is through aromatherapy massage.
When stress and depression are a major cause of a health imbalance, a full
aromatherapy body massage is the best complementary therapy treatment available. It
is also an excellent preventative treatment to ensure continuation of good health.
Massage therapy itself has been shown to be highly effective in relieving tension and
stress. It can affect the involuntary nervous system, and calm the fight or flight
response, thereby reducing the level of harmful stress hormones in the body.
It stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and
oxygen to cells. Massage also stimulates lymphatic flow, thus improving tissue drainage
and the immune system. Therefore massaging using essential oils increases the
effectiveness of the massage. Many studies have shown that high, prolonged stress levels can increase the likelihood
of contracting various diseases, and reduce recovery time when we do become ill.
Stress can cause and aggravate many chronic conditions such as hypertension,
migraines, digestive problems, and PMS. Using aromatherapy massage the level of
stress can be reduced as the person becomes more relaxed and many chronic
conditions can also be reduced.
Aromatherapy can be utilized in conjunction with other techniques for specific areas
used to reduce chronic and acute muscular tension and pain by helping to lengthen and
release shortened and contracted muscles. These techniques may include stretching,
deep tissue, sports massage, neuromuscular, Rolfing, myofascial release and
aromatherapy gives an added benefit to these techniques.
Massage therapy has long been recognized as an important part of athletic training and together with aromatherapy is used by most serious athletes.
personal information relating to their current physical state. It is also helpful to find out
whether or not the client has any current illnesses of injuries that may affect the
aromatherapy massage treatment. Practitioners of aromatherapy massage will generally have a long list of questions and
areas of discussion. A holistic practitioner considers the client as a "whole" - body, mind
and spirit. They will generally help the client think of what factors in their lives may be
affecting them. For example, someone who suffers from insomnia may have family
worries, stresses at work, indigestion, or simply a noisy environment: any disturbing
factor which could affect their sleep patterns.
When the personal history and consultation are finished, and when other suggestions
and referrals have been made, the aromatherapist will select several essential oils,
most suited to the client's needs at this time. The oils are then blended into a massage
oil or lotion. Sometimes particular carrier oil will be used. This blend with essential oils
will then be used to give the massage.
The therapist will leave the room, allowing the client to undress as far as they are
comfortable, usually leaving their underpants on, and lay down on a padded massage
table. Often, to aid in relaxation, relaxing music will be playing too. For warmth and
modesty, the client will be covered with a sheet or blanket, which the aromatherapist will
pull back to work on each specific part of the body.
If the client feels uncomfortable at any time, or if a specific technique hurts, they should
let the practitioner know. Clear communication, understanding and consent are very
important. Depending on the client’s needs and the practitioner’s individual skills and
training, different styles of body work may be used. The massage usually lasts for an hour, but may be longer or shorter, depending on
client needs. At the end of the session, the practitioner will leave the room, allowing the
client a few minutes to gently "come back to themselves," and get dressed.
After the session, many aromatherapists will also suggest the use of a blend that the
client can use at home between sessions. The practitioner will put together a blend of
oils and give instructions for use to the client.
Future sessions should also be agreed on. These sessions will depend on client needs,
and financial situation. Many clients find that a weekly session is most
beneficial, particularly in the beginning. Some clients receive monthly sessions.
Aromatherapy massage is an excellent "maintenance tool," and should not just be used
to "fix a problem," but should be regular part of life if possible.
Hippocrates stated that "a daily aromatic bath and scented massage are the way to health." It would be wonderful if we could all follow that suggestion!
to find someone with appropriate training. Most masseurs are trained to use
aromatherapy so massage schools would be a good place to start looking. A personal referral from a friend is good. In the USA, the National Association for
Holistic Aromatherapy or the American Alliance of Aromatherapy may be able to
suggest some aromatherapists who practice massage therapy in your area.
There is at present no standard in the USA as well as many other countries for training
in aromatherapy, although this is being discussed and developed by the industry. It is
therefore important to ask questions:
• with whom and where did the aromatherapist train?
• how long was the training and what subjects did it cover?
• how long have they been in practice?
Most countries have Massage Therapy Associations which can provide referrals to a
massage therapist in your area. Since massage therapy is regulated differently in each
country, it is impossible to list all regulations here. Some countries require licensing and
statutory training, some do not.
Take advantage of the resources on the Internet to explore the professions of aroma
therapy, massage, and the uses of essential oils in the health care industry. Meanwhile,
visit this website to get started with a great video course on massage; (the first lesson is
free!)
http://tinyurl.com/236oqv
offers relief but does not cure. It is used to improve the quality of life of patients who
have terminal diseases such as cancer..
Research conducted at the Marie Curie Cancer Care, in London, England, provides
new clinical evidence of the benefits that these combined and complementary therapies
offer cancer patients.
Researchers assessed the effects of massage and aromatherapy on 103 cancer
patients in a palliative care setting. The patients were randomly allocated to receive
massage using oil only or massage using an oil plus Roman Chamomile essential oil.
Results indicated that there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety and stress
after each massage and the patients who received aromatherapy massage also noted
improvements in their disposition, physical comfort and their quality of life.
The report concluded that massage with or without essential oils appeared to reduce
levels of anxiety. The benefits are clearly enhanced by the addition of Roman
Chamomile essential oil. The aromatherapy massage treatment seemed to help improve physical and psychological symptoms, as well as the patients' quality of life.