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Stress - A natural approach to stress
Destressing with aromatherapy
Last updated: Thursday, November 30, 2006
Aromatherapy essential oils can be added to baths, massaged on to the body or diffused in a burner. If you buy pure essential oils, they must be mixed with a carrier oil to dilute them. Premixed oils are readily available.

 
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Follow the directions on the bottles and note the cautions indicated. Certain oils should not be used, for example, when pregnant.

Try the top five de-stressing essential oils. All of the following essential oils will work to balance and soothe your body and mind. Mix a few undiluted drops with a carrier oil, such as almond, for a massage or add it to your bath water.

The top five distressing oils are:

  • Lavender – balancing, soothing and normalising
  • Geranium – relaxing and uplifting
  • Neroli – soothing and regenerating
  • Chamomile – acts as a sedative and boosts the immune system
  • Ylang-ylang – calming, also an aphrodisiac

You can also use premixed oils that contain rose and frankincense. Adding these essential oils to the bath will take a load off your mind. But make sure that you follow the following guidelines so that you get the full benefit of the essential oils:

  • Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and only add the recommended number of drops.
  • The bath must be hot, but not scalding or else the oils will evaporate before you've even hopped in.
  • Stay in the bath for about 20 minutes. If you stay in for less, the essential oils might not have time to take effect; if you stay in for longer, you'll just feel lethargic.
  • While you're in the bath, focus on ensuring that your breath is deep and regular. Inhale from the diaphragm, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly.


 
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