Monday, March 18, 2013

Aromatherapy For Stress Relief






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.

 Aromatherapy for Stress – Stress Relief With Eucalyptus

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.

 Aromatherapy for Stress – Stress Relief With Lavender

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.
 
Eliminating stress completely from your life is impossible. However, there are ways to manage and reduce it. Whether your stress is mental, emotional, or physical you’ll benefit greatly by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and making time for uninterrupted relaxation with aromatherapy pure essential oils.