Midlife Motivation

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Enhance your natural sense of smell

Aromatherapy is one of the most sensual and accessible therapies to lift our spirits.

An aromatherapy massage does wonders for us and can help alleviate tension and stress and can be particularly beneficial where migraine is the problem. It can help with insomnia and bring relief from anxiety caused by the menopause.

There are also less expensive ways to enjoy essential oils which can affect our emotions and soothe our minds. 

The full psychological benefits of the aroma are obtained when oils are inhaled. The sense of smell is governed by the olfactory organ at the top of the nose, where tiny cilia and receptor cells have direct access to the brain - the only parts of the body to have that direct access. Inhaled, the oils do not have to pass through the blood/brain barrier in the way that orthodox medicines do.

The aroma sends an immediate signal to the limbic system of the brain – the centre of memory and emotions - where it can exert a powerful effect not only on the mind, mood and emotions to bring about a general feeling of well being in an individual, but also on physiological function. - Aromatherapy Trade Council

• Aromatherapy oil diffusers with essential oils and night candle (a similar efect can be achieved by adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and placing on a radiator).
• Incense sticks which tend to be quite pungent.  They can be impregnated with different fragrances or essential oils.
• Room sprays tend to be more subtle but do not last.  For a more lingering scent, apply a few drops of essential oil to a cotton-wood bud and place behind a radiator.
• Scented candles often contain synthetically floral frangrances to look for ones with essential oils added to the wax.
• Potpourri with essential oils can be too subtle but placed near an open fire will intensify its scent.
• Bath gels, lotions and pre-blended creams with an essential oil base can be absorbed through the skin by pores, hair follicles.

Quick guide for essential oils that can help us through the menopause:

Ylang ylang - a powerful, exotic oil that has a calming and aphrodisiac effect.
Neroli - refreshing and uplifting, also good to relieve anxiety and depression.
Lemon Balm and Peppermint - Anti-depressive and good for soothing tension.
Juniper - Stimulating, refreshing and good for eliminating toxins.
Lavender - Relieves headaches and helps insomnia, also a healing antiseptic.
Rosemary - Stimulating and anti-depressant.
Clary Sage - Soothing and sedative.
Chamomile and Rose - Rebalancing.
Cypress, Geranium - Regulate hormone production.

Our sense of smell is very personal and linked to our memories and feelings so we need to choose the oils that appeal to us as these are likely to be the most beneficial.

I can recommend visiting the Aromatherapy Trade Council's website in Related Links below.  The link will take you to FAQs which has all the facts on what aromatherapy is, essential oils explained, how they work and how to choose them. Very informative and worth a look.

Tags: anxiety, insomnia, menopause, stress