| Most people spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even more than this. More often than not our job setting is not a pleasant place to be. Work can be very stressful and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach, headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.
Therefore in this world of constant demands on our time and energy, the ability to sit back and relax occasionally is absolutely essential to our physical and emotional health. Most relaxation techniques utilize touch to coax stress from our bodies – including massage, facials, and hydrotherapy. But in utilizing our sense of smell we can also have a profound impact on our physical and emotional state. It is for this reason that aromatherapy for stress relief has achieved ever-growing popularity.
Aromatherapy for stress relief is a holistic therapy that involves the use of natural essential oils in promoting a feeling of physical and emotional well-being. Such essential oils have been shown to have calming effects on the central nervous system. Aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with other holistic practices such as acupuncture or therapeutic massage during which the essential oils are either massaged into the skin, or are placed under the nose for maximum effect.
Using aromatherapy for stress relief has become more common across the world and as more and more people find relief through non-traditional approaches such as aromatherapy for stress relief, western medicine has had to sit up and take notice, conceding that such practices may in fact be effective in lowering blood pressure and easing depression.
Some of the more commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy for stress relief include Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and Rosemary which are all excellent for a quick pick me up. Or for relaxation try Chamomile, Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are thought to help combat stress and tension |