AROMATHERAPY

Stress - 2

These different types of stress occur in varying degrees aaaaand the oils and formulas recommended take these levels of stress into consideration. Identify the degree of your stress  from the categories below and then you can choose from the formulas and oils that follow the most effective treatment for your individual needs. 

Treat the first level before it develops into the second, and so forth. mental health is as precious as physical health: indeedthe sharp distinction so often drawn between the two is misleading. They are at different ends of the same phenomenon but they are actually the same thing. The human being works as an integrated unit of body and mind, and to take care of one is to take care of the other.

LEVEL 1: Starts as tiredness and develops into irritability headaches and insomnia.

LEVEL 2: Depression, anxiety, muscular pain, chronic aches, persistent inffections, guilt apathy, helplessness.

LEVEL 3: Persecution complex, agoraphobia, claustrophobia, despair, increasing guilt and depression, susceptibility to viral infections and bacterial invasion.

LEVEL 4: Now the body is really crying 'Help'. Unexplained pain, heart problems, strokes and high blood pressure may be experienced along with all other diseases that are thought to have their roots in stress. Like ulcers, and eve, according to some opinions, arthritis. The immune system is further depressed, leading to all manner of physical problems.First, here are some synergistic blends, Levels 1 and three are grouped together because these need sedatives and relaxtants.

At Level 2, however, you need something that will add an element of stimulation to prevent you slipping into Level 3. This is to get you out of the quagmire and motivaated , and to stimulate your immune system to prevent infection. If you have reached Level 4, it's time for the heavier sedatives which are known as 'hypnotics'.only those synergistic blends at Level 2 and essential oils listed later under Level 2, the stimulant oils for stress-related disorders, can be used in an open workspace.

All the blends and oils can be used in the atmosphere at work if you have a fairly closed office, and in any other method that you choose. At all levels of stress a bath after work every night is a must - use 6- 8 drops of your chosen formula or oil.You may also make up a massage oil which can double as a body rub to put on before going to work. Also use in a shower, if you have one, in the morning.

Any of the room methods can be used at home, and at work perhaps the best solution is to have a bottle of oils ready with a plant-spray so you can do your workspace when it's convenient - perhaps when everyone else has gone to the pub for lunch. You can, of course, also use the tissue or handkerchief method-you can pretend you've got another cold - or just sniff the bottle or put a dab of oil on the space between your nose and upper lip.

As Level 1 of stress is grouped with level 3, let's start with the level 2 synergistic blends that will, as well as helping you, benefit your fellow workers and boss too.

The three general formulas are idea for reducing stress levels throughout the workplace, enabling everyone to cope before they get stressed out.

STRESS LEVEL 2 SYNERGISTIC BLENDS FOR GENERAL USE

FOR SPECIFIC USES

INFECTIONS

 Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Vaerie Ann Worwood 

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Stress

Arguably, everyone in the whole world is under stress of some description. It might be positive stress, or the sort joggers voluntarily put themselves under, or the negative stress that comes , for example, from sitting in a open-plan office with a dozen telephones ringing at any given point in time. The kinds of stress and degrees of it are manifold, and so the oils we use and the combinations must reflect this diversity.

First of all, let us distinguish between positive stress, normal stress and distress. Positive stress could be described as a 'high', the excited tension you get when performing your job fast and efficiently. it is, indeed, this kind of high that makes people enjoy working in the first place: the sheer joy of being a human being accomplishing something, whether that's whizzing through the in-tray or writing a book.

Positive stress makes us aim that little bit higher, leap over the pitfallslife pesents to each and every one of us, and gives us that force to take on challenges. This is the kind of energy that increases stimulation, helps our energy level and makes creativity flow. And as it contributes to our feeling good, we obviously don't treat it with with essential oils. We don't need to.

Normal stress is a normal state during which the body performs its functions for survival in response to circumstances. For example, when you have a car accident the body is flooded with adrenalin which causes all kinds of physical phenomenon - everything goes into slow motion, for example, or pain cannot be felt. The out of the ordinary stress caused by accidents is all to the good because it increases our capacities and efficiency.

Your heart may be pounding, you are shaking all over but somehow you manage to walk to the phone box to call for help.' I don't know how I did it,' you say later, looking at the gash on your leg, but you know really - your mechanisms for dealing with survival situations took over and enabled you to do what had to be done at the time. You can collapse later, when the emergency has passed. These normal stress mechanisms are good - very good - and we don't need to treat them.

Distress, however is another thing, this is when healthy stress becomes chronic, with the result that we have no energy, no will,only frustration at the ever-increasing pressure load. This is when essential oils are needed.

Here we look at the various types and degrees of stress and the oils which are best suited to deal with them. Of course different types can exacerbate each other, so that the environmental stress you suffer at work can cause mental stress, when taken home, can lead to emotional stress.

Environmental stress caused by, for example, bright lights over your desk; noise of machinery; the constant ringing of telephones; or too cramped office space.

Cedarwood - Cypress - Basil - Coriander - Chamomile Roman - Bergamot - Geranium

Chemical Stress caused by, for example, too many cups of coffee; too many lunchtime drinks; too much junk food; too many aspirins or antibiotics; inhaling substances at the factory or office; pollution on the way to work; smokers in the office.

Lavender - Geranium - Lemon - Patchouli - Clary-sage - Rosemary - Pettigraine - Grapefruit

Physical Stress caused by, for example pushing your body to the limits; running in the office 'fun run'; working out at the gym; driving long distances continually.

Rosemary - Lavender - Geranium - Chamomile Roman - Bergamot - Fennel - Marjoram - Thyme

Mental Stress caused by, for example, trying to achieve; doing exams; anguish over uncompleted jobs; unemployment; financial worries.

Geranium - Basil - Cardamon - Lavender - Bergamot - Patchouli - Sandalwood - Grapefruit

Emotional Stress caused by, for example, relationship problems, parental guilt; the inability to give or receive love grief.

Geranium - Bergamot - Rose - Sandalwood - Vetiver - Cardamon - Palma rosa

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood

The Workaholic Heart

If you answer 'yes' to the following questions, you are a workaholic. Do you think you are the only one who can do the job properly? Do you churn your work over in your sleep? Are you neglecting your family, friends and hobbies? Is your sex life taking second place? Workaholics have to learn to say 'no'. Enough is enough. The world will not come to a grinding halt if I don't work late tonight. The customer will not drop down a big black hole before tomorrow morning. Everything will be right where I leave it tonight. 'I, going home now.'. Practice saying it!

There's no denying that to get ahead today one must strive to become better and faster than everyone else. Competition is fierce and the accent is on the younger man or woman who has time, energy and ambition to give the job one hundred and fifty per cent. It's difficult to be laid-back when these determined and talented people have an eye on your job. So the pressure is on - and it's on your heart.

Essential oils can help you cope and calm down, but you have to be prepared to help yourself too. You really must carve out some time during the week to give your heart a complete rest and recharge. having a regular aromatherapy treatment is the best way. At least learn to relax. Ask your partner to massage you or, if that's too passive for you, massage your partner instead - but in gentle rhythmic movements, not speedy, intensive slaps!

The following essential oils are good for workaholics because they are stimulating without being over stimulating while many of them also have relaxant properties too. This is a difficult thing to explain. Perhaps you can think of it in terms of people - some are intellectually stimulating while at the same time you feel completely relaxed in their company. A vicar or guru might be the kind of person who falls into this group, or a very dear and bright friend. So, these are the workaholic's friends; use them at any time, anywhere, and anyhow:

The Workaholic's Oils
Geranium - Basil - Lavender - Neroli - Marjoram

And here is a formula for the bath:

 You can use this in the morning bath, of course, but it's better to do the whole treatment after work when there is a slight chance you may be thinking of relaxing. Lie back in the bath and read a book, even a textbook if you must, or catch up on your professional trade magazines. Then spend a few minutes doing stretching exercises, like a cat. This helps to release the toxins from your muscles. Breathe deeply. Now massage your body with a combination of essential oils diluted in either base vegetable oil or a pure and simple type of body lotion. Whichever base you choose, use a combination of the oils listed above on the 1 drop per 1 millilitre basis, or follow the formula below.

Although workaholics generally have a neat and tidy appearance, their insides aren't usually in such terrific shape. Skin care in women is often neglected, and because of the stress workaholics often develop dry skin and greasy hair. Just try to remember that you will need your body longer than you need your job.

Reference: The Fragrant Pharmacy: Valerie Ann Worwood