Aromatherapy for Stress and Anxiety

Aromatherapy is one of the most pleasant ways to calm ourselves and feel better. It’s quick, fast and easy because our sense of smell triggers powerful physical and emotional responses.

Inhaling Essential Oils for Stress

When an essential oil is inhaled your body responds by regulating heart rate, breathing patterns and blood pressure. Since chronic stress can suppress the immune system over time it’s beneficial to practice daily calming techniques and Essential oils is a pleasant option.

Use in your bath or shower, as a direct inhalation, hot water vapor, vaporizer or humidifier, fan, spray or with a diffuser.

Option: Add to a boiling pot of water. Turn off the stove and the scent will fill the space.

In the Bath or Shower: Add a few drops of your favorite oil to your bath water or the shower nozzle. This will enhance the calming effect of the water

Applying Essential Oils to Skin

By placing an essential oil on the skin, hair or nails the oils penetrate rapidly and the scent lasts to enjoy.

Because they are so potent, it is important to dilute them and blend with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, olive, avocado or coconut oil. You can apply the blend directly to an affected area, on the bottoms of the feet, using compresses, in baths or through massage.

*Be careful of the risks*

Never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted to the skin without proper training or specialist supervision. Even diluted Essential oils on the skin can burn or cause a reaction. Proceed with caution especially with children and pregnant women.

Aromatherapy for Stress and Anxiety

Aromatherapy is one of the most pleasant ways to calm ourselves and feel better. It’s quick, fast and easy because our sense of smell triggers powerful physical and emotional responses.

Inhaling Essential Oils for Stress

When an essential oil is inhaled your body responds by regulating heart rate, breathing patterns and blood pressure. Since chronic stress can suppress the immune system over time it’s beneficial to practice daily calming techniques and Essential oils is a pleasant option.

Use in your bath or shower, as a direct inhalation, hot water vapor, vaporizer or humidifier, fan, spray or with a diffuser.

Option: Add to a boiling pot of water. Turn off the stove and the scent will fill the space.

In the Bath or Shower: Add a few drops of your favorite oil to your bath water or the shower nozzle. This will enhance the calming effect of the water.

Applying Essential Oils to Skin

By placing an essential oil on the skin, hair or nails the oils penetrate rapidly and the scent lasts to enjoy.

Because they are so potent, it is important to dilute them and blend with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, olive, avocado or coconut oil. You can apply the blend directly to an affected area, on the bottoms of the feet, using compresses, in baths or through massage.

*Be careful of the risks*

Never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted to the skin without proper training or specialist supervision. Even diluted Essential oils on the skin can burn or cause a reaction. Proceed with caution especially with children and pregnant women.

Try this simple blend.

Lavender Neck Rub

 INGREDIENTS

  • 3 drops pure lavender oil
  • 1 teaspoon of carrier oil e.g. grapeseed, coconut or almond oil

DIRECTIONS

  1. Blend the lavender oil and carrier oil in your palm and rub onto your neck for stress and anxiety relief. You can also rub onto the bottoms of your feet. This is perfect for anytime or just before bed.
  2. Take a deep breath and notice your body calm and hopefully help you feel a bit better.

 

Liz Coleman, RTC, is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor based in Surrey, BC. She specializes in anxiety, anger, insecurity, and relationship problems. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule an appointment, please call Ms. Coleman at (604) 809-8947 or use the convenient form on her Contact page.