How to Use Aromatherapy for Anxiety

aromatherapy for anxiety

Aromatherapy is the form of holistic healing treatment. Holistic healing treatment considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions — in the quest for optimal health and wellness.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve persons emotional and physical condition.

Although its name suggests that it is primarily a form of aroma or smell therapy, the essential oils are, in fact, intended mainly to be absorbed into the body via the skin, through massage, the lungs, and through inhalation. Aromatherapy is widely used for stress, anxiety, to detoxify the body, and to treat specific conditions.

Essential oils are derived from different plant sources such as flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots. There are numerous different types of oils each with different and unique properties. The use of aromatherapy as anxiety treatment has increased substantially in pharmacology research. When these oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin they can improve your mood and lessen anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, you may consider using aromatherapy to help calm yourself. 

Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Stress

The main reason why aromatherapy can be so powerful for treating anxiety and stress is that it acts on our limbic system – the part of our brain that is linked to emotions. Aromatic or essential oils can be absorbed through the skin by massage or by inhalation through the nose. One essential oil releases hundreds of chemical compounds that act on our brain. 

The scent of essential oils goes through the receptors in our nose, the information carried by the scent goes directly to the brain and activates centers responsible for our emotions. The scent also acts on our hypothalamus which sets off a reaction in our bodies such as feeling calm or energized. Aromatherapy for anxiety will not only provide an instant sense of calmness but our limbic system will next time associate certain smell with the feeling of calmness. This way you can provide anxiety from escalating. 

When being applied to the skin, the essential oils penetrate the circulation very quickly, through which their particles spread throughout the body. Once in the body, the essential oils restore its harmony and have a beneficial effect on organs and organ systems with disrupted functional balance.

No essential oil affects just one type of health problem. One of the best examples of this is a lavender essential oil which, in addition to being an antiseptic, contributes to a soothing effect on anxiety and fatigue, improves mood and helps relieve headaches and migraines. 

Different scents can have varying effects. Certain fragrances, such as lemon, can energize you. For example, citruses, like grapefruit or orange can be invigorating. 

aromatherapy for stress and anxiety

The use of aromatherapy for anxiety treatment has been well documented. In a number of trials, aromatherapy has alleviated anxiety and stress. The study evaluated the benefits of aromatherapy for anxiety treatment. The results were based on randomized controlled trials examining the anxiolytic effects of aromatherapy among people with anxiety symptoms. It is shown that people who had aromatherapy massage reported reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms.  

Aromatherapy at home

Aromatherapy is an affordable relaxation technique you can use in different ways at home to treat your anxiety. 

  • Place essential oils in an infuser, which fills your room with scent. The essential oil scent will keep you relaxed and calm during the day. 
  • Aromatherapy can also be part of your bath. Add about five drops of the oil of your choice to bath to help you relax.
  • Essential oils can be used as part of the massage, either on your own or by a professional. Be sure to dilute the oils first with a carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba or peach). Use about five drops of essential oil with about 10 ml of carrier oil.

aromatherapy at home

Because of its growing popularity, essential oils are easily available and aromatherapy is becoming daily practice for among many people. Essential oils are concentrated liquid containing volatile chemical compounds from extracted from plants. Therefore, it is possible that you experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to their strong scents.  Essential oils should not be ingested, as they have the potential for toxicity. Additionally, some aromatherapy oils may not be recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing.

However, aromatherapy f may be a helpful addition to your more standard treatment plan for anxiety.  You may find that some essential oils help you feel more peaceful and calm, alleviating some of your panic and anxiety symptoms.

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