How Aromatherapy Improves Depression
An Expert Explains How Essential Oils Can Lift Sad Moods
Apr 4, 2008
Aromatherapy can improve depression and essential oils can lift sad moods - though it depends on the type of depression involved.
Alan Keay is an aromatherapy expert who has studied how essential oils affect the body for over 13 years. His education includes the Australasian College of Herbal Studies; he and his partner Penny co-own Birch Hills Happenings Aromatherapy in Minnesota. This Q & A with Alan focuses on how aromatherapy improves depression, and how essential oils can lift sad moods.
How Aromatherapy Improves Depression
Alan, how does aromatherapy work? "When a scent or essential oil is inhaled, the first chemical reactions occur in the nose. These olfactory sensors send signals to the brain. Often, the smell will trigger emotional reactions. For example, the smell of something pleasant to the person can elicit a positive reaction – a smile or a warm cuddly feeling inside."
Alan explains that essential oils and their chemical constituents reach the blood stream via the lungs when they are inhaled. From there they are carried throughout the body where the minute molecules can cause reactions deep within the cells. If the essential oil contains some of the minute amounts of chemical constituents that the body’s cells need, then the cells will quickly absorb them.
Alan reminds people that the body is trying to keep itself in balance. Imbalances occur due to poor nutrition and other external factors (stress, for example). The body can only repair itself if the right chemical components (basic building materials) are available for use.
Depression can be an indication of physical imbalances in the body - which is why essential oils can lift sad moods (they restore balance).
How Does Aromatherapy Affect Depression?
To answer this, Alan asks a question of his own. “What is causing the depression? Is it true clinical depression or just being ticked off at someone? Is it being silent or just having a ‘blue’ day? The gamut of depression is large.”
He says that essential oils can improve depression to varying degrees, with varying results. He says, “We do not ever advocate anyone to use essential oils without consulting with their health care provider.”
Alan suggests that the most effective essential oils are those that people enjoy – ones that help them feel good inside or bring back happier memories. This will help to trigger the brain to produce chemicals such as endorphins, which induce good feelings.
Aromatherapy as a Complementary Medicine
Aromatherapy as practiced throughout the USA is considered an alternative or complementary medicine. Alan says, “Many folks may use essential oils and aromatherapy along with the care they are already receiving, or as an alternative.”
What To Do If You Feel Depressed
If you’re feeling depressed, the first step is to assess the cause of your depression. The second step is to talk to your doctor about whether aromatherapy can affect depression in your case. Essential oils can lift sad moods, but it’s also important to check for contraindications (how other medications interact with essential oils).
A Personal Testimonial: Penny’s Experience With Aromatherapy and Stress
Penny co-owns Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy with Alan. She has personal experience with aromatherapy and stress, and feels that if it weren’t for the use of essential oils she would not have survived the whole ordeal. “It is what kept me going every day. The essential oils helped me be alert, helped keep my head clear, and helped me wind down after very emotionally draining days.”
Alan and Penny – who is currently taking a course in Medical Aromatherapy – have owned Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy for 11 years.
If you found How Aromatherapy Improves Depression helpful, try:
- New Research on Depression
- Natural Treatments for Depression
- Top 10 Articles About Depression
- 8 Tips for Overcoming Seasonal Depression
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