How aromatherapy can help with SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder).
Rosa Damascena (antidepressant, cordial, nervine, tonic) – a beautifully uplifting oil
SAD is now a recognised condition and sufferers are no longer told just to "pull yourself together". The lack of light in the winter is believed to affect the pineal gland and, thus, the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus (situated in the front part of the brain between the two cerebral hemispheres) has many functions and forms the link between the central and autonomic nervous systems as well as between the nervous and endocrine systems which help regulate hormones. The essential oils used in aromatherapy can directly affect the hypothalamus as they are inhaled through our olfactory receptors and into the brain.
Massage and mood:
Many studies have proven that massage promotes state of mind and mood-altering serotonin and endorphins. Feelings of relaxation and revitalisation come from nurturing touch and as muscular aches and pains are eased, so the spirits are lifted! The lingering aromas of essential oils also affect our mood or state of mind and can be a real boost during the long, dark days of winter. The antidepressant and euphoric essential oils such as Melissa, Bergamot, Geranium and Rose all affect the nervous and endocrine systems to induce feelings of well-being.
Recently the use of Saint John's Wort has been much publicised as a treatment of depression and has been used in Herbal Medicine for centuries. Combined with aromatherapy and an exercise programme this can really bring the quality of life back to the SAD person. Exercise, or a lunch break, is so important because seeing daylight will immediately lift the spirit!
Your treatment:
The oils used in your treatment will take into account your case history and current needs. And don’t forget that the uplifting effect of aromatherapy and massage are cumulative! Taking some time out for you regularly will leave you better equipped to cope with the longer nights and colder weather.
Self massage:
(Always consult a qualified aromatherapist for dosage advice)
Use essential oils at home both before exercise to warm up the muscles and after to relax the body and mind and elevate the mood. An excellent blend to use before exercise consists of a little Black Pepper or Peppermint and Lavender (ratio of drops 2:2:2 to 2 tsp of carrier oil). Soothing baths with up to 10 drops of essential oil diluted in at least 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or, better still, dispersing bath oil base, are great for relieving sore muscles after exercise. Essential oil vaporisers heated by a little candle are easily available now and are great for freshening up the air at home.
Special offer:
5 Treatments for the price of 4 if you book before January! That’s £45 for an hour long session!! You will all know that one treatment can be incredibly revitalizing and mood-enhancing so imagine what a few would do! Book them in the diary now!!!
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE:
Just let me know what treatments you would like me to put on the voucher.
Jenny James
Aromatherapist BA (Hons) PGCE NYR MIFPA
|
