As the uncertainties keep on increasing due to the events of 2020, people from all four corners of the world are in search of ways to alleviate the anxiety and stress of the situations they’re facing. It goes without saying that long-term stress can have a devastating effect on your body and mind. Given this reason you may want to find out whether aromatherapy is really as effective as a stressbuster as its proponents claim. Well, if you want to unearth the answer, you should continue reading.
The Effects
Researchers and scientists from some of the most cited medical establishments, hospitals, and research centers spread throughout the globe believe that anxiety, anger, irritability, sleeping disorders, headaches, chest pain, and gastrointestinal problems are the offshoots of stress. Today we have numerous remedies at our disposal to help us counteract the negative aspects of stress, such as consuming a healthier diet, exercising, meditation, walks in nature to name just a few. The same researchers and scientists advocate that a holistic approach that includes a massage like aromatherapy into your lifestyle can also be beneficial
A Short Description
According to experts, aromatherapy utilizes the extracts of plants to treat the most common health problems and promotes wellbeing in an all-inclusive way. The massage treatment incorporates the use of certified organic essential oils in several ways to bolster the body’s natural healing process while strengthening immunity.
The History of Aromatherapy
Maybe you’re one of those people who recently ran into the term “aromatherapy” while searching for solutions on the internet. However, aromatherapy massage is almost as old as civilization itself. The long and colourful history of this technique dates as far back as 100AD. Most researchers hand over the credit of inventing this method to the Persians. They were the first ones to use distilled variants of essential oils for healing purposes in the 10th century. Even the ancient Egyptian priests resorted to balms, resins, and aromatic oils during religious ceremonies, embalming, and offerings. Aromatherapy’s roots also exist in the Ayurvedic practices of India and China.
Conditions Suitable for Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be the answer to a wide range of physical and mental problems, including stress, digestive issues, anxiety, headaches, etc. The oils utilized by aromatherapy masseurs trigger messages that enter the limbic system of the brain, the part of the brain that controls your memory, emotions and the way you learn things. When treatment therapists use aromatherapy, they stimulate this limbic system and, as a result, your wellness requirements are communicated to your brain.
- Anxiety: We all experience anxiety from time to time – this isn’t uncommon at all, particularly during uncertainties. Researchers have evidence to claim that in the USA alone, 40 million adults suffer from this problem. Further studies conducted on the subject unearthed that the people who utilise aromatherapy as part of their wellness regime can reduce their depression and pain significantly compared to the ones who don’t.
- Stress: It’s something you experience, just like anxiety, and it doesn’t affect only the mind. With time, the symptoms of anxiety become visible on the body. Prolonged stress often results in health disorders if you don’t address it as soon as possible. Correctly selected aromatherapy oils and the massage itself can reduce stress significantly. If you search the internet, you’ll know that scientists believe it too. This oil is the best thing you can rely on during times of uncertainty and stress as it calms the nervous system, reduces blood pressure and relaxes the body.
- Insomnia: Everyone should recognize the value of sleep if they hope to remain healthy throughout their lives. After all, it ensures normal brain functioning and memory retention. It can even reduce the risks of contracting chronic conditions. Experiments involving participants that received aromatherapy with essential oils were able to fall asleep faster. They even stay asleep longer than those who received placebos
- Dementia: Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia often experience bouts of frustration and irritability. Some of these patients opted for aromatherapy and found that it can alleviate these symptoms. Several essential oils used in aromatherapy displayed positive results in helping control almost all the symptoms associated with dementia.
- Chronic pain: If combined with massage therapy, aromatherapy can relieve those who have been experiencing chronic pain associated with their muscles.
At-home aromatherapy
Of course, it won’t be possible for you to go on vacation at a seaside destination every now and then to enjoy aromatherapy at a spa resort. Nevertheless, you should try to schedule visits with aromatherapy specialists regularly. However, if you can’t do it for one or more reasons, you can try it at home by purchasing the best certified organic oils and popping a few drops in a diffuser, on your pillow or in your bath.
Aromatherapy Oils and Uses
- Peppermint: Digestion
- Lavender: Relaxation and Stress Relief
- Sandalwood: Calms nerves and helps with focus
- Bergamot: Reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema
- Rose: Improve mood and reduce anxiety
- Chamomile: Improve mood and relaxation
- Ylang-Ylang: Headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
- Tea Tree: Fights infections and boosts immunity
- Jasmine: Helps with Mood and Libido
- Lemon: Digestion, mood, headaches
It’s possible to purchase essential oils pre-combined to target any particular concern you have.
Nasal Congestion – Lemon, E Radiata, Spearmint, Tea Tree, Frankincense, Cedarwood
Energy – Orange Sweet, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamon, Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Patchouli, Cedarwood
Clarity – Lemon, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Petitgrain, Frankincense.
Relaxation – Orange Sweet, Lavender French, Basil, Spearmint, Thyme, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood
Aromatherapy and Pregnancy
There are special considerations needed for aromatherapy during pregnancy and a long list of oils that are best avoided, both topically and in other delivery methods such as a diffuser. Clary Sage and Peppermint are two very commonly used oils that should be avoided during pregnancy. If in any doubt it is strongly recommended you consult a Diploma qualified massage therapist trained in the correct usage of all essential oils before seeking aromatherapy or similar treatments. Visit Seaside Spa & Wellness to find out more.