Aromatherapy can be a great addition to any mental health program. Clinical aromatherapy may provide many therapeutic benefits for individuals living with mental illness. You may think aromatic oil for massage, and inhalations simply smell nice. But they also have many therapeutic nbenefits you may not be aware of.
In recent years, the use of essential oils in aromatherapy by health care providers has expanded their use beyond the traditional medical benefits. Aromatherapists now also work with patients in pain and with emotional and mental disorders. Psychiatric patients often use aromatherapy to complement their therapy or prescribed massage for drug detoxification or withdrawal. In addition, aromatherapists may work closely with psychiatrists who are using essential oils in psychotherapy sessions. Below we have outlined the top 5 therapeutic benefits of clinical Aromatherapy for mental health.
Therapeutic Benefits of Clinical Aromatherapy for Mental Health
1. Aromatherapy for Depression
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Aromatherapy may be an effective treatment for depression, a debilitating mental illness affecting 15 percent of the world’s population.
Pain associated with physical health issues can often result in psychological distress; aromatherapy often help people suffering from clinical depression by addressing both causes at once. Using ylang ylang essential oil in conjunction with massage therapy is an effective treatment.
Some studies have shown that ylang ylang essential oil can minimize depression by increasing serotonin levels and thus reducing feelings of anxiety and stress . Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods, impulses, sleep cycles, and other body functions.
2. Aromatherapy for Anxiety
Aromatherapy for anxiety is an effective treatment in many cases that can be delivered with non-invasive techniques. The use of aromatherapy to address anxiety symptoms was once limited by the fact that essential oils have a relatively short shelf life. Still, innovative new diffusion technologies and ingredients are now available to provide therapeutic benefits for patients.
Studies have shown that anxiety responds well to aromatherapy in number of cases. For example, a study led by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender essential oil had measurable anxiolytic effects when administered through inhalation. It is important to note that in this case, the results were obtained with a “lavender aroma” rather than the administration of pure lavender essential oil.
3. Aromatherapy for Insomnia
Aromatherapy for insomnia may prove to be an effective treatment. It has been observed that inhalation of the essential oils jasmine and ylang-ylang help improve sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia. Other than Inhaling, the scent of rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) has been well documented to enhance sleep quality. Research has shown that a receptor in the brain called GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is activated in most people by the aroma of rosemary and reduces restlessness and anxiety; hence relaxes your body and induces sleep.
4. Aromatherapy for Stress Management
It is a popular topic of research and although there is still no concrete proof aromatherapists claim to help with stress management.
Stress can take many forms – physical exercise, job stress, mental or emotional stress, and is known to cause psychological and physical health problems such as headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, muscle pain, etc. Aromatherapy for stress management is an example of aromatherapy being used preventatively to ward off problems before they occur.
5. Aromatherapy for Pain Management
Aromatherapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with conventional pain relief therapies. It has been documented that aromatherapy may help reduce pain perception and improves overall sleep quality in patients suffering from chronic physical health issues.
The benefits of aromatherapy in clinical settings are providing psychological health benefits for plenty of patients with mental disorders. When used appropriately, aromatic essential oils have been shown to reduce stress levels in several cases through a pleasing aroma that leads to a more relaxed state.
However, it should not replace traditional medications or psychiatric care. Essential oils are non-addictive, non-toxic, and low risk for side effects; they have the potential to support conventional treatment, making them a valuable resource in any patient wellness program.
If you found this article helpful, do let us know and if you want to know more about mental health, then read our blog 5 Reasons Why Massage Improves Mental Health.
