Aromatherapy massage is the fusion of aromatherapy and massage. Together these two ancient methods combine to treat the mind, body, and soul.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. It is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing the body by the use of plants and their parts. The word aromatherapy is derived from two words aroma which means smell and therapy which stands for healing.
Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapy the roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds, and nuts are used for the distillation of oils. Each essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. These oils can be blended together, and this blend is called synergy. The synergy is more potent than the individual oils. Since these oils are so potent in their concentrated form, they are mixed with simple oils called carrier oils like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil.
Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind, and spirit. They can be sedative or stimulating, analgesic and antispasmodic and antibacterial. They enter through our olfactory system and affect the nervous system, thus improving mood and relaxing or energizing us. This helps is alleviating stress and speeds up healing.
There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically – in baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, massage.
Massage
Massage therapy is also an ancient form of alternative medicine. It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calms the mind, reducing the stress in the body. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and in the immune system.
Hippocrates said: “The Physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing . . . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid.
Depending on your need a synergy blend is created with the carrier oil. There are a lot of combinations that are specially made for specific diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, stress, sports injury, migraines, insomnia etc.
History of Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy Massage is the brain child of Marguerite Maury, née König of Austria. Marguerite trained as a nurse and surgical assistant. Her interest in aromatherapy began with the book of Dr Chabenes, Les Grandes Possibilités par les Matières Odoriferantes. Marguerite met and married a French doctor in the early thirties and continued her research into essential oils.
She developed her particular method of using the “Individual Prescription” blending several essential oils, for each patient, after an in-depth consultation and examination. She also pioneered the use of massage to administer the essential oils, partly perhaps because she was not a medical doctor, and therefore not qualified to prescribe internal use of the oils.
Maury wrote Le Capital Jeunesse in English, The Secret of Life and Youth based on aromatherapy. She opened clinics in France, Switzerland, and England, and continued to teach and practice until her death.
Basic Oils
There are a variety of essential oils that can be blended to create a perfect one for your needs, a few of them are
Lavender
- most basic of oils
- relaxation, calming, balancing
- antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifier
- use on burns
Rosemary
- stimulant for mental and physical body
- antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, adrenal stimulant
- muscular strains and sprains, headaches, fatigue, congestion, prevents scar tissue formation
Bergamot
- refreshing, uplifting,
- antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant, deodorizer
- can be slightly irritating to skin
Peppermint
- digestive aid, headaches, fatigue
- anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, vasoconstrictor
- cooling
Tea Tree
- antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic
- treatment of infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete’s foot, gum disease
- caution when applying full strength
Geranium
- eases stress
- antidepressant, adrenal and hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative, antiseptic
- good for PMS and female disorders
Clary Sage
- antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic
- relieves PMS, soothing, relaxing
Eucalyptus
- antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic
- cools the body in summer and warms in winter
- effective treatment for candida, diabetes, sunburn, congestion, cough, neuralgia
Geranium
- eases stress
- antidepressant, adrenal and hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative, antiseptic
- good for PMS and female disorders
Aromatherapy is a potent alternative medical procedure. The perfect place to get an aromatherapy massage is in a spa from expertly trained masseuses.
Here are some benefits of massage:
1. Improved Healing Power
An aromatherapy massage can improve the healing of the mind and body. Massage therapy uses manipulation techniques of the soft tissues in the body to promote healing. Massaging with essential oils can help improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed healing after injuries, restore function to the body, and release tension.
Sweet Marjoram essential oil is an antispasmodic and is a relaxing oil. It has been used for muscle spasms, bruises, sore muscles, and headaches.
2. Heightened Relaxation
Inhaling essential oil scents can calm the mind and emotions, thus encouraging relaxation and stress release. A massage on its own is very relaxing, but when adding the powers of aromatherapy, essential oils have a complementary effect.
Lavender essential oil is well known for its calming and sedative properties. Always a favorite for massages.
3. Enhanced Mood
Essential oils have been used for generations for their uplifting properties. Adding essential oils to a massage whether through diffusing or massage oils can enhance your mood and your overall wellbeing.
Orange essential oil is often used to uplift mood, so it is fabulous to use in a citrus massage oil.
4. Positive Emotional Health
The areas in the brain responsible for scent, emotion, and memory are closely related. Certain scents can trigger positive memories and feelings which can contribute to improved emotions.
Grapefruit essential oil has calming and sedative properties with an aroma that is energizing and just wonderful.
5. Pain & Inflammation Reduction
When using essential oils topically on the skin, in the form of massage oils, additional relief from pain and inflammation can be achieved. Massage oils can aid in therapeutic massage to relax and soothe muscles, to increase circulation, and to stimulate the tissues.
Peppermint essential oil has invigorating and cooling properties that can soothe discomfort.
For effective aromatherapy massage, head to Bonita Skin Care and Massage in Melbourne, FL. Boasting years of experience, they ensure each of their clients are fully satisfied with their services and feel relaxed and fresh when they leave their premises.
