Paula Hinton Aromatherapy
Therapies to Help You Relax, Unwind and Feel Like YOU Again
My Blog
Blog
Mental Health Awareness Week and Aromatherapy
Posted on 20 May, 2020 at 10:29 |
![]() |
The 18-24 May is Mental Health
Awareness Week and right now more than ever, with everything thing that is
going on our mental health is so important.
It has been estimated that 1 in 4 adults in the UK will
experience mental health issues during 2020, but that figure will probably rise
due to the current covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on our lives.
Before corona virus hit, our fast-paced lives had become one of the main reason
that so many of us were struggling with our mental health. Then suddenly the majority of us were forced
to stop, we had to stop working, socialising and leaving our homes. For some
this time has been a blessing where we have been able to enjoy a slower pace,
reconnect with our families and have been able to take the time to learn new
skills or hone our talents. But for many it has been a time of isolation, loneliness,
worry, boredom and frustration, and mental health problems have been
exasperated. I have often written about the virtues of essential oils
combined with massage to help many physical ailments, but aromatherapy comes
into its own when used to tackle mental and emotional imbalances. Out of the
five senses, our sense of smell is the only one that is directly linked to the
Limbic Lobe of the brain. Our brain
processes scent via the olfactory system which then leads directly to the
Limbic System. The Limbic system controls our emotions and stores learned
memories; anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all physically originate
from this region. A certain fragrance can evoke memories and emotions before we
are even consciously aware of it. The chemical messengers contained within the
scent of essential oils trigger this primitive brain function and work to
influence our emotions. Choosing different essential oil aromas and their
underlying chemical compounds can bring about a powerful effect on our moods
and general state of mind; our mental and emotional well-being. These are my
top essential oils for helping with mental health issues- Lavender –regarded
as the ultimate essential oil for relaxing and balancing moods along with
fighting stress. It is well renowned for its sedative property which can help
combat insomnia and promote good sleep patterns. However keep doses low (max 3
drops in 10ml carrier) if used in excess lavender can actually act as a
stimulant. Bergamot -has
a calming effect; it is effective in tackling mild depression and insomnia. It
has been used in trials for dependency and compulsiveness with great success
due to its cenetring and relaxing properties. Frankincense-
Many studies have found that frankincense contains molecules that can penetrate
the blood-brain barrier, enabling it to carry much-needed oxygen into the
brain, as well as stimulating the limbic area of the brain. It is the calming
and grounding quality of Frankincense oil that proves to be beneficial in
treating depression, anxiety and feelings of melancholy. It is an invaluable
oil to use during meditation. Geranium -releases
negative feelings and emotions and helps to balance hormones. Geranium oil
lifts the spirit and eases nervous tension and can help to release negative
emotions and memories. This sweet flowery fragrance has a regulating effect on
the nervous system and can help dispel depression, nervous anxiety and fear bringing
about a sense of calm and wellness. Chamomile
has wonderful calming and relaxing properties that can help to reduce anxiety,
dispel anger and release old emotions. It also has sedative properties which
makes it valuable oil in tacking insomnia along with lavender oil. Essential oils are traditionally used alongside massage to
help tackle imbalances in mental health, but due to the current pandemic and
need for us all to socially distance massage for the time being cannot be
administered. There are many other ways to enjoy and benefit from the pleasures
of essential oils. Methods of use Self-Massage- Massaging our own arms and hands, legs and
feet or anywhere we can comfortably reach is not the same as receiving a
massage from a professional but it can still have it benefits. Essential oils are always diluted in suitable
carrier oil or lotion. Use 3 drops of essential oil to 10ml carrier. Reduce
down to 1-2 drops for facial use, and for use on children. Inhalation - Add 8-12 drops of essential oil in 2 pints of
hot water. Pour water into bowl, added essential oils cover the head with a
towel and inhale. Take care; do not let oils enter the eye area. Asthma suffers
should not use. Not a suitable method for young children. Vaporisation - As essential oils are inhaled with this
method it is excellent for creating a mood atmosphere, using in the sick room
as a disinfectant and for removing unpleasant smells. The traditional oil
burners with a tea light underneath are effective when 3-5 drops of essential
oil are added to water. For electric appliances designed for this use follow
manufacturer’s instructions, but usually 3-5 drops is sufficient. Keep well out
of reach of children. Direct Inhalation - Pour 2-3 drops of essential oil onto a
tissue and sniff or use straight from the bottle by holding it about 5cm away
from the nostrils and breathing deeply. Alternatively rub one drop of essential
oil into the palms of the hands, cover the nose and mouth and inhale. Stick to
the tissue method for children, and 1-2 drops is sufficient. Bathing - Fill the bath with warm water and turn off the
taps. ALWAYS dilute the essential oils. Add 3-6 drops of chosen essential oils
to 1 tablespoon of carrier e.g. almond oil, full fat milk, honey, any
non-perfumed bubble bath. Use only 1 drop of essential oil well diluted for
children. Foot Baths - As for bathing but use 1-4 drops of essential
oil and soak feet for 5/10 minutes- bliss! Practicing Mindfulness- Mindfulness is the art of living in
the moment, being aware of our surroundings, reconnecting with the simple
pleasures in life. Mindfulness takes practice but can become a valuable skill
for life once mastered and aromatherapy can really help with the process. Essential oils are concentrated and should always be used
with care. Follow instructions given and do not be tempted to add more drops
than recommended. Unless under the guidance of an Aromatherapist essential oils
should not be used neat on the skin, but dissolved in a carrier oil, full fat
milk, honey or other base. They must never be taken internally. Always check the oils you are considering using- most modern
essential oils should have an expiry date so check this. Essential oils are a
natural product and do not contain preservatives so anything out of date should
not be used on the skin as there is a risk of skin irritation. Once you have established that the oils are in date check
where you store them. Essential oils should be kept in their original dark
coloured bottles. These dark coloured bottles protect the contents from
sunlight, which can have a detrimental effect on essential oils, so the
bathroom window sill is definitely not the place to keep them! They also need
to be kept at a fairly constant temperature normal room temperature; extremes of
heat/cold can cause the oils to deteriorate very quickly. Keep out of reach of
children. Enjoy experimenting with these lovely oils to make your life
just a little easier, calmer and more fragrant.
Although my aromatherapy clinic is currently closed I am
available to answer any questions either by telephone, email or via my website.
Please do get in touch if you need advice on which oils to use, how to use them
or would like a bespoke blend made up for you. This service is free of charge
there would only be costs involved if oils or blends were required and to cover
postage. For now please take care and keep safe and well and be kind
to yourself. Paula
x |
Categories
- Aromatherapy (12)
- sleep (2)
- muscle tension (2)
- essential oils (2)
- anxiety (1)
- depression (1)
- emotional wellbeing (1)
- mental health (1)
- mental health awareness (0)
- mental wellbeing (0)
- study (1)
- exams (1)
- winter (1)
- well-being (9)
- massage (10)
- toxins (5)
- hot stone (1)
- Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (2)
- special offers (1)
- bath (2)
- footbath (3)
- warming (2)
- stress (0)
/