Health Tips > Stress Less > Guide to Essential Oils and Scents to Combat Stress and Fatigue

Guide to Essential Oils and Scents to Combat Stress and Fatigue

Today there are so many techniques in managing stress: exercise, meditation, deep breathing, conflict resolution and listening to relaxing music, to name a few. Did you know that aromatherapy is also a great way to reduce and manage stress?

To learn more about aromatherapy secrets and popular scents for stress management, relaxation and even sleep, read these tips courtesy of Cooper Spa.

Aromatherapy has a long and rich history when it comes to alternative healing and relieving tension. It dates back to the early civilizations and spreads out across the globe. Archeologists are even finding aromatherapy scents in the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for psychological and physical well-being. When using essential oils, you’re often targeting direct muscle aches and pains, which is a result of stress. These oils usually have high-balancing properties that are ideal for relaxation. There are three ways to practice aromatherapy:

Inhalation – Inhaling scents can be done in various ways. Many people inhale out of the bottle or put a few drops on a cotton ball to smell. It’s also common to put a few drops on a pillow, under the nose or in the shower or bath.
Skin application – By applying essential oils directly to your skin, you’ll notice immediate effects. Most people apply oils to wrists, the back of the neck, temples and the bottoms of feet.
Ingesting – Aromatherapy ingesting is only for food-grade, high-quality oils.

If you’re a beginner in aromatherapy, it’s important to know that everyone has individual scents they enjoy. Here are a few popular scents for different situations:

Happy – Grapefruit and peppermint blend as well as individual Bergamot give you a happy and uplifting effect. The grapefruit and peppermint blend is a cheerful additional to the end of a massage.
Sleep/Dreams – Lavender and Clary Sage blend helps to calm and relax before and during sleep, thus bringing the individual into a deeper sleep.
Calm/Relaxation – Frankincense and Lavender blend can create a soothing and comforting state of mind.
Muscle Aches – Marjoram works well for specific muscle aches and soreness.

Another effective way to utilize aromatherapy is during a routine massage. Cooper Spa in Dallas offers various massages and aromatherapy blends for topical and aromatic needs. Learn more about Cooper Spa or schedule an appointment online, or call 972.392.7729.