Introduction to Aromatherapy for Massage

Before modern medicine, herbs and plant products were the only substance for treating ailments. The use of herbs can be traced back to about 60,000 years ago, and archeologists have uncovered some herbal remedies used 5,000 years before civilization. These remedies involve using plant oils to tend wounds and embalm bodies.

Aromatherapy is one of the medical procedures that originated in ancient times. It’s the usage of plant oils to attain physical and emotional well-being. Although the term “Aromatherapy” didn’t become so popular until the 1920s, the use of oil for massage, baths, and inhalation therapies was common among the ancient Greeks and Romans. This piece will discuss aromatherapy massage, its benefits, and its risks.

What is Aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is a type of massage that originated in Ancient Sweden that involves the use of essential oil with therapeutic properties that are derived from plants. This massage procedure is believed to be more efficient because the recipient inhales the oil and absorbs it with their skin. It’s usually administered for relaxation, mood alleviation, and ache relief.

Uses of Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage provides the same benefits as other types of massage. It relaxes tight muscles, relieves joint pain, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. However, the usage of essential oils in aromatherapy massage makes it more interesting and special. Aromatherapy massage can improve both the mental and physical state of the body, a very rare benefit provided by the science of Aromatherapy.

The effects of Aromatherapy on the human body include;

Healing

Some essential oils have been found to have great healing abilities. In a research conducted in 2016, Lavender oil demonstrated some wound-healing ability and can repair damaged skin tissue. Another study conducted the same year showed that it increases collagen and regenerates tissue in the early stage of healing.

Lavender oil is not the only essential oil with healing ability. Helichrysum oil has antioxidant properties, making it a remedy for skin rashes and infections. Frankincense essential oil is popular for its ability to soothe skin, kill bacteria, and even improve skin tone. Therefore, aromatherapy massage enhances skin health and heals wounds, soreness, and inflammation.

Improves body system coordination

Essential oils contain non-harmful chemicals that are absorbed by the human body that are also full of chemicals. These chemicals react together to cause an effect that improves body coordination. Various studies have suggested that essential oil chemicals boost the nervous system’s performance.

Also, it has been long discovered that inhaling essential oil during aromatherapy massage will cause the brain to secrete more neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, putting the body in a good mood. The de-stressing and relaxing properties of these oils slow the breathing rate, which alleviates the body’s condition from the inside out.

It brings back good memories

Aromatherapy is a special type of massage that offers benefits that can’t be derived from other massage types. One of these amazing benefits is that it could trigger the brain to remember good memories. The smell of oil extracted from Roses could bring back sweet memories of the last vacation, which fills the heart with joy and happiness.

Does Aromatherapy massage works?

It isn’t easy to give a direct answer to this question. The reason is that the results of scientific research around Aromatherapy are mixed and still not 100% certain. Problems that caused these uncertainties are human factors and variations in the quality of oils. The human factors are the placebo effect that naturally makes test subjects feel good.

However, it has been confirmed that some essential oils can reduce anxiety, alleviate mood, reduce pain, cure wounds, and treat insomnia. The challenge right now is that it’s still a bit unclear which essential oil offers these health benefits.

For example, in a statement released by NCCIH, some essential oil used in aromatherapy massage is said to boost mood. However, the same study suggested that Lavender oil, though considered harmless, cannot alleviate moods.

Essential oils used in Aromatherapy massage

Some of the essential oils used in aromatherapy massage include:

Lavender

Bergamot

Helichrysum

Chamomile

Cedarwood

Ginger

Lemon

Tea tree

Brazilian Orange

Aromatherapy Massage Risks

Only a few risks are associated with aromatherapy massages. People don’t usually get complications after aromatherapy massage, except for cases whose skin or body system is highly sensitive to the essential oil. Possible risks include rash, hives, skin redness, swelling, and itchiness.

But these risks can be eliminated or avoided when the oil is diffused into the air for the massage recipient to inhale. Dilution with a massage lotion before applying it to the skin is another. These solutions are safer than direct application on the skin.

Is Aromatherapy good for pregnant women?

Yes, but there are things to consider.

The answer is yes because prenatal massage is generally considered a good therapy. It helps to reduce anxiety and depression and improves labor outcomes. However, pregnant women with a history of blood clots and calf pain should avoid massage.

Also, pregnant women should ensure that they speak with their doctor or an expert in the field of massage before they get an aromatherapy massage. The reason is that some essential oils are dangerous and could harm the fetus when it crosses the placenta.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, the following essential oil should not be used for prenatal massage:

Tarragon

Basil

Pennyroyal

Sage

Wintergreen

Parsley

Aniseed

Birch

Aromatherapy massage tips

Aromatherapy is an excellent massage type that offers many health benefits, and you can make the most of it by using the following tips:

Let your need dictate the essential oil for your aromatherapy massage. For example, choose bergamot oil if you desire the analgesic benefits of aromatherapy massage and rose oil if you desire a sweet and beautiful mood.

Never take a massage on a full stomach. The session may upset your stomach.

Decide on whether you want the direct application of the oil on your skin or it diffused in the air. Also, openly discuss your allergies with your massage therapist before the session. It would really help to prevent complications during and after your massage session.

Drink water before and after the session. Also, eat light after the massage.

Engage in a warm bathe after the massage to wash away the remaining oil on your skin

Conclusion

Aromatherapy massage is one of the incredible gifts handed down from the past. It works like magic and supplies amazing health benefits to the body. Pregnant women can enjoy these benefits but must avoid the oil mentioned above. Also, use those tips to get the most from your aromatherapy massage.