Just like its abbreviation, Seasonal Affective Disorder is not a pleasant state to be in.

You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Moderate to severe depression
• Food cravings
• Lack of focus
• Lethargy and chronic fatigue
• Low immunity levels
• Loss of libido
• Weight gain
• Excessive sleepiness
• Mood swings

SAD is usually triggered by a lack of sunlight and physical activity. The fact that the days are colder and shorter does not help either. No wonder then, many of us would rather spend the day tucked in bed or head for a sunshine break.

There is no reason however to let the winter gloom get to you and dampen your spirits. Scientific research has shown that people suffering from seasonal depression are relatively more sensitive to smells and respond well to the aromas of essential oils.

Here are some oils that are highly effective in restoring the mind-body balance and uplifting the mood:

• Bergamot – The fresh, tangy scent has a balancing effect on the mind and calms undesirable emotions like stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger. It also restores confidence, wellness, and energy.
• Orange and Lemon – Citrusy scents are known to energize, rejuvenate and uplift – perfect for reviving your zest during cold winter months.
• Grapefruit – One of the most versatile and feel-good scents, it is well-known for its natural anti-depressive properties.
• Clary Sage – This sweet and earthy scent nourishes the soul and induces a feeling of euphoria, self-confidence, wellness, and inner peace. It also helps to balance the hormones.
• Ylang Ylang – A sensual scent that is relaxing and mildly sedative – especially useful if you have been battling stress and mental fatigue.
• Jasmine – The exotic floral aroma of Jasmine spreads cheer and freshness. Great for depression and disorders of a psychosomatic nature.

Take a whiff to rev up your energy levels. Essential oils for Seasonal Affective Disorder may be used in one of the following ways:

Massage – The recommended essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil or cream and used for massage after showering or at any time. How about massaging your hands and feet?
The fragrance alleviates feelings of depression.

Diffusion– The physical environment is impregnated with the aroma of essential oils for a long-lasting and sustained effect. Use an aromatherapy diffuser: Fill the diffuser with water, add 6-10 drops of essential oil and enjoy.

Baths –Fill your bath with warm water and mix 2 tbs of vegetable oil with 10 drops of essential oil and add it to ½ cup of unscented salt (Epsom salts are a great choice). This can also be adapted to a foot soak.

DōTERRA Certified Pure Tested Grade essentials oils are available to purchase at Enhance Wellness.

Email info@enhancewellness.ie or call 0851148586 for more information.

Neasa

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A little bit of stress is good every so often, but the wrong kind of stress can be toxic and it is important that it is released. When you get a bad migraine, it’s obvious that your head is under stress but the dis-ease doesn’t just stop there. Nerves carry signals from your head to other parts of your body and these signals communicate with different organs, muscles and systems that there is something wrong. Immediately they too begin to react, perhaps your neck feels stiff, your feel nauseous, your fingers tingle… nothing in our bodies works in isolation so go ahead and take your prescribed medication to deal with the pain of migraines but don’t for a minute think that’s the end of the story.

It helps to consider the reasons why migraines occur. There are the headaches that are caused by tension, anxiety and anger. Then there are the type that are related to another part of the body – poor digestion/menstrual imbalance/sinus problems… whatever the cause, a whole body response is necessary.

Reflexology is a great tool for managing migraines as it emphasises the whole person, recognises that pain is the body’s way of signalling that it needs help and flushes out all those toxins and stressors that need to be released to allow you to have better health.
I always encourage clients to think about where they are at in their lives – what’s going on with them. The head is symbolic of our emotional and spiritual side. Think of headaches that arise at times of great stress and emotional turmoil. During these times, our body is sending a signal, an ache that we can’t ignore. It is hoping that we will register that we are not emotionally equipped to deal with a certain situation. It wants us to seek help or make changes before stress sets in and we descend into a deeper level of ill health. Our body works constantly to allow us to function at peak health and when it comes up against a problem it will signal for help – we shouldn’t ignore these signals.

If you decide to come to me for help with migraines then please know that there is no magic button on your foot that I can press to make them instantly disappear. We will work together and it will be a bit of a journey. I have had really positive results with clients. One client in particular no longer has to look to pain killers for relief, her migraines have shortened from four days to just a few hours and they reoccur a lot less frequently. She was tired of taking medication and covering over the symptoms, so she came to me for help to address the cause.

Through Reflexology I can relax your body – only a relaxed body can truly heal, and as you heal the symptoms and impact of the migraines will be reduced. But you will have to work with me because Reflexology will make you more aware of what might be causing your migraines – your feet will have a story to tell and it’s up to you to listen and act on their wisdom.

You can find my IGTV video over on my Instagram, on how you can work the reflex points on your hands to help relieve migraines and headaches. For more information, contact me by email!

Neasa x

E: info@enhancewellness.ie

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