Everyone, at some point in their lives, would have experienced stress and gone through the torment brought by it. The question is, HOW do you know you are under stress?
One of the most common symptoms portrayed by stress would be physical ache. Some may face persisting headaches while others undergo soreness in shoulders, backs or even the whole body. Usually, these aches would last for a few days, depending on the level of stress built up. So HOW do you alleviate stress? In the following paragraphs, I will be discussing on how various applications of aromatherapy can aid in lightening the tension level.
Bathing and showering
Soak yourself in the tub with the following recommended essential oils and enjoy the peaceful moments, allowing you to rest at ease.
Inhalation
Light the essential oils and experience the therapeutic effects brought by the aroma.
Massage
Head massage: Apply a little essential oil in the fingertips and massage in circular movements over the scalp and temples.
For tension headaches and migraine: Massage from the base of the neck and scalp for a few moments, using effleurage strokes firmly, with oil on the fingertips.
Neck massage: Work around the base of the neck and the scalp, use small upward and outward circular movements. Move slowly upwards and downwards and around the sides of the neck, alternating firm and gentle movements.
Shoulder massage: Use anti-clockwise effleurage movements, stroke firmly from shoulders to neck.
Arm massage: Use effleurage and petrissage upwards in the direction of the armpit, concentrating on muscular and fatty areas. Avoid bony areas.
Back massage: Evading the vertebrae, use gentle or firm petrissage or effleurage technique. Stroke all the way from the lumbar to the shoulders, move the hands outwards across the shoulders and return slowly down the outer area of the back. Repeat this movement to induce deep relaxation.
Recommended　 Bath Inhalation Massage Safety/Caution
Basil O O O Should be diluted to prevent skin irritation
Chamomile O 　 　 May cause dermatitis in very sensitive individuals
Eucalyptus 　 　 O Fatal if taken internally
Frankincense O 　 　 　
Lavender O O O 　
Lemongrass O 　 O May cause dermatitis in very sensitive individuals
Mandarin 　 O 　 Tendency towards phototoxicity
Marjoram (Sweet) O 　 　 Not to be confused with Spanish Marjoram
Melissa True O O 　 Best used in low concentrations
Neroli 　 O O 　
Petitgrain 　 O O 　
Rose O O O 　
Rosemary O O 　 Should not be used by epileptics
Sage 　 O 　 Should not be used by epileptics
Author Bio: Jiing Huey has done a project before on how to reduce stress level in students through different therapies. Understanding that it will benefit the mass, she has done more research and written these articles in wish of benefiting others.
