ESSENTIAL OILS AND STRESS

Stress is the imbalance created in the body natural equilibrium due to any reaction to a physical, mental and/ or emotional stimulus. The most common form of stress, experienced by many of us, is work stress. Boardroom meetings, hectic schedules, deadlines, and work backlogs usually leave us physically and mentally drained. Sitting for long hours staring at the computer screen can cause anxiety and stress. This usually leaves us with tired eyes, headaches and body pain.

Massage techniques act as stress relievers, ease muscle tension, and help in revitalizing the mind. These techniques are ideal for undoing the knots caused by tension especially through the keyboard posture

Aromatherapy massage works in three ways a) by improving muscle tone, b) by stimulating the circulation and c) by helping in eliminating waste products.

Thought to be an ancient China science, aromatherapy is based on the healing properties of plants, from which concentrated aromatic oils are extracted. The vapours of these 'essential oils' when inhaled are carried via the bloodstream both to the nervous system and to the parts of the brain that control the release of hormones and emotions.

The following is recommended to treat common stress related symptoms:

Body aches and other pains

20 drops lavender oil
10 drops rosemary oil
10 drops black pepper oil
5 drops peppermint oil
5 drops cypress oil
Add the ingredients to the entire bottle of Basic Massage Oil. Shake well to mix.

Mental exhaustion

10 drops bergamot oil
20 drops geranium oil
10 drops ylang-ylang oil
5 drops frankincense oil
5 drops cedarwood oil
Add the ingredients to the entire bottle of Basic Massage Oil. Shake well to mix.

Anger, Anxiety
Basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, marjoram, melissa, neroli, ylang-ylang

Depression
Basil, clary sage, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang-ylang

Insomnia

Basil, chamomile, lavender, mandarin, marjoram, melissa, neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, thyme, ylang-ylang

Nervous Exhaustion

Basil, cinnamon, citronella, coriander, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon grass, peppermint, nutmeg, rosemary, ylang-ylang

Nervous Tension

Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, melissa, neroli, palmarosa, rosemary, vetiver, ylang-ylang

In addition to stress-induced ailments, Essential oils are also used for treating respiratory problems, digestive disorders and allergies.

Other than massaging, the goodness of Essential oils can also be availed by:

• Inhaling a few drops placed on a handkerchief or pillow, or in a bowl of hot water.
• Spraying a few drops onto a cotton ball placed on a hot radiator, or a vaporizing ring placed on a light bulb.
• Alternately, a few drops in a hot bath can relax muscles and ease aches, insomnia and arthritis.
• Use of essential oils should be done strictly under medical advice if you are pregnant or have a medical condition