Rene-Maurice Gattefosee, a french chemist, coined the term "aromatherapy" in the 1930s after using essential oils to recover from a burn. Holistic and alternative medicine use aromatherapy to treat a range of medical conditions--psychological and physical. Aromatherapy treats and alleviates stress-related symptoms and provides respite during stressful times.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the science of extracting aromas from plants and herbs, transforming them into oil form. The aromas are either distributed as pure oils or in combination to provide multiple benefits to the user. Aromatherapy is a natural, noninvasive treatment that can relieve stress-related symptoms.
How Aromatherapy Works
Olfacation, or the sense of smell, begins in the nasal cavity. A smell enters the nose, is filtered by cilia (tiny filtering hair-like structures) and is sent to the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus (located in the brain). The aroma signals either relaxation or stimulation to the brain. The message is transmitted through the nervous system to the rest of the body.
Stress
Stress is caused by a multitude of factors--a breakup, a new child, a final exam. The causes are endless, but the symptoms manifest in similar ways. Headaches, muscular pain, feelings of depression and anxiety, changes in sleeping patterns and fatigue are common symptoms of stress. Sources of stress may not be immediately changeable, but integrating aromatherapy into stress management will alleviate some of the symptoms.
Oils and Stress Relief
Certain oils treat stress and alleviate physical and psychological discomfort. Ylang ylang is an oil that reduces muscle tension, acts as an antidepressant and induces relaxation. Geranium is a relaxant that relieves muscle tension, helps balance hormones before menstruation and lowers anxiety and feelings of sadness. Lavender and lemon are simultaneously relaxing and uplifting aromas. Clary sage relieves muscular aches and pains, reduces insomnia (common for people who experience stress) and induces relaxation. Roman chamomile lowers anxiety levels, reduces insomnia, and relieves muscular tension and aches and pains. Rosemary elevates the mood, relieves tension and pain and provides mental stimulation.
Application
Massage oils containing the aforementioned oils provide physical and aromatic stress relief. Drop five to 10 drops of oil into a full warm bath. Then soak in the bath to attain the oils' benefits. Place five drops of oil in boiling water and inhale the heat for ten minutes. Aromatherapy can travel--place four drops of oil on a tissue and inhale three times. Drops of oil on a pillowcase, oil diffusers, clay candles and oil spritzers all provide continual aromatic benefits as well.
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