Aromatherapy For Stress Relief
The idea of aromatherapy for stress relief has been known for centuries.
The Chinese were probably the first to use plants to help create harmony and balance with their use of incense. Later the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans also expanded the use of plants and oils for medicinal purposes. The term was first coined in 1928 when a French chemist burned his arm and quickly plunged it into a container of lavender oil. His burn healed quickly and left no scar.
What is aromatherapy?
It is a holistic therapy using natural essential oils derived from plants to aid in healing and promote a balance between body, mind and spirit.
What are the methods of using aromatherapy?
The most common method is aromatherapy massage using essential oil products. Here different essential oils are blended into a base or carrier oil and applied by massaging into the skin.
Another way is to use aromatherapy essential oils in bath products. This treatment has been used to heal skin disorders, help with muscle aches, enhance respiratory functions and of course, stress relief.
For treating respiratory disorders as well as emotional problems, various types of aromatherapy inhalations and diffusing are used. Steam inhalation mixed with essential oils as well as aerial dispersion or electric diffusers are also used.
Compresses, salves, creams and gels are also used for health treatments.
What natural products are used in aromatherapy?
For stress relief:
Lavender is probably the most common relaxing use of essential oils.
Ylang Ylang also helps with relaxation, muscle tension and is also an antidepressant.
Geranium, Clary Sage, and Roman Chamomile also help with relaxation and stress.
Other common natural oils are eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, tea tree and rosemary.
Is aromatherapy treatment safe?
For the most part, aromatherapy is safe. However, the field is largely unregulated, so you need to be careful in choosing an aromatherapist.
While getting a therapeutic massage at a spa should pose no problems, getting a more cure-based treatment requires a qualified aromatherapist.
The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) requires at least 200 hours of specific education which includes anatomy and physiology. They also provide a list of qualified aromatherapists.
