Are you stressed? Aromatherapy can be a tremendous help in stress relief. We are all faced with stress at some point in our lives. Controlling it is crucial to your overall health and well-being. Stress lowers your resistance and makes you more vulnerable to illness and disease. It can also be mentally crippling. Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the body's sense of smell to help boost your mood, relieve stress, energize and encourage better health.
Aromatherapy
stimulates different parts of the brain to achieve relaxation. One of which is
the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is controlled by the
hypothalamus, which is responsible for how the body responds to stressful
situations. Another part of the brain that it’s triggered is the limbic system.
It is activated once the essential oils are inhaled. The essential oils
stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as encephalins and serotonin,
which offers relaxation and elimination of stress.
Using
Aromatherapy As Stress Relief
A
great way for individuals to use herbal stress remedies is to bear the aroma
with them. Prior to leaving the house, add in a few drops of essential oils on
a paper towel or a hanky. Place it inside any plastic bag (e.g. a ziplock back)
which allows the aroma to be enclosed. Every time one feels stressed, they can
inhale deeply with the scented cloth near their noise. It allows the scent to
be registered in the brain, which leads to stress relief. Make sure the oil
doesn’t come in contact with the nose. The smell can be overwhelming and may
also cause an allergic reaction. Aromatherapy for stress can be used
with an oil burner. It can feel a room with the wonderful fragrance of
tranquility.
Eucalyptus
essential oil is one of the most affordable essential oils in the market. It
can stimulate the brain, allowing better concentration. It helps relieve
congestion is respiratory problems. It is also effective in warding off
insects. It’s incorporated in room humidifiers and vaporizers for its
antiseptic effects. Its effects can be strengthened when combined with other
essential oils.
Lavender
essential oil has been used by many people with sleeping problems. It enhances
sleep quality by inducing relaxation. According to plenty of studies, lavender
is capable of relaxing the nervous system; thus, alleviating feelings of
anxiety. Even agitated behavior can be reduced. In conjunction with other
treatments, lavender aromatherapy can also provide pain relief.
Aromatherapy
Stress Relief Blends
You can try the following aromatherapy blend to relieve the mental
fatigue you might experience after a long day at work or when you’re just plain
tired of thinking and want to drift away to a peaceful place...
·
Patchouli (5 drops)
·
Geranium (20 drops)
·
Bergamot (10 drops)
·
Lavender (5 drops)
·
Ylang ylang (10 drops)
Mix the above oils in 5 ounces of Sweet Almond carrier oil. Add it
to your hot bath and relax. It’s also great as a massage blend.
Counting sheep and still can’t sleep? If you’re suffering from
stress related insomnia try this essential oil blend:
·
Marjoram (9 drops)
·
Lemon (14 drops)
Add the above oils to an aromatherapy diffuser and let the scents
work their magic to send you off to a peaceful sleep.