Alternative and complementary therapies have become much more mainstream in the United States. Holistic treatments such as massage therapy, chiropractic services, meditation, hypnotherapy, and more have become more widely accepted for pain relief, stress reduction, and promotion of one’s mental health. Aromatherapy is a holistic form of treatment that involves using essential or volatile oils extracted from flowers, barks, stems, leaves, roots, fruits, and other elements of nature. These oils permeate the skin and produce a pleasant smell that often serves a specific purpose – some are for stress relief, others are for alertness, etc. If you haven’t tried it yet, essential oils could be an excellent option for you to incorporate in your daily life – they’ve proven to be very effective in relieving a number of ailments, from depression and indigestion to muscular pain and respiratory problems.
Essential oils can be helpful for a variety of people with varying needs. For example, a 2015 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences assessed 121 women who were 24 to 28 weeks pregnant; 3 groups were created and each group was randomly assigned either 1) lavender cream with foot bath, 2) lavender cream alone, or 3) neither. Depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed at the beginning of the study, and researchers followed up with the women periodically over the course of their group’s intervention for 4 weeks. By the last week, anxiety scores were significantly lower in those who used lavender as opposed to the control group who did not receive anything.
Essential oils are a relatively inexpensive yet effective method for relieving some of the harsh pressure that comes with anxiety, stress, depression, and more. They may even be most beneficial alongside other holistic methods such as massage therapy or meditation. If you’re looking to start off with essential oils, here are a few to begin looking into:
- Eucalyptus – can help with bacterial infections
- Frankincense – anti-inflammatory properties
- Cinnamon – to help clear up chest colds
- Lemon oil – can help boost your mood, give you awakeness/alertness
- Lavender – to feel more calm and relaxed
You don’t have to turn to harmful behaviors and substances to cope with the pain of depression, trauma, or any other issue. Healing and recovery is possible for anyone who seeks it. Call The Guest House Ocala today for information on our residential programs of care for trauma and our specialized approach to providing concierge-style treatment. Your story isn’t over yet. Start your new chapter today: 855-483-7800