Overview
Aromatherapy utilizes the scents given off by essential oils to either stimulate or relax the body. Using essential oils during a massage provides one of the safest and most pleasant ways of using aromatherapy, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Massages add benefits to the aromatherapy by improving a person’s health and well-being through the manipulation of the body’s muscles and other soft tissues.
History Of Massage
Traditional Chinese medicine has noted the use of massage for healing purposes for 4,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In the 1850s, a Swedish form of massage was introduced to the United States. Many American doctors began using massage therapy to treat their patients. However, in the early 20th century, physicians turned to technology and prescription medications over massage therapy. It was not until the 1970s that massage began to make a comeback as a form of alternative medicine. As of the early 21st century, people regularly schedule more than 80 million massage therapy appointments each year.
Aromatherapy Massage
Kneading essential oils into the skin enhances the healing and relaxation effects of a massage. The essential oils stimulate the limbic region of the brain, which controls a person’s memory and emotions. Belief in the benefits of aromatherapy massage seems to have an effect on how well the treatment works. Many people seek aromatherapy massages for stress-related conditions, headaches, back pain, premenstrual syndrome and digestive disorders, says Lyn Goldberg, an aromatherapist, in her book “Massage and Aromatherapy: a Practical Approach.”
Essential Oils
Essential oils have varying effects on the brain and body. Some essential oils calm the spirit, while others excite the brain and body systems, advises Goldberg. If you want a calming effect, you should get a massage using chamomile, lavender, orange blossom or geranium. For an uplifting massage, try ylang ylang, clary sage, rose or neroli. Rosemary will both energize and cleanse.
Dilution For Massage
Diluting essential oils allows more areas of the skin to be covered, increases the safety of their application to the skin and slows their evaporation rate, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Some essential oils, such as clove, chamomile and jasmine, can cause irritation if not diluted properly. For massage purposes, you should dilute essential oils to a 2.5 percent concentration. This equals approximately 15 drops of essential oil to each ounce of carrier oil, cream, lotion or salve. Only make blends in small amounts to assure they do not go rancid. Almond or sesame oil make good carrier oils for massages.
Precautions
Some essential oils can interact with medications, so consult your doctor prior to using aromatherapy if you take any kind of medication, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should also consult you doctor if you suffer from cancer, heart failure, infections, kidney failure, blood clots, bleeding disorders or contagious skin conditions, as massage may aggravate your condition.
