Aromatherapy has been used to increase physical and emotional well-being at least since the time of the ancient Egyptians. While this therapy has a wide variety of uses, including relieving pain, nausea, colds, skin problems and other conditions, its stress-relieving qualities are also used in detoxification.
Aromatherapy uses plants’ essential oils, which have been chemically extracted from aromatic flowers, herbs and, even, woods. Each essential oil has its own characteristic aroma and therapeutic effect. There are oils to soothe, to invigorate and to relieve negative emotions, such as depression, stress and anxiety. Still other essential oils are believed to battle bacteria and fungi and reduce inflammation.
Essential oils are used in many different ways, including massage, inhalation, aromatic baths, compresses and vaporization. Some of the oils commonly used for detoxification purposes include angelica root, fennel, grapefruit and juniper berry.
Essential oils are very concentrated, so never apply them directly to your skin. Before you use them, you must dilute them in a pure, natural “carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, apricot oil or grape seed oil. Aromatherapy isn’t for everyone. Avoid it if you have asthma, high blood pressure, cancer, sensitive skin, allergies, or if you are pregnant. Also, avoid using essential oils on babies and children. For such cases (please visit aromatherapies’ for consultation) for managing your personal and overall conditions.
Another Good Reason to Relax
Stress can be a real killer. When we relax, we give our bodies a chance to heal and repair itself. But the tension, hectic pace, and emptiness of modern life serve to aggravate, if not downright cause, many diseases and health conditions. One thing you may not know is that stress can also lead to weight gain. Find out more about the connection between stress and excess weight, and why stress is so bad for us, here.
When we are stressed, our adrenal glands release a hormone called cortisol into the bloodstream. This tells the body that it is on red alert for survival. Self-healing is interrupted, glycogen stores in the liver and muscles mobilize to raise blood sugar levels, and digestion is suppressed. Unfortunately, this stress reaction can result from a variety of causes: extreme heat or cold, noise or chemical pollution, fear and worry, eating too much sugar, a nasty look from a salesperson, a traffic jam, the images on the evening news. The body does not differentiate. And the effects are cumulative.
Many doctors now believe that the chronic over-production of cortisol can lead to weight gain (especially around the abdomen), as well as accelerated aging and depressed immune function. This is all the more reason to take time out for a soothing bath, or a meditation break, or a spritz of relaxing essential oil. (A good facial and a Professional Aromatherapy massage can also work wonders.) Anything that helps us to de-stress will allow our whole selves to feel more at ease and safe.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
