Aromatherapy in the Workplace
Vancouver Foundation Program : February 15, 2001
Group Presentation by: Kelley Riley, Winnie Mar, Truc Phan, and Nia Bellamy Part One: Introduction
Aromatherapy can be used in a workplace or office environment in the same ways it is used in other areas of our life. The two main areas where we can benefit from using aromatherapy in the workplace is for stress reduction & immunity boosting. The application of essential oils into the work environment can be very practical, as well as therapeutic and pleasurable. We discuss first the applications of essential oils in the workplace for stress relief.

Stress Reduction in the Workplace Using Essential Oils
It is a well known fact that stress and burnout in the workplace is a serious and continuing problem and many companies are looking for solutions. Job pressure demands, lack of sunshine, computers, chemicals and harsh lighting are just some of the factors that can contribute to increased stress for workers. Stress can have a detrimental impact on employee's productivity. By taking a natural approach to reducing stress, employees can improve the comfort level of their workplace and thereby improve their effectiveness and productivity. They will think more clearly and positively and generally feel better. Symptoms of stress in the workplace include excessive sick days, headaches, lethargy, loss of sense of humour, irritability and depression. Other symptoms include making errors, having difficulty concentrating, and feeling defensive or angry inside. Essential oils can help you cope and calm you down, and can enhance productivity.

"Aromatherapy in the workplace is used in Japan with excellent results: Oils of peppermint and lemon, in dosages so low as to be undetectable to the human nose, are being used in the working environment to increase productivity and enhance harmonious working relationships. One study indicated a 230% increase in exam results with the use of aromatherapy." (Foundation Course handout)

"In Japan, Shimizu, the third biggest construction company in the country, places diffusers in the air conditioning ducts of the buildings that it constructs. It also suggests which essences to use according to the type of building. For example, anti-stress for offices, anti-bacteria for hospitals, and relaxing essences for train stations. Shimuzu's faith in the perfuming of the workplace with aromatherapy essential oils is justified by the results of research carried out by Takasago, Japan's biggest producer of fragrances. The research show that people working with computers made 54% few typing errors when the workplace was scented with lemon, 33% fewer with jasmine, and 20% fewer with lavender."
www.profumo.it/perfume/aromatherapy

Immunity-boosting Aspects of Using Essential Oils in the Workplace
Employers are continually looking for ways to enhance their employee's health and well being. Companies spend millions of dollars a year for employee's health insurance, lost revenue due to absenteeism, and lack of productivity due to illness. The most common symptoms described by employees working in air-conditioned offices are lethargy, stuffy noses, dry throats and headaches. People who work in offices with sophisticated air delivery systems tend to have more colds, coughs and sore throats. This is also true of travelling on aeroplanes. When colds and flu are rife, essential oils can help to stop the spread from employee to employee.

Other contributors to "sick building syndrome" are dust extractors, carpet-cleaning fluids, chemicals used in furniture and veneers, and poorly maintained photocopiers which emit ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Symptoms that you can experience are itchy skin, rashes, nosebleeds, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Because essential oils are anti-bacterial and some are anti-fungal and anti-viral, they can help to combat bacteria and viruses and improve the air. Something to note, however: if you do share space with other co-workers, the aroma sensitivity of your office-mates should be taken into consideration because aromas can conjure up strong emotional reactions. Get feedback on the aroma's effects and make sure everyone is okay with the process. Also, find out from human resources, if possible, if there is a company policy on this. Many offices do not allow candles to be burned in an office, for example. If this is the case, you will need to get creative, perhaps with spritzers, water bowls, etc.

Part Two: Recommended Essential Oils & Methods of Use
Benzoin calms the nervous system. It calms the mind, eases nervous tension, stress and anxiety. When you are feeling drained or emotional exhausted, benzoin can soothe your frazzled nerves. Its uplifting effect helps to overcome depression and restore confidence. It dispels anger, diminishes irritability, and reduces worrying. Bergamot is a refreshing and uplifting oil that balances the emotions and moods. It can relieve anxiety, diminish depression and calm anger. Smelling bergamot oil can stabilize a person in a shaky emotional state. It evokes feelings of happiness and joy and can restore self-confidence. Black pepper is a mental stimulant, increasing alertness and improving concentration. It can motivate people into action when they feel "stuck". It encourages feelings of courage and bravery, particularly about speaking in public.

Chamomile, a calming and relaxing oil, helps combat anxiety, nervousness, depression, insomnia, and stress. It can dispel anger, stabilize the emotions, and help to release emotions linked to the past.

Clary sage balances the extremes of emotions and restores emotional equilibrium. It alleviates melancholy and lifts depression. As a nerve tonic, it eases fear and nervousness. It can increase concentration and stimulate mental activity without being over stimulating. Clary sage oil makes an ideal companion in times of personal challenge or change, especially when there is external stress and extreme pressure. In stressful situations, it reduces deep-seated tension, slows a racing mind, and calms nerves.

Frankincense is a stabilizing and centering oil that reduces anxiety and revitalizes the body and mind when a person is mentally or physically exhausted. It soothes mental anxiety, nervous tension or stress and is comforting to the emotions. By slowing respiration, it produces a sense of serenity and calms restlessness. Geranium eases anxiety and tension of mentally and physically demanding days and helps restore emotional balance. Almost any stress-related condition responds to a few sniffs of geranium oil. Lavender balances extremes of emotions, such as depression, fear, irritability, melancholy, mood swings, and nervousness. It clears thinking, dissipates fears, minimizes anger, and reduces worry. It relaxes the mind and promotes physical and mental well-being. It helps neutralize sensory overload and balance either a racing or sluggish mind. Lemon, a refreshing and uplifting oil, can calm or prevent emotional outbursts. It fights depression, eases fear, strengthens resolve, and assists in communication and decision-making. It also improves concentration and memory. Marjoram oil calms emotions and minimizes emotional upsets, making it useful for anxiety, emotional exhaustion, nervous tension, and stress. It relaxes both the mind and body and helps relieve insomnia.

Neroli oil soothes emotional upsets, eases anger, depression, mood swings, and nervousness, and imparts a sense of joy and peace. It subdues stress and tension. Health care practitioners and aromatherapists in Europe use it to bring quick relief for anxiety attacks and to treat chronic anxiety. It provides the strength and support to get through difficult and trying times. Patchouli relieves depression, anxiety, nervous tension, reduces mental fatigue and calms emotion upsets. It also improves concentration. Peppermint, a mental stimulant, energizes and relieves mental fatigue, increases alertness and concentration, and clears thought processes.

Petitgrain is a nerve tonic, relieving nervous exhaustion, irritability and anxiety. It also balances moods and emotions, acting either as a stimulant or sedative depending on the individual's need. Rose balances emotions, calms nerves, reduces tension, anxiety and stress. It helps to eliminate feelings of disappointment and resentment and can help dissolve emotional blocks standing in the way of happiness. Sandalwood relaxes the body and mind, soothes emotional exhaustion, and relieves tension, nervousness, irritability and depression. It also stimulates the senses and clears thought processes.

Ylang Ylang is used by European psychotherapists to treat depression, insomnia and nervous tension. It stabilizes moods, reduces anxiety and tension. It fosters feelings of love, security and serenity, while minimizes anger, fears and frustrations. It activates enthusiasm and provides comfort during times of change.

Methods of Use in the Workplace
1. Inhale essential oil directly from the bottle - can choose a single oil or create your own blend
2. Place 2 to 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale
3. Spritzer
4. Perfume

Part 3: Aromatherapy Recipes & Tips

For general stress, a relaxing blend:
4 drops clary sage ( lowers blood pressure)
3 drops ylang ylang (slows rapid heart beating & breathing)
3 drops lavender
NB: high doses of clary sage causes drowsiness; do not consume alcohol while using this essential oil since side effects include nausea and headaches.

For irritability:
3 drops lavender
4 drops chamomile (sedates, calms anger & nervous tension)
3 drops neroli (anti-depressant)

For panic attacks:
4 drops lavender
4 drops frankincense (slows & deepens breathing)
2 drops marjoram (strong sedative)

For depression:
Blend No. 1
5 drops geranium (uplifting & balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming & soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)

Blend No. 2
5 drops geranium (uplifting & balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming & soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)
NB: do not use bergamot topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes

Blend No. 3
2 drops lemon (clarifies thoughts)
3 drops rose (anti-depressant)
5 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For fatigue:
4 drops lemon (refreshing & tonic effect on circulation)
2 drops black pepper (gives stamina & enthusiasm)
4 drops sandalwood (relaxes & tonic effect on nervous system)
NB: do not use lemon topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes.

For headaches:
3 drops peppermint (clears head & detoxifies)
4 drops lavender
3 drops rose (eases nervous tension)
NB: too much peppermint in the evening may cause disturbed sleep patterns

For anxiety:
4 drops petitgrain (soothing & general tonic)
3 drops geranium (balancing)
3 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For moodiness:
2 drops patchouli (balancing)
3 drops lemon (uplifting)
5 drops geranium (calming, balancing & uplifting)

REMEMBER:
1. Do not mix more than 3 oils per blend because the synergistic effects are less predictable.
2. Lavender oil is the "Universal Oil" & increases the therapeutic benefits of any oil with which it is blended.
3. Keep the essential oil blend dilution to 2% (stress).
In the above blends, add to approximately 30 ml carrier substance.

Part Four: Suggestions for Other Holistic Therapies
Which may be Explored

Other therapies or techniques that can be explored at the workplace or office to help alleviate stress and its symptoms are numerous. Here are a few ideas that could be used in conjunction with aromatherapy or on their own.

On your lunch hour, try taking a ten or fifteen minute walk or simply sit in the sun. A sunbath helps to keep up the vitamin D and A content of the body. Vitamins D is necessary to control body calcium. You can have all the best foods but without sunshine you will not be healthy. Sunshine is the number one doctor.

Simple stretching exercises can be performed at your desk to relax specific areas of tension and help you stay alert through a long, stressful day. Try using a neck and shoulder bean bag wrap that is specifically designed to be heated in the microwave for extra relaxation.

Another idea would be to drink fresh juice or herbal teas instead of coffee or black tea. Cantaloupe juice can help digestive upset because it contains the largest amount of digestive enzymes of any fruit, surpassing papaya and mangoes. It is high in provitamin A and vitamin C, as well as myoinositol, a lipid that relieves anxiety and insomnia. Historically, the ancient Greeks relied on celery for headaches. The sodium-potassium balance helps alleviate muscle cramping and fatigue. At the same time, celery-apple juice relieves anxiety and stress and it can also help with insomnia. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm are helpful in relieving upset stomachs as well as calming frazzled nerves. Lemon balm and peppermint can be used for headaches.

Reflexology and acupressure techniques can be used unobtrusively in the office or workplace. Reflexology is a technique of applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands and ears to help promote relaxation and to improve health. You could simply use a foot roller to access these points. Acupressure is a similar technique to reflexology. Applying pressure to different parts of the body thereby affecting other areas of the body. For example for headache relief, press the point in the web of flash between thumb and forefinger.

Bach flower remedies are an unconventional therapy using flower-based remedies. Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician believed that negative thoughts and emotions predispose people to illness and create roadblocks to healing. He identified 38 healing plants, which corresponded to his classification of negative human emotions. Probably the best known is the Rescue Remedy, which is composed of five of the 38 remedies. It is mainly used for treating the emotional effects of sudden trauma, as well as episodes of panic, anxiety or dread.

The new field of psychoneurommunology is the study of complex hormonal, neurological and immunological functions that link emotions and health are finding that emotions may indeed influence physical well being. Dr. Edward Bach wrote, "Thus, behind all disease lie our fears, our anxieties, our greed, our likes and dislikes. Let us seek these out and heal them, and with the healing of them will go the disease from which we suffer."

Other techniques that could be used at home to help combat job stress would be massage, yoga or natural herbal sleep aids.

Massage has many beneficial effects physically as well as mentally. It can help relax and stretch tight muscles, improve circulation, free trapped nerves, thereby helping to relieve pain.

The regular practice of yoga increases fitness, but is also an excellent way of reducing stress and improving concentration. Yoga allows you to develop strength as well as flexibility, but is so gentle it can be practiced by anyone at any age.

Finally, at the end of a long, hard day, the herb valerian can be used as a natural sleeping aid. Studies show that valerian contains tranquilizing and sedative properties similar to those of commercial sleep aids. It promotes relaxation while helping to overcome insomnia, anxiety and headaches. It can be used to a tea or a tincture.

Part Five: Bibliography

Aromatherapy: a Step-By-Step Guide. Sheila Lavery. 1997. Element Books Limited. Great Britain
Aromatherapy for Health, Relaxation, and Well-Being. Joanne Rippin 1997. Anness Publishing Limited. London
The Art of Aromatherapy - a Guide to Using Essential Oils for Health & Relaxation. Pamela Allardice. 1998. Random House. New York
Family Guide to Natural Medicine. Reader's Digest. p. 106, 169, 214, 325, 330 and 331
Nature has a Remedy. Dr. Bernard Jensen, D.C. p. 1 & 78
The Juiceman's Power of Juicing. Jay Kordich. p. 156 &173
The Fragrant Pharmacy. Valerie Worwood
Practical Aromatherapy. Deborah Nixon
Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health and Beauty. Roberta Wilson