You’re probably all aware of what the aromatherapy concept is all about, but did you know that research has proven it to be effective in treating stress? But before we get to that, let’s review a bit about what aromatherapy is and does.
Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents.” It’s a holistic treatment for the body using pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. Essential oils can be added to a bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy can be used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body.
Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.
In a study conducted at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reported feeling 63 percent less claustrophobic after being exposed to the aroma of vanilla. Besides vanilla, some other essential oils particularly good for promoting relaxation are: cinnamon, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, peppermint, thyme and tea tree. So next time your feeling anxious and stressed out, try some essential oils to help calm your nerves. It’s an inexpensive and effective way to deal with stress!
Molly Luffy, MBA, owner of Work Ethic Wizard, dedicated to helping managers regain their sanity and employees survive and thrive in todays corporation. Author of Super-Charge Your Promotion Quotient: 225 Success Strategies for the New Professional. http://www.workethicwizard.com/default.cfm
