Everyone, at some point in their lives, would have experienced stress and gone through the torment brought by it. The question is, HOW do you know you are under stress?
One of the most common symptoms portrayed by stress would be physical ache. Some may face persisting headaches while others undergo soreness in shoulders, backs or even the whole body. Usually, these aches would last for a few days, depending on the level of stress built up. So HOW do you alleviate stress? In the following paragraphs, I will be discussing on how various applications of aromatherapy can aid in lightening the tension level.
Bathing and showering
Soak yourself in the tub with the following recommended essential oils and enjoy the peaceful moments, allowing you to rest at ease.
Inhalation
Light the essential oils and experience the therapeutic effects brought by the aroma.
Massage
Head massage: Apply a little essential oil in the fingertips and massage in circular movements over the scalp and temples.
For tension headaches and migraine: Massage from the base of the neck and scalp for a few moments, using effleurage strokes firmly, with oil on the fingertips.
Neck massage: Work around the base of the neck and the scalp, use small upward and outward circular movements. Move slowly upwards and downwards and around the sides of the neck, alternating firm and gentle movements.
Shoulder massage: Use anti-clockwise effleurage movements, stroke firmly from shoulders to neck.
Arm massage: Use effleurage and petrissage upwards in the direction of the armpit, concentrating on muscular and fatty areas. Avoid bony areas.
Back massage: Evading the vertebrae, use gentle or firm petrissage or effleurage technique. Stroke all the way from the lumbar to the shoulders, move the hands outwards across the shoulders and return slowly down the outer area of the back. Repeat this movement to induce deep relaxation.
