Why Aromatherapy is Beneficial for Stress Relief
Have you ever walked into a space where aromatic candles are burning and experienced the unconscious desire to take a moment and breathe deeply, relaxing your mind and body? This is not a mere coincidence–in fact, many individuals find great comfort in burning aromatic candles in their homes, especially after long, stressful days. But why is this?
THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy has long been used as a way to strengthen the connection between the mind and body–it was used by ancient Chinese, Indians, Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. Many individuals experience wonderful emotional and mental benefits due to aromatherapy, and some practitioners argue that the healing powers of aromatherapy can yield wonderful physical benefits as well. Perhaps this is simply because aromatherapy promotes a stronger connection between the body and the mind, which can work to improve an individual’s overall health and happiness.
Aromatherapy consists of using scents derived from essential oils and aromatic plant compounds in diffusers, candles or massage oils. The theory is that these scents stimulate the individual’s olfactory system, which in turn produces a response from the body. Depending on the scent and the type of stimulation, the response may be relaxation, brightening or healing.
The United States Library of Medicine compiled a report on aromatherapy that indicates it is a derivative of herbal medicines, with successful applications in anything from emotional support to whooping cough. This report agreed with the theory that the scents used in aromatherapy do appear to stimulate the individual’s olfactory system, causing a response from the body.
This occurs when the nerves that are used to detect scents, and which are directly connected to the brain, are stimulated by the tiny molecules released by aromatherapy scents and send a message to the brain that produces a response throughout the body. The body’s response may be an increased heart rate or a sense of calmness, depending on the scents that were used.
Since aromatherapy can stimulate cells in the body that then produce some sort of physical or emotional response, it can raise an individual’s awareness of the connection between their mind and body. This can, in turn, allow them to strengthen this connection as they work to improve their overall health and well-being. This is often the reason why acupuncture and massage treatments incorporate some amount of aromatherapy–it allows the individual to better relax their mind so that they can better care for their body.
Aromatherapy in Massage Therapy at Botanica
Botanica Day Spa offers a signature massage that could be just what your body is crying out for. Indulge in our amazing signature massage that includes a warm infrared and amethyst blanket, meant to soothe and calm your body inside and out. A hot oil scalp treatment will feel out of this world on your stressed hair and pressure points along the skull. Aromatherapy is a must when you need to unwind and our aroma journey does just that.
And not only do you receive this ultimate relaxation massage, included is an incredible mud treatment and full body scrub! We love to finish off our signature massage with a full body scrub to remove any dead skin cells and impurities leftover from the cold weather and stress. This is truly the ultimate massage for men or women!
I know it can be impossible sometimes to slip away for such a treat, but when your body is making it known, it’s never worth it to deny yourself some relief. The benefits of consistent massage appointments can do absolute wonders for your health and stress levels.
Life can get overwhelming at times and a trip to the spa just makes it so much better. It won’t do you any good to always be stressed or frazzled by the juggles of maintaining day to day activities, no matter what your lifestyle may be! Make sure you find that time to visit us at Botanica for a massage or other spa service and bask in that break you definitely deserve!
Love,
Gen