Stress Management Relief - Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy Methods for Stress
There are several methods of using Aromatherapy essential oils, all of which are very enjoyable and provide a basis for ongoing good health.

Massage

Massage has been found to be the most effective way of using essential oils. The balancing properties of the essential oils encourage the desired response using small amounts. Varying from the suggested strength, however, can actually result in the opposite of the intended result. For example, Lavender essential oil is relaxing but in too great a strength it is stimulating Similarly, a small amount of Peppermint essential oil is stimulating but used in larger quantities produces the opposite - a soporific effect.
A full Aromatherapy massage is wonderful for relieving and healing stress related conditions. For that, it is best to go to a trained holistic Aromatherapist. However, you can give yourself or a friend a hand or foot massage or, if you want to be more adventurous, you can take a basic Aromatherapy course which will teach you to give a good back massage. Back massage is very helpful because shoulders and backs often give us the first signals that we are "under stress". METHOD

• Choose a base oil like sweet almond oil in which to blend the essential oils.
• Fill a 10 millilitre bottle with the base oil. (The capacity is usually found . on the bottom of brown glass bottles.
• Choose the essential oils for your blend. You might choose for example, a mix of Lavender for relaxation; Sandalwood to release tension in the throat area; and tf ergamot to uplift.
• Mix the blend:

To get the maximum number of drops of essential oil divide the number oitnillilitres in the bottle by two. For a 10 millilitre bottle this means the maximum is 5 drops of essential oil, though you can use fewer than 5 for a more subtle blend.

Suggested proportions of the above would be:
Sandalwood 1 drop
Bergamot 2 drops
Lavender 1 drop

This totals 4 drops, and is still under the suggested maximum for a 10 millilitre bottle.

Bathing

At the Start of the Day — Use the essential oils to stimulate your mind and protect your body for the day ahead. Examples of these are Rosemary which will stimulate the mind and Lavender for protection of the immune system.
At the End of the Day — Choose oils like Geranium, Lavender or Clary Sage which will help you to unwind and relax. METHOD
• Run a bath which is not so hot as to cause the oils to evaporate.
• Add 3-5 drops of essential oil.
• Agitate the water.
• Soak in the bath and relax for 10-15 minutes.
• Gently dry yourself to allow maximum absorption of the oils.

Compress

"Soothing a troubled brow' — This well-known expression refers to an important location - the brow or forehead. Stroking the brow or holding your head in your hands links into the pressure points for emotional release located in the forehead. Thus by stroking the brow or placing a compress with essential oils on it, the tension is eased. The back of the neck or aching limbs also respond well to compresses.

METHOD

• Prepare the blend as for massage.
• Follow first-aid procedures to make the compress and to choose the appropriate water temperature.
• Add one to two drops of essential oil to a small bowl of water.
• Gently lay the compress on the water.
• Place the compress on the affected area.

Scalp Treatment

A blend can be used for scalp massage, which is an excellent way of releasing tension and for treating dandruff.

METHOD

• Massage an essential oil blend well into the scalp and leave it on for half an hour. It is best to do this in the bath or sauna.
• Apply shampoo without using any water at this point (the oils do not mix with water).
• Once the hair is coated you can proceed with your normal hair-washing routine, including rinsing thoroughly with water.
•You can add a couple of drops of essential oil to the final rinse.

Room Fragrancer

You can use essential oils with a fragrancer to create a special atmosphere. Rosemary is stimulating. Lavender is relaxing. Lemongrass and citrus oils like Orange, Lemon or Bergamot are refreshing after a warm summer day. Spicy oils such as Cinnamon and Clove in a blend with Orange or Rosewood are particularly welcoming in the Autumn and Winter.
As we inhale the fragrance we are also protected from airborne bacteria. This minimises infections from colds and flu.
METHODS
1. Fragrancer
• Choose one with a deep well.
• Fill it three-quarters full with water.
• Add up to 5 drops of essential oil.
• Light a night light candle which will burn for up to 5 hours.
• If you choose a fragrancer with a cut-out pattern you can enjoy a pleasing reflection on the wall or ceiling which enhances the relaxing effect.
N.B. Do not leave the night light unattended and extinguish it at the end of use.
2. Vaporiser Ring
This is a ceramic ring which fits over a light bulb and has a channel in which you pour the essential oil.
• Place the ring on a cool light bulb.
• Add up to 5 drops of essential oil and turn the light on.
3. Dish
You can put a few drops of essential oil in a saucer of water and place it on the radiator.

Inhalation

Inhalation is good for relieving congestion and soothing the respiratory tract.

METHOD

• Pour two pints of boiling water into a bowl.
•Add 10 drops of an essential oil indicated for the chest like Eucalyptus, Camphor or Thyme; or a blend of these essential oils.
• Agitate the water.
• Put a towel over your head. Close your eyes and inhale the vapours for a few minutes at a time for up to ten minutes or as long as is comfortable.
• Repeat this several times a day as desired.
• A facial steamer with 5 drops of essential oil may be used instead of the bowl.

Perfume

Use a blend of the essential oils you enjoy and dab it on the inside of the wrist and behind the ear. (Prepare the blend as for massage). Neroli included in a blend acts as a good stress protector.
You can also inhale the essential oils by putting one to two drops of essential oil on a handkerchief or tissue, inhaling as required. You could, for example, use Peppermint for travel sickness or Lavender for tension.