Discover Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy

At Repose Rituals, we define aromatherapy as the intentional use of volatile, plant-derived oils — the complete aromatic compounds of plants, never isolates — blended with purpose and delivered through specific methods and dilutions such as inhalation, diffusion, bathing, or topical use.

Aromatherapy is distinguished from ordinary scented products by the use of 100% whole essential oils, thoughtfully blended for a wellbeing purpose and applied at safe, effective dilutions. Through these practices, the chemistry of the oils can interact with the nervous system and body, making aromatherapy both a science-based and sensory experience that supports rest, resilience, and emotional balance.

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All About Essential Oils

Extraction & Nature. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts obtained from specific parts

of aromatic plants — flowers, leaves, resins, roots, woods, or citrus peels — most often through steam distillation or cold expression. They are volatile compounds that evaporate easily into the air, and each oil contains hundreds of natural chemicals. Because they are so concentrated, essential oils must be diluted in carrier oils before topical use.

Therapeutic & Scent Qualities. Each oil has multiple compounds that can exert different effects

on the mind and body, and each carries its own scent notes — top, middle, and base. As such, essential oil blends are carefully formulated not only for the desired therapeutic outcome but also for a balanced and harmonious scent profile.

Purity & Testing. The quality of an oil depends on purity: true essential oils are unaltered, while

adulterated oils may be diluted, extended, or synthetically enhanced, reducing both therapeutic effect and safety. Rigorous testing, such as GC/MS analysis, helps verify that an oil is authentic and free from contaminants.

Scent Families. Every essential oil belongs to a scent family — floral, woody, resinous, herbal,

spicy, or citrus — giving aromatherapy its wide palette of aromas and effects. These families help guide blending both for aromatic harmony and therapeutic balance.

Role in Aromatherapy vs Fragrance. Essential oils differ from fragrance oils (synthetic) and

isolates (single molecules like linalool or limonene). True aromatherapy always uses whole, authentic oils for their synergistic therapeutic effect.

Essential Oil Modes of Application

The way essential oils are applied is as important as the oils themselves. Each method engages the body differently — some act quickly through the breath and brain, while others provide slower, grounding support through touch and skin absorption. Below is an overview of the main pathways.

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  • Inhalation

    Inhalation is the fastest pathway to shift cognitive function, mood, emotions, and respiratory health. Aromatic molecules travel directly via the olfactory system to the limbic brain, regulating mood, memory, and stress response within minutes. Personal methods such as a nasal inhaler, steam bath, or simply breathing from the bottle provide a strong, immediate effect for mind and body.

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion also delivers essential oils to the olfactory system and limbic brain, but in a gentler, more ambient way. As molecules circulate in the room air, they are steadily inhaled through both the nose and lungs, supporting mood, focus, and breathing over time. Diffusers, candles, or reed diffusers shift the atmosphere of a space while creating a softer and more sustained influence than direct inhalation.

  • Topical Application

    Topical use combines inhalation, skin absorption, and the nourishing benefits of plant oils with the therapeutic power of touch. Applied as a rollerball, balm, or massage oil, essential oils act locally on tissues while their aroma continues to be inhaled from the skin. This dual pathway offers longer-lasting calm, grounding, and nervous system regulation through touch therapy.

  • Combined Methods

    Combine to Create Layering – Most effective. Engages olfactory, skin, and touch pathways. Diffusing oils to set the mood, a bath soak for deeper relaxation, ending with a topical body oil for lasting calm. By engaging multiple pathways at once (olfactory, respiratory, and skin absorption), layering strengthens the overall impact and extends benefits over time. It also turns aromatherapy into a fuller ritual, moving from atmosphere to body to touch.


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Using Essential Oils For Mind & Body

  • Cognition, Mood & Emotions

Inhalation is the fastest way to shift mood and mental state, sending aromatic compounds directly to the brain’s limbic system. Diffusion provides a steadier background effect, while topical use through rollerballs or massage combines touch therapy with lingering aroma for lasting calm.

Look for: Nasal inhalers, rollerballs, pure essential oils, and aroma mists.

  • Respiratory Support

Inhalation delivers essential oils directly into the airways, helping ease congestion and support clear breathing. Steam baths, diffusers, and chest rubs reinforce this effect, making aromatherapy a gentle ally during colds or seasonal discomfort.

Look for: Pure essential oils, nasal inhalers, aroma mists, and chest rub balms.

  • Skin Nourishment & Comfort

Herbal balms and oils nourish, protect, and comfort the skin while supporting its natural repair processes. Ideal for delicate or changing skin — from pregnancy belly care to baby balms — they also provide subtle calming benefits through aroma.

Look for: Body oils, rollerballs, salves & balms.

  • Muscles & Pain

Topical massage with essential oils improves circulation, eases inflammation, and helps release muscle tension. Inhalation during massage further amplifies relaxation, creating a grounding, restorative experience.

Look for: Body oils, bath salts, balms, and pure essential oils for massage blends.

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References & Authority

Repose Rituals Safety Commitment

At Repose Rituals, safety is integral to our blending philosophy. All of our finished products are created with 100% whole essential oils, carefully diluted in accordance with internationally recognized standards to ensure they are safe for topical and atmospheric use. When we offer pure essential oils, we encourage customers to use them with the same respect and caution that experts advise: always dilute before skin application, diffuse intermittently in well-ventilated spaces, and store securely out of reach of children and pets. We do not recommend ingestion of essential oils. Internal use should only be considered under the guidance of a qualified health professional with advanced training in aromatic medicine. Aromatherapy is powerful precisely because essential oils are so concentrated — and when used with care, they remain both safe and effective allies for wellbeing.

References & Authority

This commitment is grounded in the work of Robert Tisserand, one of the foremost authorities on essential oil safety, and follows the recommendations of respected professional organizations including:

  • NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy – USA)
  • IFA (International Federation of Aromatherapists – UK)
  • IAAMA (International Aromatherapy & Aromatic Medicine Association – Australia)


Discover Our Signature Ritual Gift Sets

Our Signature Ritual Gift Sets are thoughtfully curated to give you everything you need for a complete aromatherapy ritual. Each set is built around our expertly formulated blends, designed to support the four Repose foundations of wellbeing: restorative sleep, stress reset, recovery after depletion, and long-term resilience.