Essential Oils and Stress/Tension Relief
Stress and tension begin when the limbic system and amygdala sections of the brain trigger memory, emotions, and mood. This, in turn, alerts the nervous system that either the fight or flight reflex or the relaxing reflex needs to kick in. In time, stress and tension cause pain in the form of tight muscles and tension headaches. Apex Wellness Center in Dallas uses natural methods such as essential oils for stress relief and tension relief. Here's how it works.
The Power Of Scent
When we smell something wonderful like vanilla, lavender, baby powder, or other pleasing scents, the scent enters the nose and then to the limbic portion of the brain. The brain recognizes the scent, remembers when and where it was first detected, and then sends out happy, relaxing signals to the body via the nervous system.
Essential oils can be used in diffusers, rubbed into the body in a massage, or they can be dropped directly into a warm bath. As the scent in the air surrounds you, your body relaxes, and the tension or stress will slip away. These aromatherapy scents will ease or get rid of tension and stress.
Lavender
Studies have shown that lavender oil lowers blood pressure, eases the heart rate, and relaxes the brain. If it relaxes the brain's waves, then it will relax the body. No more tension.
Chamomile
People have drunk chamomile for ages to ease the stress of a long day. Roman chamomile is useful in a massage but has also been known to ease stress and anxiety through aromatherapy in a bath.
Bergamot
This is a citrus cross between an orange and a lemon. Used in perfumes and food flavorings, its scent has been found to decrease heart rates and blood pressure, therefore reducing stress and pain.