The 21st century American society has seen a continual rise in the number of adults suffering anxiety disorders. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of American (ADAA):
Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults age 18 or older (18% of the US population)
Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion annually
More than $22.84 billion of these costs are associated with repeated use of health care services by people seeking relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses
Nearly one-half of people diagnosed with anxiety disorder are also diagnosed with depression
Although there are multiple uncontrollable risk factors for anxiety disorders such as genetics, brain chemistry and personality, one risk factor that is controllable is life style. Enter aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a simple yet inexpensive way to change your life style, and many anxiety, depression and stress related ailments can be significantly improved with the use of aromatherapy. Additionally, with all the side effects associated with medications being prescribed for anxiety, depression and stress people are looking for safe, non-toxic ways to treat these conditions. Although individuals should never diagnose or treat themselves, used in combination with a doctor's advice and medications if needed, aromatherapy does provide a safe, non-toxic alternative to traditional treatments.
There are three basic forms of aromatherapy:
1) fragrance diffusion such as candle burning,
2) topical application such as bath products or oils used in massages and
3) inhalation therapy such as nasal inhalers.
Each form of aromatherapy has its own benefits and there are no set rules to apply for determining which form is best for you. The choice is purely personal preference. Do you prefer going to a spa? Do you prefer relaxing in a hot soaking tub in the privacy of your home? Do you prefer infusing a room with your favorite fragrance either by burning a candle or heating essential oils in an oil warmer?
Before choosing an aromatherapy form and a particular fragrance, the only health consideration is possible allergies to the plant from which essential oils are derived. For example, you may enjoy the lavender fragrance of a burning candle, but lavender massage oils may cause skin irritation.
Once you have determined the form of aromatherapy you prefer, the next step is to choose the fragrance that will provide the most benefit for the treatment you are seeking. There is an amazing amount of information available on the essential oils derived from various plants and herbs and the benefits derived from each. The book I would most recommend is "The Aromatherapy Bible" by Gill Farrer-Halls.
If you make the decision today to give aromatherapy a try, do not create another stressful situation for yourself by worrying how to, where, when. You can start out simply by buying candles (lavender is known for its soothing and calming effects). Or you can sprinkle bath salts into you tub and soak for a half hour. The point is, that simple steps can be taken to make significant improvements in helping a person ease some of their anxiety, stress or depression related symptoms such as lethargy, headaches, and insomnia.
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