SCENT AND STRESS By Vickie Rae Thorn
Stress surrounds our everyday lives, and can be increasingly evident during the holiday season. Prolonged stress can create a cycle of decreased energy, mental tension, disturbed sleep and physical illness. Relaxation is crucial in relieving stress and avoiding burnout. Aromatherapy massages, baths or inhalations can promote relaxation and have a powerful effect on both physical and mental health.
Inhalation of essential oils affects health through the mind and emotions, and is the quickest method for producing results. Molecules rise on moist warm air when inhaled, and as air passes over the cilia at the top of the nose, individually shaped indentations accept different aroma molecules. Receptor cells carry this information to the olfactory bulb and onto the limbic brain and hypothalamus where neurochemicals are released to either relax or stimulate the body. The limbic brain is the seat of memory, emotion and learning. The hypothalamus is responsible for integrating many of the mechanistic and behavioral patterns that involve the correlation of neural and endocrine functions. Aggression, sexual drive, and emotions are all affected here.
Inhalation of essential oil vapors is a very effective modality for correcting emotional imbalances and is safe to use daily. It can be as easy as placing a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief or keeping a vial in pocket or purse. Using a diffusor or spritzer is an efficient way to deliver a dosage to several people at once to relax or rejuvenate, relieve depression or irritability, and to purify the air.
Massage has been accepted for a long time as relaxing to mind and body. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body, it absorbs whatever is on its surface. Application of essential oils is effective because the molecules penetrate the skin and are absorbed into the blood and lymph systems, circulating throughout the body within 2 to 20 minutes. The oils are eliminated in � to 3 hours via exhalation, urination or perspiration. Adding appropriate essential oils to hand lotions, shampoos, facial scrubs, creams and masks is another way to customize an anti-stress program. 2 drops per ounce in facial products, 4 drops per ounce in general skin care products, and 10 to 30 drops in massage oils, are appropriate dilutions.
Balneotherapy or bathing is one of the best methods to absorb essential oils for relaxation, rejuvenation or detoxification. 3 to 10 drops of essential oils in a carrier is sufficient. � to 1 cup of Epsom salts or sea salts as a carrier is effective for absorption of magnesium; oatmeal or honey soothe and nourish the skin; baking soda softens hard water. A hot bath will increase circulation, relieve pain, and eliminate toxins; the heart rate can increase up to 4 times for the first 5 minutes, and then normalizes. A hot bath should not exceed 20 minutes and should be followed with a cool rinse. A warm bath is relaxing, while a tepid bath can be rejuvenating.
Showers are another way to receive the benefit of essential oils. A brisk scrub with a dry washcloth and 6 to 8 drops stimulates circulation and assists the skin in releasing toxins. Essential oils can be applied with the washcloth after washing, and since most essential oils have antibacterial properties, they are also deodorizing. A cold rinse for a few seconds is rejuvenating and increases circulation.
Before using essential oils, it is important to check for sensitivity. Placing a drop of the oil inside the crook of the arm and covering for 24 hours is a good way to do this; if there is no mark when the covering is removed, the oil can be used. It is also important to use essential oils sparingly since they are highly concentrated. Caution is necessary when used during pregnancy or on babies and others with sensitive skin. Studies have also shown that synthetic scents can have undesirable effects, such as increased anxiety, headaches, or allergic reactions, and so using pure essential oils from a reliable source is a good idea.