Aromatherapy on Depression: The effects of treatment
1176535
Brooke Butler
Governors State University
PSYC 1101-01
Spring 2017
Depression is defined as a life-threatening mood disorder that is characterized by increased irritability, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, loss of appetite, and loss of energy (Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña,Pui-Ching Ngai, He,Ka-Wing Chow,Wui-Man Lau,Wing-Hong Tsang, 2017). Many afflicted with depression fail to comprehend the symptoms associated with the mood disorder and therefore do not undergo treatment (Epstein, Duberstein, Feldman, Rochlen, Bell, Kravits Paterniti, 2010) More than two decades of extensive research has been conducted on aromatherapy as a new form of treatment for those with depression (Koo, 2017).
Aromatherapy serves as a new …show more content…
Aromatherapy is defined as the controlled use of essential plant oils for preventative and therapeutic purposes (Koo, 2017). The term “aromatherapy” was not coined until much later by Rene-Maurice Gatteefosse, who experimented with aromatherapy in World War I for wound treatment (Butje, Repede, 2008). Since then, oils have been used in the UK and Europe for treatment but still has not debuted in the United States as a prescribed form of treatment (Butje, Repede, 2008).
Essential oils act on the olfactory system; stimulating olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium. Stimulation of the olfactory system is shown to immediately lower blood pressure, muscle tension, pupil size, brain activity and sleep (Barcan, 2014) The stimulation from there is then processed to the limbic system and hypothalamus. Once the olfactory bulb and cortex is stimulated, the release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and endorphins occur. After stimulation, this serves as a barrier to the continuation of the stress response (Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña,Pui-Ching Ngai, He,Ka-Wing Chow,Wui-Man Lau,Wing-Hong Tsang,
1176535
Brooke Butler
Governors State University
PSYC 1101-01
Spring 2017
Depression is defined as a life-threatening mood disorder that is characterized by increased irritability, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, loss of appetite, and loss of energy (Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña,Pui-Ching Ngai, He,Ka-Wing Chow,Wui-Man Lau,Wing-Hong Tsang, 2017). Many afflicted with depression fail to comprehend the symptoms associated with the mood disorder and therefore do not undergo treatment (Epstein, Duberstein, Feldman, Rochlen, Bell, Kravits Paterniti, 2010) More than two decades of extensive research has been conducted on aromatherapy as a new form of treatment for those with depression (Koo, 2017).
Aromatherapy serves as a new …show more content…
Aromatherapy is defined as the controlled use of essential plant oils for preventative and therapeutic purposes (Koo, 2017). The term “aromatherapy” was not coined until much later by Rene-Maurice Gatteefosse, who experimented with aromatherapy in World War I for wound treatment (Butje, Repede, 2008). Since then, oils have been used in the UK and Europe for treatment but still has not debuted in the United States as a prescribed form of treatment (Butje, Repede, 2008).
Essential oils act on the olfactory system; stimulating olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium. Stimulation of the olfactory system is shown to immediately lower blood pressure, muscle tension, pupil size, brain activity and sleep (Barcan, 2014) The stimulation from there is then processed to the limbic system and hypothalamus. Once the olfactory bulb and cortex is stimulated, the release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and endorphins occur. After stimulation, this serves as a barrier to the continuation of the stress response (Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña,Pui-Ching Ngai, He,Ka-Wing Chow,Wui-Man Lau,Wing-Hong Tsang,