According to the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary; “Pain is a state of physical, emotional, or mental lack of well-being or physical, emotional, or mental uneasiness that ranges from mild discomfort or dull distress to acute often unbearable agony, may be generalized or localized”

Pain is the total suffering of a person in the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. We thus need to address pain with a multidimensional and holistic approach. Physical pain leads to psychological distress and social interruption, affecting relationships with family, relatives, and friends. It also induces a fear that the condition of pain will further deteriorate. Depression, anxiety, stress, and functional status have been found in different studies to be associated with chronic pain

So by this definition, to reduce discomfort, we must look at all the parts of the equation: physical, emotional, and mental.

One of the most invigorating and enjoyable natural ways to manage everyday aches and pains – and even serious chronic pain – is the application of essential oils. Essential oils skillfully blended can help to bring the body back into balance or equilibrium; ease stress and release buried emotional trauma resulting from abuse, toxic relationships or illness.

How can aromatherapy help with pain?

Aromatherapy is a 5,000-year-old healing art using essential oils from plants to balance the body, mind and spirit. Aromatherapy has been used for many purposes, from worship to perfumery. In ancient times -priests were also healers and perfumers and aromatherapy was used to heal the body, mind, and spirit

Utilizing essential oils can balance the emotions and uplift the spirits. The oils have psychotherapeutic effects as well as physiological effects on the body. The skilled use of essential oils form plants can reduce the effects of emotional and also physical pain

Aromatherapy has a positive role to play with regard to pain management, both in reducing existing pain, emotional pain, and preventing/reducing anticipated pain

Aromatherapy is thought to enhance the parasympathetic response through the effects of touch and smell, encouraging relaxation at a deep level. Deep relaxation has been shown to alter perceptions of pain. Aromatherapy also balances the nervous, endocrine and immune systems and helps us to deal with pain, inflammation and infection.

Sense of smell

Smell is the first sense that’s activated when we’re born. It can instantly transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen or a memorable past experience. Smell is deeply connected to our emotional state and has a great influence on our behavior.  When you smell a simple aroma, a complex reaction of brain and body takes place. Smell begins with an odor molecule combined with a receptor specific to each odor. The stimulus is then transmitted via the olfactory nerve directly to the limbic system where thoughts feelings, emotions are released. The body’s sense of smell can help benefit mind, mood, cognitive function and pain.

Psycho-Aromatherapy

As we inhale the oils we influence the secretion of neurochemicals from the brain, thus affecting our perceptions of pain. The aromas trigger a variety of chemical actions within the body, including the release of specific chemicals.

• Encephalin reduces pain and creates a feeling of well-being.
• Endorphins also reduce pain and induce sexual feelings.
• Serotonin helps relax and calm.

Aromatherapy oils can reduce psychological stress responses, reduce serum cortisol levels and reduce blood pressure.

Oils for pain

• Clary sage has been found to stimulate the thalamus into releasing encephalin, a neurochemical that creates a sense of euphoria and simultaneously gives pain relief.
• Ylang ylang appears to stimulate the pituitary gland into releasing endorphins, neurochemicals to uplift the mind.
• While lavender, chamomile or neroli appear to stimulate the release of serotonin, which has a calming effect on fear, stress, aggravation, and sleeplessness.
• Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties.
• Rosemary has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is also good for relieving back pain as it improves blood circulation.
• Ginger can increase circulation and ease back pain
• Peppermint is good for muscle soreness.
• Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a mild sedative.
• Yarrow, peppermint, ginger and geranium can be helpful for neuralgia (Recurrent pain along a nerve pathway, without any nerve damage or inflammation.)
• Juniperberry, helicrysum, geranium and lemongrass can be helpful for Neuropathy (Damage to peripheral nerves)

It is important to consult with a professional aromatherapist, who can make up individualized blends for your unique situation. Do have an aromatherapy massage, as studies have found that this could reduce stress as measured in salivary cortisol, and also improve a variety of psychological assessments.

Linda-Anne Kahn Owner, Founder of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa & Wellness Center, helps people achieve balance of the body, mind and spirit.  She is an Internationally trained Lymphedema therapist, Clinical Aromatherapist, Holistic Health Practitioner, Integrative Health coach and nutritionist. She consults with clients and makes custom aromatic blends.

Enjoy exploring the many benefits of aromatherapy and enjoy improved health as well!

Aromatherapy is the only type of stress relief that offers a method that involves all the senses to help you think more clearly and lift burdens from your mind and body that might be keeping you from work, emotional issues, and activities that can help you feel better.

Notice how you respond to stress. Identify stressors that affect our daily lives;
When you’re faced with a stressful situation, take note of your behavior.

• Do you feel overwhelmed by stress?
• Do you overeat?
• Do you work to eliminate the stress?
• Do you find some way to distract yourself to avoid the situation?

Here are some amazing ways to deal with the effects of stress.

• Calm your mind
• Inhale essential oils of lavender and Melissa to calm your mind.
• Create healthier responses to stress.
• Replace any unhealthy responses with something more peaceful.
• Have a cup of tulsi rose tea.
• Listen to peaceful music with a binomial beat or brain entrainment.
• Create a calming morning ritual.
• Get up early enough so that you’re not rushed in the morning. Mornings tend to be quiet and peaceful, and if you get up early, you can enjoy them.
• Go for a walk.
• Do some yoga stretches and deep breathing.
• Dry brush with essential oil of tea tree.
• Meditation breathing.
• Read the paper with your herbal tea.

Create an evening ritual.

• Light an aromatherapy candle or put on an aromatherapy diffuser before bed
• Take a deep breath.
• Deep breathing helps relax the body and also gives you time to think.
• Feel the stress leave your body as you exhale.

At the end of a busy anxiety-provoking day, take an aromatic bath with a relaxing blend of Bergamot, Cardamon, Grapefruit, Geranium, and Sandalwood.

Do you find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day? Our lives are so filled with work, family, and appointments that we often can’t seem to fit in everything we need to accomplish in a 24-hour day. Create space in our lives and in our day and do not fill it with tasks. Adopting these habits of serenity and creating rituals in your life will help you to live a more productive and peaceful life.

Linda Anne Kahn is an aromatic wellness warrior, Clinical Aromatherapist, and Lymphatic Therapist with over 25 years of experience. She is president of Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa and Lymphatic Therapy Services in San Diego.
www.aromaticwellensswarrior.com

On this Valentine’s day share the magic of roses and spread the love. The rose embodies love and romance. Rose Oil has always been a symbol of love and beauty. Rose petals were scattered at weddings to ensure happiness. The essential oil of Rosa damascena is the oil for love and rosebuds can be added to bathwater to conjure a lover.

Rose oil helps to give psychological and emotional support and deep relaxation. A tea of rosebuds drunk before sleep induces prophetic dreams .

The Rose is a Goddess herb belonging to Venus and the Water element. Rose oil inspires emotional calm and stability with its powerful and comforting aroma. Bulgarian “rose otto” is known as the finest rose oil in the world and one drop has powerful properties.

Recipes:

• To treat depression – inhale, or use rose oil in a carrier oil to massage the chest, neck, and face.
• Use 10 drops of essential oils and add to lotion or your bath water and enjoy the effects.
• Apply a few drops mixed in coconut oil to your temples or inner wrists and inhale the precious aroma.
• To treat irregular periods – mix the rose oil in a carrier oil and massage the abdomen and lower back daily.

The experts at Beauty Kliniek have created special romantic Valentine essential oil blends to give as a symbol of your love for your special person. “Everlasting Love” with Rose oil, Frankincense, and Rose Geranium, or “Ready to Romance” with Rose, Patchouli, Ylang, and Lime will create an atmosphere of bliss. Give this blend together with a bunch of roses and a gift card for a Royal Coconut Milk and Honey Ritual spa treatment.

This Valentine’s day will be remembered for eternity. Let us help you to incorporate aromatherapy into your life on a daily basis.