Aromatherapy: A Tool for Stress Management

Aromatherapy for Stress

Much research has now been done on Aromatherapy and the evidence is in, essential oils work. A key area of interest for many of us, is the powerful impact they have on reducing stress and as a result of that, enhancing wellbeing. There are different types and levels of stress, so let’s look at these and the essential oils that can be of help;

Mental Stress is usually caused by financial, marital, work or exam worries and perfectionism.

Physical Stress occurs when the body is pushed to its limits, usually through excessive exercise, like fun runs, aerobics and sometimes through continual long distance driving.

Emotional Stress can most often be seen as the inability to give or receive love. Grief, guilt, and relationship problems, are among the causes.

Environmental Stress is a common occurence now. Some of the causes are fluorescent lighting, industrial and office noise, electromagnetic radiation from such things as bedside clock radios, televisions, computers, and overhead power lines.

Chemical Stress is usually the result of a number of things together. Look at issues like air pollution, varnishes and paints, alcohol, pain killers and other drugs, cigarette smoke and bad diet.

Levels of Stress 

In the symptoms of negative stress there are varying degrees of severity and if we break them up into four levels it might look like this;

Level One

* Lack of motivation.                                                                             * Irritability.

* Headaches.                                                                                        * Insomnia.

These symptoms are usually considered to be of 'no consequence'. At this level, the essential oils known as Relaxants are the oils required.

Level Two

* Anxiety.                                                                                               *Apathy.

* Feelings of helplessness.                                                                     * Persistent infections.

* Muscle pain.

 At this level Stimulants are required to disperse negativity and to boost the immune system.

Level Three

* Despair.                                                                                             * Agoraphobia.

* Claustrophobia.                                                                                  * Persecution complex.

* Immune system goes down.

 At this level symptoms are usually focussed at the mental level. Relaxants are required, and perhaps one of the Hypnotics could be used in the aromatherapy blend, so two relaxants and one hypnotic.

Level Four

* Heart problems.                                                                                 * High blood pressure.

* Ulcers.                                                                                               * Arthritis.

* Unexplained pain.

 At this level the stress symptoms are serious, possibly even life threatening. The plant oils known as hypnotics would be used to provide support when this level of stress is being experienced.  

I will be covering which essential oils to use for each of these stress levels in a forthcoming workshop on Aromatherapy For Stress Management. This class is happening in person at the Cottage for a small group of people on Saturday August 24th 2024. Details and the opportunity to book can be done here.