Diffusion is a term used in many different practices, but as it applies to aromatherapy it is the way that essential oils are spread around the room. There are different methods that you could take to accelerate the spread of essential oils in your home. Chief amongst these methods is buying a diffuser that will do all of the work for you.
Elaboration on the Methods of Oil Diffusion
Diffusion can shift in the nature of its complexity. One of the simplest methods to achieve effective diffusion is to use drops of oil on a piece of tissue and let it sit in the room. It’s a good starting point but isn’t effective enough to work on a large area. Using heat, on the other hand, is perfect for increasing the circulation of the desired scent. Heat increases the speed of air particles, making them circulate faster. You can achieve this heated diffusion in two different ways:
- 1. Place some of the essential oil in a pot of boiling water.
- 2. Use an aromatherapy candle. I personally recommend the candle as long as you can keep the fire away from young children or pets.
Categories of Aromatherapy Diffusers
One of the simplest aromatherapy diffusers is the lamp ring. This style of diffuser is made from terra cotta and is placed on a light bulb. There is an area in the ring where you can pour in essential aromatherapy oil. As the light bulb heats up so does the oil and it spreads through the room. Lamp rings are also pretty cheap and a great way to get started with aromatherapy diffusers.
Clay pot diffusers are another alternative. They are also made of terra cotta material. There is a cork covering the opening and after the desired oil is placed inside the pot, the cork absorbs it and sends it into the air. You could also use a small candle to warm the pot and the oil within it. But if you use this method then make sure that you keep all objects away from the fire.
Fan diffusers are yet another very effective aromatherapy diffuser. With these devices aromatherapy oils are poured into a tray of the fan. The fan then blows around and spreads the scent of the oil in every direction. The effectiveness of this method will vary with the power and size of the fan that you use but it’s still a very simple and effective technique.
The nebulizer is a type of fan diffuser. The aromatherapy oil is poured into water and then cool air vapor is released. It is said that this diffusion method works the best for therapeutic treatments as the process breaks down oil molecules and makes them easier for our lungs to absorb. The underlying principle behind this technique has been used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis patients so it would logically follow that it works. Nebulizers run on electricity so keep that in mind.
Electric heat diffusers are hands-down the most effective diffusers that you will ever come across. They combine two of the crucial diffusion elements we’ve already discussed: air circulation and heat. They use electricity and can usually be plugged into a wall outlet. Some heavier oils have been known to clog them so be wary of that. These diffusers are the most productive in the diffuser family.
Using an aromatherapy diffuser is crucial if you wish to reap the true benefits of essential oils in your home.
