BENEFITS OF AN AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE SESSION
Egypt was the birth place of medicine, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals thousands of years ago. A look back through time shows that ancient civilizations well understood the aromatic use of essential oils for health enhancement. As long as 6,000 years ago, Egyptians discovered the therapeutic benefits of massaging with essential oils and were famous for their skin care formulas and cosmetics. Fragrances, herb oils, balsams, and resins were used in embalming techniques and religious ceremonies.
The use of aromatics spread throughout history from Egypt to Israel, Greece, Rome, and the entire Mediterranean world. Every culture developed practices of perfumery using oils, but with the Dark Ages, much of this knowledge was lost. A look at history shows that India is the only place in the world where this tradition was never lost. Ayurvedic (life-knowledge) medicine is the oldest form of medical practice using oils and has been in continuous use since its inception thousands of years ago.
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy that uses essential oils together with the massage lotion or oil. Massage with aromatherapy works because once the essential oils are inhaled through the nostrils, they influence the brain and the limbic system. In is the limbic system that regulates emotions and affect the hormones and nervous system. When a person inhales the fragrances, there could be positive changes in his stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, heart rate, immune system, and digestion. There are three ways for essential oils to penetrate the body. The first one is through the lungs during inhalation, the second is into the brain through the nerve endings in the nose, and third is through the skin with the use of massage and ointments.
There are different properties for each essential oil. For example, rosemary is energizing and cleansing, while eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine have decongesting effects.
The employment of aromatherapy massage is mainly to relieve stress and stress-related conditions such as insomnia or difficulty in sleeping. Headaches, back pains, premenstrual syndrome, and digestive disorders are also relieved through aromatherapy massage. Research studies have reported that mothers who received aromatherapy massage have decreased incidence of post-partum blues and anxiety. The positive effects of aromatherapy massage to them include attachment to the babies and increased energy.
Other effects of aromatherapy massage include: protection and softening of the skin, relief of irritation and pain, reduction of fluid buildup and improved circulation, breakdown of mucus, relief of headaches and backaches, enhancement of body detoxification, relaxation of the digestive system, increased energy and concentration, relief of anxiety and stress, relaxation of the mind, and relief from insomnia and depression. Aromatherapy massage also improves the efficiency of cell metabolism. More people report that they have heightened body awareness after the massage. Some people feel as if there is balance and focus on their general attitudes and feelings. Improved circulation brings about a healthier glow to the skin. Flexibility of the joints and better posture can be achieved through aromatherapy massage. Lastly, the person’s link with nature and spirit is improved after the therapy.
The techniques used in aromatherapy massage are chosen to suit the needs of the client. Thus, client satisfaction is already guaranteed.
