Stress and Aromatherapy

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Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Stress and Aromatherapy

 

Stress is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as " demand on physical or

mental energy. "

 

Stress is only defined by each individual's own ability to cope with

the specific situation. Stress can be either positive or negative.

In fact, without a certain amount of stress none of us could

function properly. Positive stress for instance would be the

nervousness a performer may experience before going out onto stage.

This sort of stress can help us to perform to the best of our

ability. However, when stress is allowed to build up to an excessive

level it becomes negative stress. Stress can be caused by a variety

of different factors:

 

a) ENVIRONMENTAL stress caused by the noise of machinery on the

factory floor, or the constant ringing of telephones, or

overcrowding, etc.

b) CHEMICAL stress caused by too much coffee or junk food,

pollution, or second hand smoke, etc.

c) PHYSICAL stress caused by pushing your body over the limits,

working out at the gym or driving long distances continually, etc.

d) MENTAL stress caused by constant worries over finances,

unemployment, exams, etc.

e) EMOTIONAL stress caused by relationship problems, parental guilt,

grief, etc.

 

Regardless of how stress is initially caused the body appears to

respond to it in three stages. STAGE I occurs when the body is

initially exposed to a stressor:

 

a) the digestive juices stop flowing

b) respiration and heart rate increases

c) extra oxygen is transferred to the brain and muscles (in

preparation for fight or flight)

d) energy is released quickly from stored fats and sugars

e) extra adrenaline is produced

f) the immune system shuts down.

 

When this is a temporary situation the body is able to rid itself of

the stress and the bodily functions return to normal. However when

stress persists, the body & #65519; & #65470;Òs responses become continuous, an=

d

although the bo=dy keeps trying to adapt to the stressors and reach

a balanced state, STAGE 2 has been reached. When this level of

stress is prolonged over a longer period of time it becomes

chronic and STAGE 3 occurs. This degree of stress leads to

exhaustion and inevitably results in health problems. These problems

may manifest themselves in many different ways including headaches,

insomnia, digestive problems, skin disorders, and susceptibility to

infections due to immune system being so low. Early telltale signs

apparent once Stage 3 has been reached include irritability or even

aggressiveness. Some people may may show signs of being critical,

restless, inefficient, withdrawn or moody. There may even be a

tendency to " cry at the drop of a hat " . A combination of several

ongoing stressors can result in a nervous breakdown when the nervous

system is no longer able to cope. The danger signals need to be

recognized and a natural method of combating them needs to be

implemented in order to avoid severe consequences. There are some

natural ways to manage stress:

 

a) Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, counselling.

b) Reflexology, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Hydrotherapy, Massage

c) Laughter

d) Essential oils. These can be used in a number of ways in the

bath, in aroma lamps, inhalations, body lotions, creams & perfumes

and massage.

 

Because each person is unique, the conditions that manifest

themselves under stress will be different for everyone. Many

essential oils have been found to be effective in the treatment of

stress and these include: many of the citrus oils, (Bergamot, Lemon,

Grapefruit, Orange, Mandarin) as well as basil (Ocimum basilicum),

roman and german chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria

recutica), clary sage (Salvia Sclarea), frankincense (Boswellia

carterii), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), juniper berry

(Juniperus communis), lavender (Lavendula augustifolia), marjoram

(Origanum marjorana), melissa (Melissa officinalis), rose (Rosa

damascena), sandalwood (Santalum album) and ylang ylang (Cananga

odorata) among others. Consult a qualified aromatherapist for

information on any oil which may be indicated or contra-indicated

for you. She/he will be able to create a blend that is unique for

you and your present situation.West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy

Inc.