Aromatherapy is rapidly increasing in popularity, as more information is readily available about the powerful properties essential oils have. It can work on several levels, all of which can support your mind, body and soul. To incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy in your daily shower the levels to look at include absorption and inhalation.
Inhalation, or the sense of smell, work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system and then on to the part of the brain that controls emotions, the limbic system. The limbic system includes the amygdala, which is the emotion control centre of the brain.
When absorbed, this means applied to the skin where the essential oils are absorbed, and they move through the body by the bloodstream. This is how the therapeutic benefits are then obtainable to the bodily systems and organs. The benefits of absorbing essential oils can be increased by massage, as this also supports circulation. Depending on the essential oil, some can be working away in the body within just a few minutes and can carry on supporting you for hours or even days.
What essential oils work for waking up the mind and body?
Firstly, to get the body moving and grooving in the right way the therapeutic properties of the essential oils are key. You want them to wake you up from the inside out, be energy enhancing, reduce fatigue, help with focus and support performance.
Plus, you need them to pack a punch on the nose and uplift emotion sensors to give you a spring in your step for the day ahead. Some essential oils that do just the job for this include:
- Lemon Tea Tree – Enhances mood and promotes healing of the skin – win win!
- Orange – Supports alertness, reduces stress and is antibacterial on the skin
- Bergamot – Known to be uplifting and calming, plus is a natural cleanser
- Rosemary – Stimulates the nervous systems, getting the brain in gear, also super hydrating for the skin and helps control excess oil production
- Peppermint – Fresh and minty its ideal for preventing fatigue, plus soothing on the skin
So how can I have the perfect aromatherapy shower?
Look for shower products that incorporate essential oils, not only will the smell wake you and your senses up, but you know the therapeutic properties will be working wonders for you long after you are dressed and getting on with your day.
Also try gently massaging your skin as you use your products, in small circular movements. This will not long make you feel super, but it will ensure the essential oils within the products are working extra hard.
For extra sensory care why not set up a diffuser in your bathroom while you shower?
Don’t forget about your face too. A deep cleanse is a great way to wake up. Try an essential oil-based face mask or wash to use in the shower for additional essential oil benefits, why not make you shower experience as indulgent as you would a bath?
Sim’s aromatherapy must haves:
Contains perky peppermint and mood boosting orange oils, plus the added benefit of caffeine!
Tisserand Happy Vibes Bath and Shower Wash
Bergamot and Lemon Tea Tree oils will bring a smile to your face and your body will love you for it too.
Get the diffuser on and dance yourself into and out of the shower with this high energy combination of orange and grapefruit oils.
Simone Stevens is a qualified aromatherapist and aromatherapy tutor @sensesbysim