Integrating Aromatherapy into your daily lives has many benefits. Essential oils are calming, relaxing, invigorating and grounding. They also help to balance our energy and improve our mood, especially in times of stress, anxiety and uncertainty.
Aromatherapy can play a huge role in our emotional and mental well being. Did you know the most common use of Aromatherapy is for stress relief?
Scents can make us feel relaxed almost immediately. In times of stress, anxiety and overwhelm smelling a calming oil such as Chamomile or Lavender can switch the nervous system from being in a sympathetic 'stressed' state known as fight or flight to parasympathetic 'relaxed' state known as rest and digest. Every system in the human body operates much better when in rest and digest, this is why is it imperative for our physical and mental health to activate the parasympathetic 'relaxed' state often.
Here are some ways you can incorporate Aromatherapy into your life and active the parasympathetic 'relaxed' state :
Aromatherapy Candles
Candles are very relaxing and create the perfect ambience. Burning Aromatherapy candles can alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of nature’s pure aroma to your surroundings - without the use of chemical air fresheners or synthetic fragrances. Burn a candle while you read your favourite novel or take a bath.
Diffusers
Aromatherapy diffusers take essential oils and evaporate them through the air. There are many benefits to diffusing essential oils. Did you know inhalation is the quickest way for these wonderful aromatics to enter into the body? Especially if you are looking to influence the 'emotional brain', which is the case when dealing when managing stress.
It is also a great way to add wonderful scent to your home without the use of chemical air fresheners and synthetic fragrances, which are known to cause irritation to the respiratory system.
SImply add 4/6 drops of oil to 100ml of water. Be mindful of your environment when diffusing. Do not diffuse around pets, infants or anyone with respiratory issues.
Bath
Aromatherapy baths are deeply relaxing. Using specific essential oils to relax, destress and calm the nervous system is such a great way to end a busy and stressful day. Oils such as Ylang-Ylang, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Marjoram, Lavender, Sandalwood and Frankincense have a relaxing effect and great to add to an aromatherapy bath to help you relax and unwind.
Recipe:
4oz Epsom salts or 10ml of carrier oil add:
Relax - 2 drops of Ylang-Ylang and 4 drops of Sweet Orange
Improve Sleep - 2 drops of Frankincense and 4 drops of Lavender
Detoxify the body - 4 drops of Grapefruit and 2 drops of lemongrass
Unwind - 2 drops of Lavender, 1 drop of Geranium and 3 drops of Cypress
Massage
Using aromatherapy in combination with massage enhances the benefits. It takes the massage experience to a whole new level.
Massage improves circulation, stimulates the immune system, relaxes the mind and body, releases tension from muscles and soothes aches and pains. A great self care practice to do before bed.
Meditation
Aromatherapy can enhance the relaxation benefits of meditation and help to ground your energy and calm your nervous system. Frankincense, Lavender and Cedarwood are great oils to diffuse or use as a roll-on to enhance your meditation practice and bring a sense of deep calm and balance our mind, body and spirit.
Plant medicine is the way our ancestors healed, let's listen to their wisdom.
Sending love and good health wishes to you all.