Aromatherapy & Stress: How Scents Can Soothe Your Mind
It’s no secret that aromatherapy has been used in many different applications for thousands of years. Essential oils from plants have been used by many different civilizations for emotional healing and spiritual repair. The way it works is all through scents stimulating your olfactory receptors. These receptors can change your mood in a matter of moments or even enhance your memories. It’s a popular tool today and is used as an alternative way to deal with stress and achieve emotional wellness.
Origins
Aromatherapy has a long history across cultures like Egypt, China, and India. The natural aromatic scents of plants were discovered in these cultures, and soon, the practice spread throughout the rest of the world to what it is today.
Stress Relief
For those who have difficulty dealing with stress or anxiety, aromatherapy is known to be able to calm them down and help them find peace. Studies have shown evidence that essential oils act similarly on the body to anti-anxiety medication.
The Science Behind It All
We have receptors in our noses that, when stimulated, will send signals to the brain’s limbic system. This system is responsible for our emotions and our memories. The hypothalamus is also stimulated by aromas, which will then release chemicals like serotonin, making us feel happier.
Lavender
If we had to choose one essential oil in aromatherapy, it would be lavender. It is the most popular essential oil and is known for having calming effect on those that smell it. For those that struggle with insomnia, lavender is also believed to help with falling asleep and getting a better night’s rest.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another popular essential oil that may not be used to directly deal with stress, can clear fog from the mind and help those that need to focus their energy on something important. The essential oil is also known to help those that suffer from tension-headaches.
Other Oils
There are so many essential oils available for a variety of problems that sufferers may need. Chamomile can help reduce anxiety and stress, while bergamot, rose, frankincense, and sandalwood can help those who are sad or suffer from depression feel more uplifted and burden-free.
Methods Of Aromatherapy
There are many ways to try to get into aromatherapy for those that feel it would improve their quality of life. A common way to incorporate aromatherapy in everyday life is to put essential oils in a diffuser in your home. They can also be applied directly to the skin during a massage or even added to one’s bathwater.
Not For Everyone
Although aromatherapy can be a wonderful therapeutic experience for many, it isn’t for everyone. Essential oils can cause side effects to those that are sensitive and if not diluted properly, can cause irritation on the skin, eyes, or nose. If you are considering getting into aromatherapy, start off small and see if its something your body agrees with.
Integrating It Into Daily Life
Integrating aromatherapy into your daily life can be a way of managing stress or enhancing your emotional balance. It can also be a simple way to unwind after a harder-than-average day. Aromatherapy helps many with stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and lack of motivation. Consider giving it a try and seeing if it’s something that can make your life better.