The Role of Aromatherapy in Stress Relief

If you are experiencing health issues such as anxiety or poor sleep, aromatherapy may be beneficial. In this type of treatment, you use plant extracts known as essential oils, which you can either breathe through your nose or apply to your skin. Some people apply the oils to their skin during massages or baths.

SHAMIMA BEGUMMENTAL HEALTH

Shamima Begum

7/24/20242 min read

The Role of Aromatherapy in Stress Relief
The Role of Aromatherapy in Stress Relief

The Role of Aromatherapy in Stress Relief

Introduction

Essential oils have recently gained popularity for their ability to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, insomnia, and sore throats. But do these concentrated plant oils work?


The usage of aromatherapy extends back thousands of years. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, regarded it as essential to good health. The treatment is also based on Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese folklore. "Aromatherapy has strong roots," Dr. Young explains. "It has been used throughout history for health reasons — and many studies and research we're doing today show just how useful it can be in some situations.” Aromatherapy procedures include the inhalation of steamed or diffused essential oils, massage, and baths. It can improve your health and well-being if used safely.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are extracted from flowers, herbs, and tree parts such as bark, roots, peels, and petals. The cells that give a plant its aromatic odor are known as its "essence." When a plant's essence is removed, it transforms into essential oils.

Essential oils require a large amount of plant product. A single pound of lavender essential oil requires more than 200 pounds of lavender flowers.
Some of the essential oils commonly used in aromatherapy are lemon, chamomile, lavender, cedar wood, and bergamot.

Aromatherapy: How It Works?

Aromatherapy, according to experts, activates smell receptors in the nose, which send information to the brain via the nerve system.

The oils may stimulate particular parts of your brain, such as your limbic system, which regulates your emotions and memories. Aromas activate the hypothalamus, signaling the brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin.

Some experts believe that when you apply essential oils to your skin, they trigger a response in your skin and other regions of your body, such as your joints.

What is the purpose of aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy should not be used in place of regular medical care. However, for some diseases, evidence indicates that aromatherapy can be beneficial. It may be:

  • Reduces stress, anxiety, and sadness.

  • Increase sensations of relaxation.

  • Improve sleep.

  • Improve the quality of life for persons with long-term health conditions, such as dementia.

  • Relieve discomfort associated with kidney stones and knee osteoarthritis.

  • Use on skin to combat infections and alleviate cancer-related side symptoms such as nausea and discomfort.

Should anyone avoid using aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is not suggested if you have or experience health conditions such as:

  • Asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

  • Allergies.

  • Epilepsy.

  • Migraine headaches.

  • Seizures.

"Aromatherapy may be triggering if you have certain conditions," says Dr. Young. "It is best to remain cautious in those conditions."

If you are pregnant or taking prescription medication, consult your doctor before using aromatherapy. They may advise against using certain essential oils or approaches in specific situations.

Safety Tips for Essential Oils

Other precautions while using essential oils include:

  • Essential oils are combustible; therefore do not use them near an open flame.

  • Don't take them orally.

  • Avoid using essential oils around dogs and children.

  • Essential oils should not be used to your skin before going outside in the sun, as they can cause photosensitivity.

The purity and quality of essential oils on the market may also be an issue. Despite their usage in health care, essential oils are not regulated as pharmaceuticals. Instead, most essential oils are classified as cosmetics.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy is a simple and enjoyable way to relieve tension. You can experiment with different scents to see which ones you prefer.

However, aromatherapy is typically used as a supplement to other physical or mental health therapies. If you need help with a health issue, contact a doctor or a mental health expert.

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