Ledaserene

Aromatherapy can be used in three ways :

Topical application  – where it is applied directly on the affected part of the body and used as a healing agent. This is also applicable where aromatic oils are used as massage oils for the whole body.
Direct inhalation: This is where you smell the oils directly in order to clear respiratory and other problems.
Diffused application : When we use aromas around the home to create an atmosphere of well-being and tranquility. This could be in the form of candles or incense sticks or oils diffused in water.

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Higher stress levels affect both the mental and physical health of a person. Relaxation techniques are used to treat the stress caused by anger, depression, anxiety and help cure insomnia. Deep breathing is a simple relaxation technique which can be used to effectively lower stress levels at any time. Though many videos and CDs are available for teaching breathing techniques, a person can learn these techniques by practicing for some time.

Without sufficient oxygen, a person’s body is also more likely to face  health problems. Ideally a person should deeply breath in 6 times a minutes. Shallow breaths – taking 12 to 14 breaths a minute, can cause low levels of blood oxygen and impair metabolism. Most people using wrong breathing techniques either due to fashion or pain. They hold in their stomach when they breath in and raise their shoulders, and oxygen intake is limited to the lower part of the body.

During deep breathing, a person breathes air containing oxygen deeply into the lungs by moving the diaphragm instead of the rib cage. The abdomen expands as the air is being inhaled and the volume of oxygen inhaled is larger. The amount of oxygen available to the body increases since the larger lower part of the lungs are used. It is considered a healthier breathing technique, compared to normal breathing where only the rib cage is involved.

Deep breathing relaxation technique consists of the following:
1. Wear loose garments, since tight clothes hinder air intake. Sit on a chair or lie down comfortably . Put one hand on your stomach (abdomen) and the other hand on your chest

2. Inhale the air slowly and deeply through your nose or mouth (count up to 4 or more) .

3. If your breathing technique is proper, you will be able to feel the upward movement of the abdomen as your lungs fill with air. The hand placed on the chest will move only a little.

4. Slowly exhale the air through your lips. Time take to exhale the air should be the same as the time taken to inhale. Slowly your jaw will become relaxed

5. Repeat the above deep breathing technique several times, till you feel relaxed. This can be repeated several times a day, for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes depending on the time available.