Stress

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has declared stress an occupational hazard! Once thought of as a condition of a weak mind, stress is now being linked to serious problems such as heart disease, cancer, industrial accidents, suicide and others. People are taking months of stress leave from work and are depending on prescription medications to sleep and forcibly relax their muscles.

In a state of stress the immune system shuts down to allow all the body's energy resources to be available for the "flight or fight" response. While the immune system is shut down the body is open to whatever diseases it comes into contact with. In addition, since even healthy bodies have mutant cells floating around, without the immune system to "take care" of the mutant cells, cancer can develop and multiply. When a body is holding stress, the muscles are generally tight or knotted and they tend hold toxins, lactic acid, etc. Toxins build up in the body and add to its general state of ill health as well.

There are a variety of ways to alleviate stress without the use of prescription drugs and even to prevent stress in the first place.

One method is to practice regular meditation. Thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the afternoon are ideal, but any time is better than none.

Exercise is another way of dealing with stress provided the exercise is not too strenuous. A brisk walk is excellent so the muscles work themselves and release some of the pent up stress.

Pets are a great way of releasing stress. Caring for and interacting with animals can actually reduce high blood pressure and relax the mind.

Taking time out to pursue an interesting hobby is very stress releasing because when the mind is completely occupied with an enjoyable activity it does not have the time or energy to ruminate over problems and schedules.

A full body massage, especially an aromatherapy one, is one of the most effective treatments for stress. When the body is being massaged, the muscles release their knots, which in turn releases the lactic acid and other toxins so they can be removed through the lymphatic system. The correct selection of essential oils will work to relieve stress held in the body, easing aching muscles while ameliorating mental stress.

Different oils work in different ways for different people. Some people prefer muskier scents and others prefer florals. Fortunately, there are a variety of scents in each category that will address mental stress by uplifting and calming the person or by slowing respiration and lowering blood pressure. Stress caused by hormonal changes can also be addressed with specific oils.

Insomnia is sure a sign of stress. Essential oils can be diffused in the room at night, placed on a light ring, sprayed on a pillow or dropped on a handkerchief and placed in the pillowcase. One of the best ways of fighting insomnia is to have an aromatherapy massage before bed and using one of the just mentioned methods throughout the night as well.

Whatever the cause of stress, essential oils and massage can play a big part in alleviating its effects.

Sharon