Monday, May 30, 2011

Are You Stressed? Take This Quick Stress Test And Find Out-It Could Save Your Life



How Stressed Are You?


When you go through daily life where stress is a daily occurrence, chances are that you don't always realize the effect it's having on you and your body. This is very dangerous, due to the fact that when the symptoms of stress are frequent enough,  you'll eventually convince yourself that these are normal feelings, and you will be less likely to deal with them.

The test below can help you see if you are stressed. If the results show you are, don't let that stress you; instead, look at the areas in your life that are causing the stress and work out a plan to calm these areas.

Alternative healing can be the best way to help facilitate your stress relief by targeting the symptoms and the underlying cause of a problem.

You have the option of using prescribed western medicine, though most have horrible side-effects and they tend to mask the problem, which then becomes a never-ending battle.

Some great alternative therapies include but are not limited to:


Acupressure

Acupuncture

Hypnosis

Herbalism

Homeopathy

Osteopathy

Reflexology

Shiatsu massage


As you see, there are many (so many more that are not included) different roads to relief to choose from, possibly more than you ever thought.




Healing Stress Test

The following test will ask you questions to which you pick the number that corresponds to your answer, add your score and then continue to the stress analysis scores to find out where your scores land you.

Responses:
  1. Never
  2.  Sometimes
  3. Often
  4. Always

Questions

I find it hard to get up in the morning and go to work

I bottle up my feelings until I want to explode

I am tired all the time

I feel as though my work or family life is worthless

I am busy all the time, but I don't seem to get much done

I find it hard to sit and read, or take time to relax and pursue my hobbies

I tend to try to avoid confrontations or resolving difficult situations at work or at home

I find it hard to say no to people's requests

I regularly get colds, headaches or other illnesses




Stress Analysis



10-20 Points~When new or challenging situations arise, you take them in your stride. You manage stress well and don't let it get the better of you. But remember that too little stress can be unstimulating.


21-30 Points~You get stressed, but it's not causing you any major health or lifestyle problems. Prevent future problems by adopting some stress strategies.


31-40 Points~Your stress levels are dangerously high and your health is suffering. Reassess what's important to you. Reduce stress in your life and use some stress strategies to get calm and healthy.



Stress Relievers





Aromatherapy~Enjoy the relaxing, uplifting effects of essential oils by adding them to an oil burner, massage oil or warm bath. The best oils for de-stessing are lavender, bergamot, clary sage, german chamomile, rosewood and sandalwood.












Self-Massage~Give yourself a massage with blended oil using a bath mitt or brush. Swap massages with your partner or a good friend. Gentle massage relaxes tense muscles and relieves pain. It also rebalances the nervous system, helping you feel calm and regain perspective.








Meditation~By meditating, you focus your mind on one relaxing thought for a period of time. You can focus on your own breathing, an object such as a candle flame, a sound you make or a pleasant image you conjure in your mind. Sit or lie in a quiet place in order to meditate effectively. Adding scents like Frankincense, Myrrh and/or Benzoin are wonderful scents for meditation and mind relaxation.










Friday, May 27, 2011

Your "Print Out" Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 4

G'morning my fellow aromatherapy lovers!

Today finds us at the 4th and final post for your aromatherapy checklist. I *hope* you have enjoyed these posts; let me know if you would like to print it out all at once and I will put it all together for you...just click the tab "contact me" and I will get right to it.

~Peace~







Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 4




Peppermint


Scent: Mint

How To Use: inhalation, creams, compress, bath

Best For: Digestive disorders, cooling sore feet

Mood: Refreshing

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy






Petitgrain



Scent: Citrus

How To Use:Inhalation, skin and hair care

Best For: Anxiety, insomnia, skin care

Mood: Uplifting, cleansing

Warnings: None








Pine


Scent: Fresh

How To Use: Skin care, massage, inhalation

Best For: Damaged skin, muscle aches, anxiety

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin








Rose


Scent: Sweet, floral

How To Use: Inhalation, cream, bath

Best For: Menstrual disorders, dry, mature skin

Mood: Uplifting

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy








Rose Otto


Scent: Floral

How To Use: Inhalation, massage cream, bath, skin care

Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Mood: Uplifting

Warnings: None







Rosemary




Scent: Floral

How To Use: Inhalation, creams, compress, bath

Best For: Pain relief, digestion, dandruff
 
Mood: Invigorating

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy or if epileptic







Sandalwood


Scent: Woody

How To Use: Inhalation, creams, compress, bath

Best For: Respiratory infections, insomnia

Mood: Relaxing, soothing, sensual

Warnings: None








Sage




Scent: Camphor-like

How To Use: Inhalation, massage

Best For: Fever, appetite stimulant, joint pain

Mood: Astringent, cooling

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy







Tea Tree


Scent: Antiseptic, woody

How To Use: Inhalation, creams, compress, bath

Best For: Respiratory, fungal and skin infections

Mood: Cleansing

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin








Thyme (sweet)



Scent: Spicy

How To Use: Bath, inhalation
 
Best For: Appetite stimulant, infections

Mood: Antiseptic

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy







Vertivert




Scent: Smoky

How To Use: Inhalation, bath, massage

Best For: Stress

Mood: Relaxing

Warnings: None







Ylang Ylang




Scent: Heady, exotic

How To Use: Inhalation, creams, bath and massage

Best For: Stress

Mood: Calming, sensual

Warnings: May irritate skin












Warnings:


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Your "Print Out" Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 3

G'morning everyone and welcome to my natural healing blog.

Today I am going to share part 3 of your aromatherapy checklist.

I would love to hear how you are enjoying these posts, so don't be shy to give me your opinions.....

~Peace~









Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 3




Lavender



Scent: Floral

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath, creams

Best For: Dry skin, acne, balancing, relaxing

Mood: Soothing

Warnings: None







Lemon



Scent: Sharp, citrus

How To Use: Inhalation, skin care, massage

Best For: Respiration, circulation, toning

Mood: Invigorating, cleansing

Warnings: Avoid applying to skin before sun exposure







Lemongrass



Scent: Citrus

How To Use: Massage, bath

Best For: Muscle aches, infections, stress

Mood: Relaxing

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin







Mandarin



Scent: Sweet, citrus

How To Use: Inhalation, bath, cream, massage

Best For: Digestive problems, insomnia, stress

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: None







Marjoram



Scent: Woody, peppery

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath

Best For: Stress, insomnia, muscle spasms

Mood: Warming

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy







Melissa



Scent: Sharp, lemon/floral

How To Use: Bath

Best For: Respiration, stress, hormonal disorders

Mood: Revitalizing

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin







Myrrh



Scent: Smoky

How To Use: Inhalation, skin care

Best For: Respiratory and menstrual disorders

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy











Neroli



Scent: Rich, floral

How To Use: Inhalation, massage, compress, bath

Best For: Stress, digestive upsets, dry skin

Mood: Uplifting, euphoric

Warnings: None







Orange



Scent: Sweet

How To Use: Massage, bath, skin care

Best For: Respiratory, oily skin moisturizer

Mood: Calming

Warnings: Avoid applying to skin before sun exposure







Patchouli




Scent: Earthy

How To Use: Skin care, massage

Best For: Aphrodisiac, damaged skin

Mood: Sensual, soothing

Warnings: None





Monday, May 23, 2011

Your "Print Out" Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 2

Merry Monday my wonderful friends.....

I hope you enjoyed Friday's post ( the 1st part of the Aromatherapy checklist). Today I am going to share with you pt. 2.( 4 parts all together ) Enjoy!

~Peace~









Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 2



Clary Sage



Scent: Nutty and Earthy

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath, creams

Best For: Stress, hormonal problems, muscle aches

Mood: Relaxing, euphoric

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy with alcohol







Clove



Scent: Spicy, warm

How To Use: Massage, skin care

Best For: Skin and respiratory infections

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: Best used in small doses







Cypress



Scent: Pine

How To Use: Massage, skin care

Best For: Helps combat fluid loss, oily skin

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: Avoid of you have high blood pressure







Eucalyptus



Scent: Sharp, camphor-like

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath, creams

Best Used For: Decongestant, antiseptic

Mood: Refreshing, invigorating

Warning: Avoid in pregnancy







Fennel



Scent: Aniseed

How To Use: Inhalation, massage, skin care

Best For: Constipation, menstrual symptoms

Mood: Energizing

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy











Frankincense



Scent: Rich, musty

How To Use: Inhalation, bath

Best For: Calming, anti-inflammatory

Mood: Comforting

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy







Geranium


Scent: Sweet, floral

How To Use: Inhalation, bath, cream

Best For: Balancing, skin care, diuretic

Mood: Stimulating

Warnings: None







Ginger



Scent: Spicy, warm

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath

Best For: Warming, muscle aches, stomach

Mood: Warming, comforting

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin







Grapefruit



Scent: Zesty, sweet

How To Use: Inhalation, bath

Best For: Anxiety, depression

Mood: Uplifting

Warnings: None







Jasmine






Scent: Intense floral

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath

Best For: Mood enhancing, eases period pain

Mood: Energizing, uplifting

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy and breast-feeding







Juniper Berry



Scents: Fresh, spicy

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath, creams

Best For: Detoxifying, cellulite, diuretic

Mood: Purifying, cleansing

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy and kidney disease





Friday, May 20, 2011

Your "Print Out" Aromatherapy Checklist Pt. 1

G'morning all....

Using herbs and oils can be tricky, there are many uses, some herbs can treat the same ailment, but is one better over another that works as well? This post will tell you, in a quick checklist you can print out, everything you need to know so that you can make an informed decision on which oil to use for your desired outcome.

~Peace~





Quick Aromatherapy Checklist






Aniseed




Scent: Sharp, aniseed

How To Use: Massage

Best For: Indigestion, flatulence, muscle spasm

Mood: Relaxing

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin







Basil


Scent: Sweet, licorice-like

How To Use: Inhalation, bath, massage

Best For: Respiratory infection, indigestion, fever

Mood: Refreshing, invigorating

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy





Bay



Scent: Sweet, spicy

How To Use: Inhalation, bath , massage

Best For: Respiration, indigestion, rheumatism

Mood: Warming

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin








Benzoin



Scent: Smoky, woody

How To Use: Massage, inhalation

Best For: Inflamed/irritated skin, throat infections

Mood: Uplifting, warming

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin






Bergamot



Scent: Spicy, citrus

How To Use: Inhalation, bath

Best For: Giving you a quick boost of energy

Mood: Uplifting

Warnings: Avoid applying to skin before sun exposure







Cajeput



Scent: Camphor-like

How To Use: Inhalation, bath, massage

Best For: Respiratory and digestive problems

Mood: Relaxing

Warnings: May irritate sensitive skin






Cedarwood



Scent: Woody

How To Use: Massage, inhalation, skin care

Best For: Dry skin, eczema and acne

Mood: Soothing

Warnings: Avoid in pregnancy






Chamomile



Scent: Sweet, fruit smell

How To Use: Inhalation, compress, bath, massage

Best For: Calming and easing inflammation

Mood: Soothing

Warning: Avoid in pregnancy







Cinnamon



Scent: Warm, spicy

How To Use: Massage

Best For: Nausea, digestive problems

Mood: warming

Warnings: Inhaling can cause irritation







Citronella



Scent: Sharp citrus

How To Use: Vaporization, skin care

Best For: Insect repellent, softens skin

Mood: Refreshing, uplifting

Warnings: None







Come back Monday for Part 2!