Health Care

For several centuries, many people have extolled the virtues of essential oils as having healing properties, and for over two hundred years the benefit of aromatherapy massage is being spread, mostly by word of mouth. Recent studies have however proven that there are measurable 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 aromatherapy massage on over 1,300 reference studies. Their conclusions indicate that short-term benefits are obtained on psychological wellbeing, supporting the positive effects on anxiety.

They found aromatherapy massage reduced nausea and pain and an additional study is being conducted to determine if aromatherapy enhances the effects of massage done with the essential oils.

Types of Oils Used

Essential oils used in aromatherapy massage 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 mixture of black pepper, rosemary, lavender, marjoram and fir is used in aromatherapy massage for aches and pains, and tendonitis can be massaged with a compound of rosemary, lavender and peppermint. Sunburn relief can be obtained by using lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus and peppermint.

While many benefit from the use of oils in simply inhaling the fragrances, in aromatherapy massage 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 massage.

For sleeplessness during pregnancy it’s recommended a light aromatherapy massage with Roman chamomile and lavender. For infants with stomachaches, try a mixture of dill and geranium.