Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy for depression’

Aromatherapy: Alternative Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

It is quite commonplace for humans to feel “low”. The depression eases after a while. However, when this depression interferes with regular functions of your body, and causes a paradigm shift in your mood and energy levels, then it can be treated as an illness. Bipolar disorder is one such form of manic depression that requires medical treatment.

The patients of bipolar disorder normally witness extreme mood swings. The afflicted individuals could be hale and hearty at one moment, and may appear sad at the very next moment. The disease is progressive in nature and unless treated properly, it can go from bad to worse. Besides medication, certain lifestyle changes like diet and sleep pattern can help combat bipolar disorder. Nowadays, aromatherapy is also being considered as an alternate mode of treatment which is highly efficient, and has almost no repercussions.

Essential oils for Bipolar

Aromatherapy is the use of essential scented oils to cure various ailments, including bipolar depression. Aromatherapy stimulates the hypothalamus in the brain to release feel-good hormones that soothes the patient’s nerves. Some of the most commonly used oils for the treatment of bipolar disorder are:

  • Lavender oil is very useful in treating depression and anxiety. Once cultivated only in the Mediterranean region, this herb is now grown across the globe. It has been seen that the oil has had a soothing effect on patients who are agitated and irritable. A gentle massage with this oil can induce a deep and peaceful sleep.
  • Jasmine therapeutic oil is another essential oil that may be used to cure bipolar disorder. It takes a large number of flowers to produce just a small amount of the oil. The soft smell of the flowers helps to reduce anxiety levels. It promotes a feeling of happiness and boosts confidence.
  • Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant, and has a very soothing effect on the brain. The oil is supposed to protect the brain from free radicals. A few drops of the oil in bathing water can improve circulation and help soothe frayed nerves.
  • Grapefruit oil also acts as a stimulant that promotes feelings of slight euphoria and staves off depression. It helps instill a positive feeling in people.

Aromatherapy, therefore, can make certain positive changes in the lifestyles of people who are afflicted with bipolar disorder. However, treatment with herbs and oils alone will not work. Medical treatment should always go hand in hand with aromatherap

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Aromatherapy for Depression

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy that uses the extracted essence of various plants and herbs to promote healing and wellbeing. These extracted essences are known as essential oils and are extracted by various methods. The cold press method of extraction is supposed to be the most effective as the essential oil does not lose any of its therapeutic properties during this process.

Aromatherapy essential oils work on both a physiological and psychological level. These oils have several beneficial properties. Some of them may be antiseptic, anti inflammatory, or antispasmodic. When these oils are applied on the body or massaged into the skin, their molecules enter the blood stream and begin the process of healing.

However, this is just an added benefit of aromatherapy essential oils. Aromatherapy essentially cures through the power of smell. Smell is one of the most powerful of human senses. In fact, so deep seated and primal is the human brain’s response to smell, that it is still one of the least understood of our five senses. What is known is that an aroma can have a powerful impact on the way our brain works. Aromatherapy uses the power of various therapeutic aromas to promote healing at a very primal level.

Aromatherapy is especially useful in dealing with psychological conditions such as depression, insomnia, and stress. The term depression actually encompasses a wide range of ailments. It is different to identify and treat due to its myriad symptoms and causes. In fact, doctor’s estimate that almost 50 per cent of people who are depressed, do not even realize it.

Aromatherapy has been found to be very useful in treating cases of mild depression. At the same time it also helps to reduce stress and promotes a deep and restful sleep. Aromatherapy can also be used as a complementary therapy to assist in the treatment of cases of acute depression.

Aromatherapy can be administered through various methods, including aromatherapy diffusers, baths, candles, massages, or merely a dab of an aromatherapy oil applied on the skin. Aromatherapy essential oils such as lavender help the brain to relax by promoting the release of alpha waves. Essential oil of jasmine can help to overcome the lethargy and drowsiness associated with some cases of mild depression by promoting the release of beta waves in the brain. Clary Sage can help to reduce anxiety and promote deep sleep. It is a good treatment for insomnia. Those suffering from anxiety and nervous disorders can also avail of the therapeutic powers of essential oil of r

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