Aromatherapy massage - its many benefits

Aromatherapy massage - its many benefits

Aromatherapy massage actually has a therapeutic effect on those being massaged. The reason for these effects lies in the relationship of the brain's limbic system to the olfactory system. Smells can influence a person's hormone production, emotions and nervous system reactions. When inhaling aromatherapy essential oils, the limbic system is stimulated. From there, heart rate, breathing, stress, digestion, memory and the immune system are influenced.

Through the massage, essential oils are absorbed through the skin. The many therapeutic claims that are made are due to the actual results people receive from aromatherapy massage. Aromatherapy is known to relieve conditions that are exacerbated by your emotional reactions. Stress-related complaints such as headaches, premenstrual syndrome, back pain and indigestion are often relieved by aromatherapy massages. There have even been studies done that showed patients who received aromatherapy massage for the first time had improved bonding with their newborns and a lack of postpartum depression. Cancer patients also benefit from aromatherapy massage when in palliative care settings.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to provide a calming effect when using chamomile, geranium or lavender oils. Ylang Ylang, rose, neroli or clary sage provide an uplifting effect, while rosemary energizes and cleanses. Pine, tea tree, and eucalyptus are all considered decongestant oils. Essential oils can be used very effectively for pain relief. Because the limbic region of the brain controls the body's survival functions, the sense of smell has a major impact on the entire body. Black pepper, ginger, peppermint and thyme produce heat and increase blood flow, reducing pain. Lavender and lemongrass relieve pain by alerting the pain receptors to sharp pain in a less acute manner. Chamomile, juniper and tea tree oil relieve pain caused by inflammation with their anti-inflammatory properties.

All essential oils are obtained from plants through steam distillation from the leaves, stems, bark or roots of a plant. They are highly concentrated, so you rarely need to apply more than a few drops of the oil for each application. When the oil molecules are inhaled, they enter the body through the nostrils or can be absorbed into the skin through massage. During massage they are often diluted with carrier oils such as grape seed oil, sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil.

To overcome insomnia, sandalwood, bergamot, clary sage or rose oils can be mixed with a carrier lotion and massaged into the skin or simply inhaled. The benefits of the massage plus the essential oils alone make it a preferred method of application. The benefits of aromatherapy massage are becoming more and more apparent as more and more people use it as a form of therapy for the myriad of human ailments. Now aromatherapy massage can help, if not eliminate, any ailment from headaches to postpartum depression, speed recovery from cancer, relieve pain and lower blood pressure.