 3000 people and how most of them where able to reduce more than 30 pounds within a short period of time.
Weight loss tips with essential oils: Once you have identified your cravings, choose your essential oils. Yes, choose oils of your choice. Oils that can please you and make you feel full always. Once this is done, eliminate oils that may cause problems for you. For instance, some oils like Ajawon, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Juniper, Garlic and Nutmeg etc. can burn the nose if you are not prepared. So, avoid them. Also avoid oils that can induce migraines in you.
Weight loss essential oils: The best oils for weight loss are – Peppermint, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang and Patchouli. Most of the oils are either sedatives which relax you and give you adequate rest or energizers which uplift you and make you feel full.