Aromatherapy

Studies have shown that aromatherapy not only has physical effects on the body, but emotional ones as well.  Some of this is due to past experience with certain aromas and part is due to the actual physical effect an essential oil has on the body.  Some aromatherapy oils can activate different parts of the brain, such as the hypothalamus or limbic system.  Even though the primary route for essential oils is inhalation, they oils can actually pass into the bloodstream and affect other areas. 

If you are looking to alleviate some emotional issues with aromatherapy, look for some of these essential oils.  For anxiety try: geranium, lemon, lavender, jasmine, neroli, bergamot, peppermint or ylang-ylang.   

For anger or frustration: geranium, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedarwood, chamomile or bergamot. 

For sadness: lavender, peppermint, clary sage, ylang-ylang, jasmine, beramot or chamomile. 

For stress relief: rosemary, spikenard, ylang-ylang, lavender, jasmine, frankincense, chamomile and neroli. 

For general moodiness: chamomile, geranium, rosemary, cardamom and lavender. 

You can mix and create your own blends for these oils, or try one at a time to see which one works best for you. 

Some applications for these oils are:

Massage: Mix ten drops of essential oils into one ounce of carrier oil such as sweet almond, grapeseed or coconut oil.  Use this scented oil for a full body massage, or just on an area you want to treat, such as the shoulder area to relieve tension.  You can also use a pre-made unscented lotion base and add your essential oils to this and use for a massage. 

Warm compress: Mix several tablespoons of hot water with 3 drops of essential oils and wet a washcloth with the mixture.  Apply the warm washcloth to the affected area. 

Aromatherapy bath: these essential oils can be used alone, or with an unscented milk or bubble bath.  Simple add ten drops of essential oils to your bath water.  Or, you can mix your essential oils with an unscented bubble bath, if you prefer a sudsy bath.   

Diffusers: There are several ways to diffuse aromatherapy oils.  One method is by steam.  You can either add several drops of essential oil into the shower stall and let the steam carry the oils throughout the air while you shower or you can place a few drops of oil into a bowl of steaming water, then lean over the bowl with a towel over your head.  Inhale the steam.  Also popular are ceramic or metal oil burners.  These are either powered by electricity, or warmed from underneath with a tea light candle.  You simply place the essential oils into the warming cup and either light the candle, or plug the diffuser in.  The gentle warming of the oil will diffuse the scent into the air. 

Many of these methods on their own can help alleviate emotional problems.  The addition of the aromatherapy essential oils will enhance the experience and actually cause some physical changes.  Even if you aren't looking to make significant changes in your emotional state, pampering yourself with some aromatherapy is a great thing to do!