Aromatherapy News
Aromatherapy helps decrease stress for overwhelmed students
College life can be a very exciting time ; however, the stresses of exams, homework and studying can take a toll on students, but with the help of aromatherapy, there is relief.
Aromatherapy, a type of therapy, deals with essential oils from plants that improve psychological and physical well-being. The use of essential oils dates back to Ancient Egyptian times.
The name aromatherapy went unused until 1928 when Dr. René-Maurice Gattefossé, a cosmetic firm owner, coined the term. After burning his hand, he doused it with lavender oil and realized it healed very quickly. This le d him to experiment with essential oils and other curative properties these oils possessed.
Carol Schiller, who has been teaching aromatherapy since 1986, leads an aromatherapy class at Paradise Valley Community College.
“The course covers a wide range of information from the historical use of aromatic plants beginning in ancient times to methods of use, safety and handling ; how to effectively use the oils ; the difference between synthetic and natural ; common practices of adulteration; and more,” says Schiller.
The Mayo Clinic says the negative effects of stress can lead to depression, high blood pressure, weight gain and even a weakening of the immune system.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the benefits from aromatherapy range from relaxation, deepened breathing, decreased stress and an overall positive impact on a person’s life.
Essential oils can be used several ways, ranging from steam inhalation in massages and baths to the most common use, absorbing through the skin or nose. Juniper and Sage, an aromatherapy business run by Herbalist Diane Abernathy, says that oils bergamot, cardamon, cinnamon and frankincense are typically used in relation to stress reduction and relieving mental tension.
Schiller says, “Many students experience a reduced level of stress, deeper breathing, better focus, as well as other benefits, upon coming in contact with the essential oils, and they begin to realize that these aromatic oils aren’t just used for their scent, but for their positive effects to improve well-being….”
When it comes to using these essential oils, it is imperative that the person is trained in how to use them properly and safely, Schiller says.
“The knowledge about the safety and handling guidelines is covered in the class,” says Schilling, and students can learn a great amount of important information in this experimental course.
From Thai steamboat buffets to aromatherapy
WHO among us can resist a great bargain? No matter what it is, going for a steal is something every Malaysian is guilty of.
So imagine a luxurious spa treatment at an 80% discount, or tucking in at a fine dining Japanese restaurant for only half the price. These deals can be yours with three easy-to-follow steps, and you do not even have to collect cut-outs, participate in competitions, or fight a crowd to get it.
If you can imagine it, theSun DailyDeals can provide it, and better yet, every daily deal is now available for purchase for 24 hours.
From Thai-style steamboat buffets to aromatherapy treatments, the DailyDeals are designed to give you unbeatable discounts that are not available anywhere else – nothing less than a 50% discount is not a tagline, it is a promise.
And the promise is simple: Everyday, a deal is offered at dailydeal.sun2surf.com. It could be anything from food to shopping vouchers, but the guarantee is that it will be at least 50% off the original price. All you have to do is register with your credit card or PayPal account, follow the instructions for purchase, and a voucher will be emailed to you. Just print it out and it can be used any time within 30 days (or more, depending on the terms and conditions).
You can also receive updates on the deals on the Facebook fan page at facebook.com/theSun DailyDeal.
Some previous deals already snapped up are discounts on food at five-star hotels, fine-dining restaurants and even an Aryan buffet.
While those deals pleased the palates of many a food lover, the spa and beauty treatments are guaranteed to pamper – aromatherapy, pedicures, manicures and massages were some of what was offered at more than half-off. If you think that it all sounds too good to be true, all we can say is: Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
Fit Calabasas: Aromatherapy Meets Yoga
Every Saturday at 9 a.m., Inner Power Yoga studio fuses both art forms in one fitness class called Aroma-Yoga Flow. The class is designed to heat up the body through yoga exercise, which allows body pores to open and the healing effects of the oils to take over.
Starting in the reverent Namaste pose, “yogis,” or yoga students, extend their bodies into traditional yoga stretches and as they breathe, instructor and creator of the class, Robin Barnette, comes around and places different oils on the yoga mat. While in the downward dog pose, Barnette brings around an oil called Breathe, known to boost the immune system.
And as yogis are in different positions, more oils are introduced like the scent of lavender, to work as an antibacterial against insomnia and headaches.
Perhaps more soothing than the mixture of the oils and stretches is the supportive environment.
“Do what is best for you” is the type of encouragement students hear during the class, and are constantly reminded that performance in the class is individually measured.
But there is one thing that is not tolerated—not smiling. “It’s very important in my class that you smile a lot,” says Barnette.
The healing and rejuvenating connection this class inspires is something Barnette found out firsthand decades ago. When she was diagnosed with Graves disease and told she would never have children, her yoga instructor told her to continue practicing yoga and let her body speak for itself. Now, Barnette’s 17-year-old-son attends classes as well.
“Everything is so pleasing,” said one of the yogis.
And she couldn’t be more correct. For $17 a class, Aroma-Yoga is a relaxing way to start each weekend.