Restore Emotional Balance and Find Calm with this Ancient Healing Art
The ancient practice of Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment which uses aromatic essential oils to improve the health of the mind, body and spirit and has been used by different civilisations throughout the world for centuries. Our ancient ancestors intuitively knew how to use the aromatic plants around them but is something that most of us have long since forgotten or tend to ignore as we look to modern medicine for all our help. Essential oils can have a profound effect on the deepest levels of the body and mind and enhance positive mental and emotional states and increase our ability to stay healthy.
There are many benefits of incorporating essential oils into your life from boosting concentration, promoting sleep and uplifting mood to reducing stress and anxiety and so much more.
Aromatherapy has seen a resurgence lately as more of us are looking towards more natural ways of healing. Our sense of smell can have a massive effect on our emotional wellbeing. Aromatherapy works by stimulating the smell receptors of the nose directly linked to the limbic system of the brain and when we smell a particular scent it can affect our physiology.
As more of us are experiencing stress and anxiety in our life aromatherapy can help restore emotional balance and calm our fayed nerves whilst also enhancing our overall feeling of well-being. You can use them in a diffuser, mixed into bath and massage products, or apply some to pulse points of the skin (when mixed with a carrier oil). Although stress and anxiety have become a normal part of life for many of us at least now we have a powerful tool to help us cope and restore calm.
I often use aromatherapy for myself and also as an accompaniment to Reiki therapy to enhance the overall benefit of the treatment in providing emotional balance, with positive results. Below are some I would recommend:
10 Essential oils to promote calm and restore emotional balance
Bergamot - When diffused Bergamot has powerful mood stabilizing effects as well as being invigorating. It has an uplifting and clarifying citrus scent and discourages feelings of sadness and helps combat feelings of anxiety .
Lavender – Well known for aiding relaxation and sleep it is ideal for calming those night time worries. It also reduces feelings of anger, agitation and insecurity.
Palo Santo – Has a distinctive uplifting and balancing fragrance. It has settling, grounding and calming properties and great for maintaining emotional balance.
Roman Chamomile - Highly regarded by ancient Egyptians for its healing properties, it enhances wellness and supports calm and relaxation.
Frankincense - Frankincense can lift your mood, boost the oxygen supply to your brain and stimulate the limbic system, helping to bring your emotions back into check.
Rose Geranium - A fragrant mix of rose and citrus, Rose Geranium helps to reduce feelings of stress and worry and brings feelings of calm and positivity, uplifts mood and promotes feelings of well-being.
Ylang Ylang - With its sweet, rich, floral scent it is though that Ylang Ylang can help reduce negative emotions, alleviate anxiety and uplift mood. Its relaxing effect make it is especially good to use before bed.
Jasmine - This essential oil has been used for centuries to help reduce anxiety symptoms. Studies have shown that Jasmine can stimulate your brain to improve your mood and energy levels and it can also calm your nervous system. Inhaling jasmine oil can promote a sense of well-being
Clary Sage - Promotes a feeling of calm and can help reduce tension.
Neroli - Particularly good for a sudden anxiety attack or when you need quick relief. Neroli has relaxing qualities and is also thought to lift the spirits.
If you are interested in exploring the use of essential oils for your own health and well-being then please be aware of how to use them safely.
In warmth
Sharon K
Reiki and Crystal Reiki Master/Teacher
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Lincs Holistic Wellness
Hi Emma, sorry to see your mom is suffering with severe stress. I am sure aromatherapy would help her. If she is short on time maybe you could ask her to try an aromatherapy diffuser as she can have that plugged in and working around the home (or office) so she doesn't have to take time out. You can also try telling her that there has been many studies done showing the benefits of aromatherapy, but if she really isn't interested then one of the best things she can do to help reduce stress and anxiety is to spend time in nature, such as a park or woodland (or even spend a few minutes having a break in the garden if she has one!) This has been shown to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, improve feelings of wellbeing and promotes calm.
Hope this helps!
In warmth
Sharon x
Thank you very much for the article, it is very helpful. My mom is currently experiencing very severe stress due to work and quarantine. I advise her to try aromatherapy every time and say that it helps me. But she says that she values her time too much and she does not want spend it on something like that. My mom is very sensitive and receptive to smells, so I think that it would help her very well to deal with anxiety and stress. Could you please give me some advice what should I say to convince her to at least try?
