Aromatherapy is something that I have made part of my daily routine while preparing for work and something that I believe helps keep me centered and relaxed. Working as a nurse in the Emergency Department things go from zero to insanity in no time. As part of my preparation I dab some patchouli essential oil on my wrists and leave for work.
In the book Scientific Perspectives
on Pseudoscience and the Paranormal by Timothy Lawson I came across an article;
What’s That I Smell? The Claims of Aromatherapy by Lynn
McCutcheon. The author makes the argument that other
factors come in to play enhancing or adding to the effect that is experienced
with aromatherapy. One example is of
taking a bath using essential oils. Is
it the warmth of the bath water, the scent of the lavender or the combination that
is relaxing to you? As a nurse I can
relate to this concept since we involve all of the senses to help our patients
relax and be at peace.
A concept that some hospitals are
adopting is the use of scents throughout their hospitals. As a way of helping patients and their
visiting friends or family to feel more comfortable they use aromatherapy in
the halls and in the units. This is also
a perk for all of those working since they can share in the aroma.
Maybe its not just our nose
bringing in the aroma that we are exposed to but our mind taking us on a little
trip to a place that we find relaxing that we associate with that aroma. As for how it works for me? When things are getting hectic while at work,
I never really go on that trip but I become more relaxed and center to face the
mayhem that awaits.
 |
| (image from the patchouligarden.com website) |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment