Aromatherapy for stress relief: How Natural Scents Change Your Moods

How effective is aromatherapy for stress relief?

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Stress and tensions are essential parts of life. We never actually expect our lives to be free of all tensions: it will mean taking away the very reasons of living. If stress tires us, it also gives us energy; if excess of stress takes away the joys of living, a moderate amount of stress brings us excitement, thrill and challenge.

But, there are some periods when we try to find ways to ease the stress to a level where its harmful effects are not felt, and we are rejuvenated and re-energized to carry on the business of living.

Aromatherapy for stress relief has been used since time immemorial. Aromas and smells have a direct influence on our moods: smells can instantly transport us to our childhood memories, they can remind us of times good or bad, and smells can elevate our moods or they can make us feel sad -- all in an instant.

Aromatherapy taps our susceptibility to smells and aromas with the help of many natural oils. There are a number of essential oils that are used in aromatherapy, each one of them influencing some specific aspect of our emotional lives.

How to use Aromatherapy for stress relief

You can use aromatherapy oils –

• As inhalers in your room or workplace: Feel the gentle aromas easing away your stress and tensions, making you feel relaxed and filling you with a sense of soothing calmness. You may like to put your favorite oil in aromatherapy diffusers and enjoy the sense of peace and tranquility in your room.
• As bath oils: Mixing natural aromatic oils to warm water provides a very relaxing experience, and is ideal after a hectic life that has left your nerves frayed and tired.
• As massage oils: Massage relaxes muscles and other parts of the body and leaves you calm and restful. Massage is often applied with the help of aromatic oils. These oils enter the blood stream and help in relaxing your body and mind.

The smells have an immediate effect on your mood. But, you should remember that different smells affect your mood differently, and should choose your oils with care.

Aromatic Oils And Their Role In Stress Relief

Given below are some oils used in aromatherapy for stress relief and relaxation, and the effect they have on our moods. They are the oils that you will find useful when you want peace and tranquility -

• Basil: It is useful during periods of stress, insomnia and mild stress. Promotes mental clarity, concentration and increases enthusiasm. Should not be used during pregnancy.
• Cardamon: Useful during mental stress, burnout and state of confusion. Cardamon oil helps in gaining clarity, concentration and enhances sense of motivation.
• Chamomile Roman: When you are beset by stress, anxiety, tension and worries then this is the oil that will bring you feelings of relaxation and stability.
• Cinnamon: Useful aromatic oil for relief from stress and tension. It invigorates and helps in promoting a sense of positivity.
• Frankincense: Useful for curing stress, anxiety, confusion and sense of panic. Apart from making you relaxed it fills one with inspiration.
• Ginger: Make use of this aromatic oil for burnout, anxiety and fatigue. It also helps in enhancing the sense of confidence.
• Lavender oils: Very popular amongst oils used in aromatherapy for stress relief. Helps in countering feelings of stress, anxiety, confusion, fatigue, restlessness and mental agitation. It helps in restoring a sense of balance, fills one with the feeling of rejuvenation and helps bringing about clarity in thinking.
• Rose: Useful in getting temporary relief from stress, tension and headache.
• Sandalwood: It helps in relieving mental tension and anxiety.
• Vetiver: Helps in counteracting mental fatigue, exhaustion and lack of purpose. Vetiver fosters sense of calmness.
• Ylang Ylang: This aromatic oil helps during periods of stress, anxiety and frustration, and helps in restoring feelings of calm and relaxation.

When considering aromatherapy for stress relief, remember to use only natural and pure oils. Don’t use certain oils when you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy or are getting treated for hypertension; consult your doctor before using any aromatic oil. Pure oils are not directly applied to the skin.

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