Its hard work to relax. In this fast paced, competitive and economically stressed times, relaxation isn't something that comes naturally. How many times have you taken your laptop, blackberry or netbook on vacation with you? probably more times than you can remember.
Its amazing though how many people will still say "will you just relax?" as if it something you can just do... well duh... its not. It is arguable that relaxation actually needs to be learned, like riding a bike. Further more, it takes practice, so that when you are really stressed, relaxation techniques can quickly kick in.
There are relaxation techniques that do not need to be perscribed -- there's yoga, there's meditation and there's a deep cleansing breath. There are also essential oils. Due to their small molecular structure essential oils are capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier and reaching into the limbic system to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls our reactions. For some just the pleasant aroma of sweet orange, neroli, lemon, or sandlewood is enough to trigger a relaxation response.
A few drops of mandarin or lavender sprinkled on a cotton ball and inhaled can lower stress. The highly floral oils of ylang ylang and jasmine are very calming. Oils can be dropped on on omstones --terra cotta stones used as subtle personal diffusers and worn as necklaces and bracelets to keep you calm.
You can use aromatic spritzers and hydrosols in your personal space to recieve their beneficia effects. You can also use oils to enhance energy healing or your yoga practice. Speaking of practice, practice is key to success. Relaxation is a learned response.
A certified aromatherapist is most qualified to help you select appropriate oils and can also help you choose oils that you may not be aware of. Aromatherapists can design appropriate products taking into account your lifestyle and any contraindications of the oils.
For customized, effective and beautifully packaged aromatherapy products designed by a certified master aromatherapist visit http://www.omstonearomas.com/
Hi There,
ReplyDeleteWas just flicking through some blogs (yours came up:-)
I have just been trying to explain to my fiance that relaxing in response to aromatherapy is a learned response and it gets better the more you try it.
i have "taught" myself to react certain ways to certain oils.
However of course these are often oils that are related to the desired response.
All except lavender funnily enought, which GIVES me headaches rather than taking them away.
Thanks for the blog
http://greencleaningessentialoils.blogspot.com/
Constance
Hi Constance, thank you for your response. Many essential oils are considered to be nervine (relaxing to the nervous system). Their chemical structures are different. If you aren't getting response to chamomile, you can try litsea. Learning to relax is not only hard work it takes practice!
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