May 10
13
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for Hormone Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can be a very common problem and include symptoms of, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability, disrupted sleep patterns, memory loss, increased urinary tract infections, weight gain, and osteoporosis. Standard contemporary medicine treatment uses combined hormone pills to alleviate the symptoms. Synthetic treatment of hormone imbalance is subject to other side effects. Alternatively there are some lesser well known holistic and natural therapies without side effects that will relieve the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Aromatherapy and essential oil treatment provide a natural way to address imbalances by using plant oils for healing purposes.
Aromatherapy works by influencing a woman’s endocrine system through stimulating the activity of specific brain cells. Plant oils are aromatic because the molecules are tiny, so small they favour vapourising (why we smell them) but, at the same time are able to penetrate with efficiacity every cell in the body.
There are many such natural treatments available, such as diet changes, which will require a strict regime to see the effects, and possibly even diagnose a cause of imbalance in the endocrine system that controls what hormones we produce. Aromatherapy will have immediate effects, and you will know if it is for you. Typically the aromatherapist will design a topical or inhaled aromatherapy treatment plan depending on the type of hormonal problems which may include;
* Inhaling essential oils from a handkerchief, or through steam inhalations, vaporizers, and sprays
* Relaxing or stimulating massage using diluted essential oils where the molecules will be absorbed directly through the skin, as well as through scent.
* Application of essential oils to areas such as the breasts, hips, lowers back and kidney areas. This is based on the fact some plant oils have hormonal properties which will be recognised by the endocrine system of the body based in those areas
Ylang-ylang or lavender has a soothing effect on anxiety.
Zesty essential oils such as grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and peppermint and ginger are stimulating and help reduce hot flashes
Ginger peppermint or nutmeg are energizing and work against fatigue
Essential oils that have properties similar to estrogen to achieve hormonal balance including Spanish sage, Clary sage, Sage Geranium and fennel, and can be used in massage. Geranium oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to traditionally to balance premenstrual syndrome, constipation, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and worry.
Patchouli or Cardamom oil for grounding or sedative to reduce irritability.
Please note that due to the hormonal effect of some essential oils, some treatment is not advised whilst pregnant.
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