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Stress and Aromatherapy

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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, and 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.

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