Aromatherapy is a natural way to relieve pain, anxiety and improve mood. It works by stimulating olfactory nerve cells in the nose with the scent of essential oils. The brain then releases hormones that promote relaxation and positive feelings.
Try a few drops of ylang-ylang oil in an aromatherapy diffuser or add it to a bath. Marjoram oil can also be used to help reduce anxious feelings.
It’s a complementary therapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses extracts from plants to promote health and well-being. These extracts are called essential oils and can be used by inhaling or applying them to the skin. They are made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant, including its bark, roots, peels, flowers, and leaves. These oils contain phytochemicals that provide distinctive scents and have a variety of therapeutic properties.
Inhaling the scent of a particular plant can activate the limbic system and accelerate secretion of neurotransmitters like enkephalin, endorphins, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Aromatherapy has been used in ancient cultures, such as those of Egypt and China. These ancient practices are incorporated into modern massage and healing rituals, including the practice of forest bathing in Japan (called shinrin-yoku). Despite this, little research on aromatherapy has been conducted on a large scale. However, some studies have shown that using lavender, Damask rose, and peppermint can improve the quality of life for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
It can help with pain
Aromatherapy is a natural and non-invasive way to reduce pain. It can be used in conjunction with other pain management techniques to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Its calming effects can also aid in the healing process and reduce anxiety levels.
When inhaled, essential oils stimulate the olfactory receptors in the limbic system of the brain, which is connected to emotions and memory. This can influence your emotional responses to discomfort and alter how you perceive pain.
When applied topically, the oils are diluted with carrier oil and massaged into the skin. This is a safe method of using the oils, especially for pregnant women or those with sensitive skin. Carrier oils are a vehicle for safely getting the oils into your body and contain healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial substances. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can significantly reduce postoperative pain, compared to placebo or treatment as usual controls. However, the effect was smaller for inflammatory and chronic pain.
It can help with anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations, but it can be debilitating when it becomes chronic. Aromatherapy is a non-pharmacological treatment that can help relieve anxiety and improve moods. It is a safe and natural alternative to medications.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. The oils are diluted and inhaled or applied to the skin. The scent of the oil is detected by receptors in the nose, which send signals to the brain to trigger emotional responses. The olfactory system also interacts with the amygdala, an area of the brain that regulates emotions.
Several studies have shown that aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety, particularly lavender. Lavender is a popular choice because it can ease feelings of stress, promote calmness and sleep, and boost self-esteem. Other effective oils include chamomile, ylang-ylang, and cedarwood. These oils can be inhaled through diffusion, used during a massage, or added to a warm bath. You can also use portable inhalers to carry the essential oil with you throughout the day.
It can help with thyroid cancer
Many cancer centers now offer aromatherapy massage as a complementary therapy for their patients. This form of treatment may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with cancer and hospice care, such as fatigue and nausea. It can also reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety.
The sense of smell communicates to parts of the brain that produce chemicals that can have calming effects or reduce pain. Different oils have specific properties, such as lavender and tea tree oil, which can calm the body and improve sleep patterns. They can also be used to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
A study found that aromatherapy can help people with thyroid cancer during radioactive iodine treatment. The study involved 71 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who were randomly assigned to inhale a 2:1 mixture of lemon and ginger essential oils or distilled water for 10 minutes each day for two weeks. The aromatherapy increased saliva production, which helped to minimize the damage to normal salivary glands caused by the radioactive iodine.
