Aromatherapy and Stress Reduction

Stress is a regular phenomenon and we take various measures to de-stress ourselves. Stress affects the body, lowers the immune system, slows body function and can lead to serious physical, mental, or emotional imbalances. It affects perfomance in the workplace, effectiveness as a parent and also affects relationships. The body can usually adjust to a stressor, however if the stress becomes prolonged the body will try to adapt to the stress and will be in a flight or flight mode. Due to prolonged stress, Cortisol will be circulating in the body and this will affect the organs. The body will become exhausted, depleted and the individual may manifest digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, acne or ecezema, or repeated infections. The individual will become restless, nervous, frustated, exhausted and will not function optimally.

Aromatherapy Helps

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that involves use of essential oils from plants to balance the body, mind and spirit. By using essential oils one can balance the emotions and uplift the spirits. The oils have psychotherapeutic effects as well as physiological effects on the body.

Aromatherapy can help in stress management by a direct link to the limbic and autonomic system. It controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions which activate the 'fight or flight' adrenaline production. As we inhale the essential oils, there is a direct link to the limbic system of the brain via the olfactory nerve. This triggers the secretion of neurotransmitters such as seratonin or encephalins which relax or uplift the spirits. Oils that are excellent for stress management include - neroli, rose and jasmine.

Citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin, and lemon uplift the spirits, and clary sage and geranium are excellent for balancing the hormones. If you wish to avail aomatherapy then you can also go in for customised blends. Aromatherapy massage is also an integral part of a stress management program. So, if you are completely stressed out then aromatherapy is just for you.

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