Using Aromatherapy as a Self Care Tool
COVID 19 is affecting a lot of people’s mental health and increasing their stress
Over the past few weeks, I have met a lot of clients who are experiencing high level of stress from work and life demands in general, which propels me to sit down and write this post on a Sunday!
According to Financial Post dated Oct 14, 20, Morneau Shepell, the Toronto-based human resources services and technology company, has been tracking Canadians' mental health roller-coaster since April. Its latest Mental Health Index reveals a consistent trend of negative mental health in September among Canadians. This is telling me that self love and self care is more important than ever.
I write this post with only ONE purpose - sharing the benefits of Aromatherapy, one of the very effective self-care tools in my toolbox, with you.
My Aromatherapy Journey
I first met Aromatherapy some 20 years ago. I was drawn to essential oils for the beautiful aroma. Honestly, I didn't know anything about the powerful therapeutic properties of the oils.
A few years ago, I'd gone through my personal hardship when I first found my business. I'd worked seven days a week for the first two years...And eventually; I burnt out and at the edge of emotional breakdown. I knew I needed to slow down and work less in order to maintain my health and sanity. At that time, I was looking for ways to "heal" myself. Aromatherapy suddenly came to my mind which compelled me to look up on internet to see if I could take a course to learn more about it. Luckily, I found out Langara College was going to offering a 9-month Diploma course in 2 months. I enrolled right away and that's how it got me to the Aromatherapy journey.
I've been incorporating Aromatherapy into my life and use it every day since 2016. The effect on me is subtle yet profound. I feel more connected to myself. I know how to bring myself to a more balanced state when I felt down and low (feeling negative is totally okay but we want to bounce back quickly!). Now, I look back I must say that I feel super grateful Aromatherapy chose me, and healed me!
Other than smelling good, you may wonder...
What Exactly is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy with the controlled use of essential oil to promote and enhance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. And essential oils are highly volatile, complex chemical structures created in nature. They are extracted by man through steam distillation, expression, solvent and CO2 extraction.
What is Aromatherapy mostly used for?
Designed to treat the whole body, Aromatherapy aims to assist the body’s natural abilities to heal, rest and recover from stress and illness. For example, it is mostly used for balancing nervous system, strengthening immune system, easing muscular aches & pains, improving circulation, relieving sinus congestions and supporting better sleep.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy?
There are many benefits of Aromatherapy and let me try to name a few -
Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy which is designed to treat the whole body.
Aromatherapy is a healing art that is creative and fun (when you create your own synergy blend) while the effectiveness of essential oils is scientifically proven.
It’s 100% natural
As essential oils are super concentrated plant extract (1 drop is equal to 3-4 cups of raw plant matters). In other words, the use of essential oils is extremely cost-effective.
The beautiful aroma of essential oil raises your vibrational frequency and uplifts your mood and spirit instantly
Aromatherapy is a great self care tool as essential oils work on physical level as well as emotional level to improve one’s general state of health and wellbeing. Essential oils are also very accessible, affordable and can be applied easily any time you need it.
How can Aromatherapy be Used as a Self Care Tool?
Essential oils can be used in your own home, at work or when you're on a go. There are a few easy ways you can apply Aromatherapy as your self care tool anywhere, anytime.
Diffusion: Diffusing essential oils can uplift your mood, relax your mind, help you focus or breathe better. Considering all essential oils are anti bacterial, diffusing essential oil can also clean the air and support your immune system.
Direct Inhalation: If you don’t have a diffuser, you can still receive the benefits of Aromatherapy. Add a few drops of essential oil in a handkerchief or Kleenex, inhale deeply and exhale. Repeat it 5-10 times. I am sure you will feel so much better by inhaling the beautiful aroma
Sniffy Stick or Aromatherapy Inhaler: The inhaler has a cotton tube in the middle. All you do is you soak this cotton with essential oils. And whenever you need it, you’ve got an on-the-go aromatherapy. It can fit in your purse, your pocket, at your office.
Cupping: You can put 1-2 drops in your hand, rub your hands together, and you take a breath. This technique is called cupping. It’s very effective for people that battle anxiety attacks, stress, and even nausea
Hot Aromatic Bath or Shower: Taking hot bath is a simple luxury. Mix 6-7 drops of essential oil with your carrier oil or milk (essential oil doesn’t mix with water so you need diluted it with a carrier which has oil content in it), and add some bath salt (my favourite is Dead Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt). If you prefer to take a shower, you can add a few drops of essential oil (such as eucalyptus or pine) in your shower, turn on the hot water. You can easily create a beautiful and aromatic steamy shower in your own home.
During this unprecedent time, it's important we stay connected with each other. If you have any questions about how you can use essential oils to help you and support your health, please don't hesitate to email me at info@lumierespa.ca
I'll be happy to answer your questions.
Stay well, stay healthy!
Marvice
Certified Esthetician | Registered Aromatherapist ® | Essential Oil Specialist ®