Aromatherapy For Stress Relief - Lymphatic Therapy Services
                     Aromatherapy For 
Stress Relief - 
Lymphatic Therapy 
Services
www.lymphatictherapyservices.com/
Stress is defined as a negative differential between a series of 
demands and our ability to cope with them. We all have our own 
comfort level in which we deal with stress. When stress levels become 
too much for the body-mind to cope with, the stress becomes 
“distress”, or stress excess. Chronic stress causes psycho-biological 
reactions which initially produce warning signs such as heart 
palpitations, insomnia, fatigue or mild depression.
The usual remedy is coffee, alcohol or tranquilizers. These “remedies” 
all have the ability to damage the system, and have no beneficial 
results. Synthetic tranquillizers create a sedative effect, but provide no 
emotional release. There may be also severe side effects from many of 
these drugs.
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Stress is identified as a primary causative factor, or trigger in a 
variety of disorders, including cancer, heart disease and many 
other illnesses. Psycho-neuro-immunology is the study of the link 
between the mind, the immune system and the nervous system. 
Studies have shown how the immune system is negatively 
affected by stress. Once the immune system is weakened, we 
become susceptible to many infections and diseases.
Stress triggers the release of cortisol by the adrenal glands, 
which can lead to a depression of the immune system. The 
symptoms of stress are behavioral, mental and physical. These 
symptoms include depression, irritability, aggression, depressing 
thoughts, difficulty concentrating, feeling of being overloaded, 
headaches, indigestion, repeated minor ailments, odd aches and 
pains, palpitations and lethargy.
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Aromatherapy is a thousand year old therapy, utilizing essential 
oils from plants, in the pursuit of wellbeing, spiritual, mental and 
physical. Essential oils can help an individual by intervening on 
both physical and mental levels and when combined with 
massage can reduce heart rate, as well as blood pressure.
Psycho-aromatherapy is a branch of aromatherapy that focuses 
on the psychological potential of essential oils and the psycho-
therapeutic effects that these oils can have. The inhalation 
effects of the oils are absorbed easily and quickly through the 
sense of smell. Odor molecules enter the nostrils and are 
transmitted in the form of an electrical impulse to the olfactory 
bulb and then to the limbic system of the brain and also the 
hypothalamus.
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The hypothalamus is the major control center of the autonomic 
nervous system. It controls the sympathetic and 
parasympathetic divisions which activate the “fight or flight” 
adrenaline production. As we inhale the essential oils, there is a 
direct link to the limbic system of the brain via the olfactory 
nerve. The limbic system is stimulated and this triggers the 
release of memories, feelings and emotions.
Odor stimuli in the brain also trigger the release of neuro-
chemicals such as enkephalins, endorphins, seratonin and 
noradrenalin. Noradrenalin acts as a stimulant to help you keep 
awake. Endorphins reduce pain, stimulate sexual feelings, and 
produce a sense of well-being.
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As we inhale essential oil of ylang ylang, encephalins are 
released and this produces a euphoric sensation and can help to 
reduce pain. Seratonin is released as we inhale essential oil of 
lavender and this helps to induce a state of relaxation and a 
feeling of well-being.
Studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system is 
effected by the inhalation of certain aromas, and our fight or 
flight mechanism aroused. The regulation of the autonomic 
nervous system brings about changes in the functioning of 
heartbeat, the depth of breathing, and the digestive processes. 
In a study on the effect of aroma inhalation on the stress 
responses of nursing students, it was concluded that the 
administration of aroma inhalation to nursing students 
decreased their physical symptoms of stress, lowered anxiety 
scores, and altered their perceived stress scores. The study 
concluded that aromatherapy via inhalation could be a very 6
effective stress management method.
A study, published in the European Journal of Preventive 
Cardiology, found that the essential oils used in aromatherapy 
for stress relief may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It 
has been found that with short-term exposure, the odors have a 
beneficial effect on heart rate and blood pressure.
Essential oils have an effect on the nervous system and can help 
to reduce anxiety and depression. There have been many 
studies showing how massage when combined with essential oils 
can help to reduce stress, reduce muscle tension, effect 
hypotension and balance the immune system.
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Oils that are excellent for stress management include: neroli, 
rose and jasmine. Citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin, and 
lemon uplift the spirits, and clary sage and geranium are 
excellent for balancing the hormones.
Try taking a bath with a blend of tangerine, lavender, valerian 
root and geranium before bed for a wonderful night’s sleep. 
When inhaled, a variety of oils – including lavender, melissa, 
peppermint, basil, roman chamomile, lemongrass and marjoram 
– can relieve headaches of different origins.
Many oils, including angelica, basil, cardamom, ginger, and 
peppermint, diffused in an aromatic diffuser will help to keep you 
alert. Feeling stressed ? Enjoy a massage blend of bergamot, 
lavender, melissa and sweet marjoram in a base of fractionated 
coconut oil and feel your spirits soar.  
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A Clinical Aromatherapy treatment with a custom blend of oils 
specific to the needs of the individual, lymph massage, 
reflexology and guided imagery is an excellent way to reduce 
stress.
Linda-Anne Kahn is an Internationally trained Beauty Therapist, 
certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and 
Lymphedema Therapist. She is the founder and owner of the 
Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Wellness Center in 
San Diego.
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Lymphatic Therapy 
Services
(858) 457-0191
[email protected]
www.lymphatictherapyservices.com/
 3282 Governor Drive, San Diego, California 92122, USA
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