Aromatherapy health benefits for older adults include benefits for physical and mental health. The therapeutic use of essential oils is an ancient practice. Despite the fact that it has hundreds if not thousands of benefits, aromatherapy is still doubted by skeptics.
There have been numerous studies done on aromatherapy health benefits that have shown essential oils to be beneficial for various ailments. Ancient healers used natural elements to heal and the natural health healers today continue to do so.
The physical benefits are the most easily recognized. They can be observed in concrete ways. However, the emotional benefits are not quite as visible. This makes them much harder for some people to understand.
Regardless of what the doubters say, anyone who has experienced aromatherapy health benefits knows how effective it can be. Essential oils seem to be a viable alternative to using pharmaceutical drugs. However, it is advised that anyone under a doctor’s care or taking prescription medications speak with a medical provider before using aromatherapy to avoid dangerous reactions.
Aromatherapy Health Benefits – Mental Health
Approaching the later years of life can be frightening for a lot of reasons. One is that an individual may lose the sense of purpose and self-confidence that a busy life provided. Looking at how much life has passed and facing declining health, or financial worries can quickly trigger feelings of inadequacy.
These feelings are held in our lungs, according to traditional Chinese medicine. As these feelings fill our lungs it creates that weighted restless feeling in the chest that we experience as anxiety. This blocks us from progressing in life. However, facing and conquering our self-doubt allows us to feel lighter and creates space for feelings of hope and inspiration.
We recommend a blend of six varieties of essential oils that seems to effectively ease the emotional distress that prevents us from seeing our future potential.
By letting go of the nagging thoughts of self-doubt and inadequacy, we make room for feelings of hope and inspiration. The capacity to dream may return with even bigger dreams and goals than ever before.
Using our recommended Essential oil blend for aromatherapy health benefits for older adults, it’s possible to release the negative emotions and restore memories of our past success. It increases our awareness of our low self-confidence.
Once we remove the mental block of low self-confidence there is room to look forward with hope to the great things our future holds. This is a vital mindset to getting through the tough spots life inevitably puts in our path.
Author Victor Frankel, who was a holocaust prison camp survivor, knows what it takes to survive hard times. He concluded that a person can will themselves to keep living when they have a definite purpose in mind. Focusing on a goal or specific outcome is key to overcoming depression and hopelessness.
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much”- John Rohn
Healing Mind and Body with Aromatherapy Health Benefits
One of the powerful essential oils in our recommended blend is frankincense. It is the same oil that was presented to the Christ child in biblical accounts. It has been a valuable commodity for centuries, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Frankincense is a sacred oil that is useful in promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Some remarkable studies have even shown that the anti-inflammatory aspect of frankincense may help increases lung function and reduces and alleviates asthma symptoms.
Bergamot is another wonderful oil that contributes a calming aroma to help the body relax and quiet the mind. Geranium oil also helps relaxation settle into the muscles
Balsam Fir oil is useful for many reasons. This oil is extracted from the needles of the balsam fir. It has a sweet scent similar to vanilla which helps calm anxiety.
For many years, balsam oil has been used to treat wounds, colds, and sore throats. Used topically it heals cuts and minor wounds and soothes dry irritated skin. The resin it contains is a healing property that is often used in massage oils to help increase circulation.
Like many essential oils, Balsam oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and expectorant benefits. Research has shown balsam oil to be more helpful than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing inflammation as well. The anti-inflammatory properties of this miraculous substance have been to soothe gut discomfort. One study found that it is helpful in soothing Crohns and chronic diarrhea.
All of the above characteristics would make it an excellent addition to any first aid kit!
As an added bonus it may also purify the air.
This grounding oil is said to supports the root chakra. It also opens the heart chakra which is said to control the lungs. As it opens the heart chakra it helps clear the lungs and improve respiratory function. When the lungs are open the crippling emotions of despair and fear are released. This essential oil is incredibly helpful to both mental and physical health.
Aromatherapy Health Benefits for Older Adults – Goal Setting
Setting goals gives a person something to move toward rather than staying stuck in place. However, the ability to dream, hope, or imagine a better future starts with being able to believe that you can. No matter how useful goal setting might be, an uninspired person will struggle to move toward the future.
Aromatherapy health benefits may help discouraged seniors see themselves more clearly. Experiencing a renewed feeling of hope and inspiration should stir the ambition to pursue new goals. Setting goals and looking forward to future success keeps the mind, body, and soul young.
“Without dreams and goals there is no living only merely existing and that is NOT why we are here”- Mark Twain
