Aromatherapy Massage Can Reduce Sickness and Pain.
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
For many centuries, lots of people have praised the virtues of essential oils as having healing properties, and for two hundred years or more the benefit of having a aromatherapy massage as been spread, mostly by word of mouth. Recent research has however confirmed that there are significant benefits.
A study conducted recently in London by the Royal Free and University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus used independent reviewers to analyze the results of using an aromatherapy treatment on over 1,300 reference studies. Their conclusions indicate that short-term benefits are obtained on psychological well being, supporting the positive effects on anxiety.
They found aromatherapy massage reduced sickness and pain and an additional study is being conducted to establish if aromatherapy enhances the effects of massage performed with the essential oils.
Different types of oils used in a aromatherapy treatment:
Essential oils used in aromatherapy are obtained by the distillation process extracting them for plants, flowers, herbs and woods. These are the oils that are part of the plants’ biological make up as well as giving them their individual scent. It has taken centuries of basic trial and error to determine which oils are best for treating which mood or pain but those centuries of research are benefiting people today.
For instance:
- A blend of black pepper, rosemary, lavender, marjoram and fir is utilized in a aromatherapy treatment for aches and pains.
- Tendonitis can be massaged with a blend of rosemary, lavender and peppermint.
- Sunburn relief can be achieved by using lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus and peppermint.
While many benefit from the use of oils in simply inhaling the fragrances, in aromatherapy it is believed that massaging them into the skin allows the benefits to be realized quicker. Basic massage therapy has been around a long time for relaxation and stimulation; however it’s been found that by incorporating essential oils into a massage enhance the benefits.
The oils are absorbed rapidly into the skin and an aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of therapeutic massage with the healing aspects and scents of the oils.
For example:
Therapy involving breathing in the aroma of black pepper, thyme, carrot seed, sage and lemon will help with poor circulation, but a massage using these same essential oils will not only increase the benefit of circulation enhancement, but will also provide relaxation through the aromatherapy treatment.
For lack of sleep during pregnancy it’s suggested a light aromatherapy massage with Roman chamomile and lavender. For infants with stomach problems, try a blend of dill and geranium.
