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Getting A Handle On Workplace Stress with Aromatherapy

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Stress on the Job

As adults, we spend a good chunk of our waking hours at our workplace. A majority of modern work environments takes place in office- type settings. Office environments are usually associated with high levels of stimuli, job pressures and lack of natural sunlight. Compounding these stressors may be co-worker relations and the possibility of layoffs or cutbacks. These factors and more can create a sense of continual stress that is difficult to control or to subside.

Stress in the Body

Stress is a beneficial. Well, sometimes. When stress due to injury or short-term illness is perceived by the nervous system, a cascade of events occurs, namely the production of hormones that in turn trigger the production of immune fighting agents. These stress-triggered hormones alert the immune system to quickly respond.

It is now understood that body functions are largely controlled by two components of the autonomic nervous system- the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. Side-stepping complex details, the parasympathetic system slows the heart rate and increases intestinal activity, while the sympathetic accelerates the heart rate and raises blood pressure - each serve to help us adapt to changes in our environment.

Too much stress, however, over long periods of time, known as chronic stress, can lead to a number of maladies, including ones that can be fatal, such as high blood pressure (restriction of the arteries) and reduced immunity to viruses and other infectious bacteria. Certain studies also point to possible susceptibility to cancer formation. Such consequences would make anyone want to run to the Bahamas.

Taking Action with Essential Oils

It might not be possible to escape an often overstimulating work environment, but it is possible to use essential oils as a mean to reduce your stress level. In 2009 the University of Tokyo found that linalool, a primary component in many plants and essential oils, was able to return the stress-elevated immune systems of rats to almost normal levels. The researchers suggest that their findings may initiate a new blood test for identifying stress reducing essential oils used in aromatherapy practices.

Using essential oils to reduce stress is centuries old. Traditional literature touts the benefits of oils such as basil, bergamot, chamomile, lemon and of course lavender for stress reduction. Recent science studies have reported on a number of essential oils with stress-relieving properties. Below is a review of science literature on qualities of lemon and the infamous lavender that affect stress levels.

Some Research on Specific Aromatics

Lavender is commonly used to calm the mind and relax the body. In 2008, two separate studies from Japanese universities found that aromatherapy of lavender decreased levels of cortisol (referred to as the "stress hormone") in humans after experiencing stress.

Work related stress is gaining much attention these days in medical circles. Modern culture no longer spends long hours outside as farmers but inside as office professionals. Sunshine is one of the best sources of stress-relieving medicine, yet essential oils are a safe and viable source as well. Science literature clearly points to the stress reducing benefits of using essential oils, whether to uplift or to calm.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

The author uses natural massage blends made with essential oils and flower essences in her reflexology practice.

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