Aromatherapy Massage

In previous articles we have discussed the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit. They are used as a relaxing sedative, to stimulate, for analgesic purposes, can have an antispasmodic effect, and antibacterial.  They also can be used for skin, hair, scalp care and healing wounds.  We have also discussed some of the many different ways to use essential oils.  For example baths, inhalation, compresses, lotions and creams.

One of the most therapeutic, relaxing, and awesomely pleasant ways of using essential oil is through aromatherapy massage.  Massage is one of the oldest and most enjoyable of all healing arts.  Used to ease stress, relax, and improve muscle tone.  In ancient Rome, massage was used by the wealthy who lavishly pampered themselves with aromatic baths and rubs.  Massage can soothe a child, relax your partner and improve sleep.  Massage combines the soothing benefits of touch into a formalized technique. Massage stimulates blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells.  It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and improving the immune system.  In other words, massage is more than a pleasurable and relaxing experience.  It has physical benefits for the muscles, skin, and circulatory system.

Stress can increase the incidence of various diseases and reduce recovery time.  Stress can cause and exacerbate many chronic problems such as hypertension, migraines, digestive problems and PMS.  By reducing stress, inducing relaxation, the progression of chronic conditions can be reduced. Massage therapy is an excellent way of achieving this goal.

Massage therapy has long been recognized as an important part of athletic training.  Massage therapists have been an integral part of the Olympic Games for years now, helping improve athletic achievement and increase recovery time after performances.  Many golfers regularly use massage therapy to relax and loosen up before competition, as do many athletics in other sports.

We know that massage therapy is beneficial, and we also know that the use of essential oils is beneficial.  Combining the two can only increase the benefits much more than using them separately.  A caring massage therapist will request information from a new customer, relating to their physical, mental, and or spiritual state.  Especially practitioners of aromatherapy massage.  They generally want to know what factors in the clients lives are currently affecting them.  By learning more about the areas a client suffers with, they consider the big three, body, mind and spirit.  Not only does this information assist the practitioner with the proper massage technique, but also the preferred essential oil blend to prepare and a particular carrier oil that should be used in the blend.

Many aromatherapists also suggest the use of a certain blend the client can use at home between sessions to continue their use of essential oils specifically for them. Frequency of aromatherapy massages varies by client depending on time available, finances and need.  Truly the aromatherapy massage should be part of your daily life if possible, not used as a problem fixer but rather a maintenance tool.  Wonder how much our health would improve if it was possible to take a daily aromatic bath followed by an aromatherapy style massage?

Many aromatherapists believe that essential oil is abosrbed by the skin. There are many differnt opinions as to how much of the essential oil can penetrate the skin, and what effect it actually has on the body.  Some components do penetrate, but more studies are needed.  Regardless, many benefits take place at the skin level.  Skin conditions can be improved by the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of essential oils.

During massage the aroma of the essential oil will be inhaled and some absorption is likely through the nose and mouth.  Additionally the volatile molecules of the essential oils lock onto cells at the back of the nose. An electrochemical message is sent to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system appears to trigger memory and emotional responses, which cause messages to be sent to other parts of the brain and body.  In this way, the production of euphoric, relaxing, sedative or stimulating neuro-chemicals are stimulated.  Many benefits both mental and emotional can be affected this way.

At present in the U.S., there is no standard for training in aromatherapy, although this is being discussed and developed by the industry. It is therefore important to ask questions in deciding on a particular aromatherapist. Some States require licensing while others do not.  Try contacting the “American Massage Therapy Association” for referral to a massage therapist in your area.

In our next series of articles we will discuss massage techniques, essential oil blends, carrier oils and recipes to blend your own at home massage oil.  We will also begin to discuss massage techniques you can use at home.  At at time when lifestyles have become hectic and more complicated and stressful, massage is a skill worth learning. The ability to share with family and friends is both fun and very therapeutic for all.  We will discuss not only the parts of the body but also the oils best for each use.  If you stay tuned, you might be able to put it all together and do a full body treatment to suite anyone’s requirements.

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