The Powerful Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

In most cases, an aromatherapy massage involves what is referred to as a whole body massage, with the most specialized attention being paid to sore areas of muscle tenderness. Most of the essential oils used are for the purpose of permeating the skin, while some others may evaporate quickly in response to body heat and bring forth a refreshing feeling of coolness. Throughout the process, the aroma of some of the oils is inhaled, bringing about yet another set of additional health benefits.

The ideal aromatherapy massage will use a combination of essential plant oils that invoke feelings of clarity and calmness as well as healing. While most any type of massage will cause feelings of relief and relaxation, the ancient healing practices of aromatherapy massage provides something more by stimulating the body's limbic system, which is located in the brain and is responsible for feelings of pleasure.

It has been found that when one combines the benefits of aromatherapy massage with treatments utilizing the wisdom of modern, conventional medicine, the result is far better than when either type of method is used by itself. Aromatherapy has now been clinically proven to reduce ailments such as headaches, lower back pain and discomfort, skin problems, arthritis, and even illnesses related to stress and tension levels.

A recent scientific study on aromatherapy conducted by London's Royal University College Medical School revealed a number of positive benefits associated with aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage. The research, which actually encompassed more than 1,300 different studies, was reviewed by numerous independent parties who concurred that short-term benefits regarding one's psychological well being and a reduction of anxiety were common when aromatherapy massage was used.

The study's findings continue with reports of reduction of nausea and stomach pain, giving new hope for treating ailments such as motion sickness. Also, those people who suffer from mental illnesses may find relief with aromatherapy massage in addition to those with chronic gastrointestinal problems, more than likely due to the effect on the brain when the fragrance from the oils is inhaled.

Besides being a great stress reliever, aromatherapy massage is perfect for couples, as the experience tends to bring about feelings of affection and mutual bonding, especially when each person takes a turn and then reciprocates the favor to the other. However, even though it may seem to be an enjoyable experience, for aromatherapy massage to serve its true purpose, a series of safety guidelines must be followed in order to ward off the potential for injury. For this reason, one should steer clear of sensitive areas such as the spinal column and be as gentle as possible to avoid potential pain from too deep of an application, or utilize the services of a trained professional.

Also, make it a point to avoid areas with bony protrusions in order to avoid any subcutaneous injuries, which will be evident by the presence of discolorations on the surface of the skin indicating that tissue death has occurred. Any areas with preexisting injuries such as broken bones or fractures as well as open wounds or sores should also be strictly avoided.

After numerous research trials, scientists have come to acknowledge the use of many essential oils that are ideal for aromatherapy massage and have also pinpointed which ailments fare best with specific oils. For instance, those suffering from common aches and pains will respond better to certain oils, such as a combination of black pepper, fir, lavender, marjoram, and rosemary while others dealing with insomnia would require a completely different mixture of unique fragrances to induce relief.

Men and women who regularly participate in sports activities and suffer from muscle pain or strained and inflamed tendons and joints will benefit from an aromatherapy massage using lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils. And, to soothe the painful effects of sunburn, an aromatherapy massage using chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint is said to bring about great relief.

In the hectic world of today, the majority of people return home at the end of a long, tiring day at work, suffering from maladies like headaches and muscle aches, general fatigue, and mental ailments like depression and anxiety. Most also do not get enough sleep each night, adding to the problem, and may find that their work performance or personal relationships are suffering as a result. Doing nothing about the problem merely leads to more, as over time, anxiety, overtiredness and other similar conditions will inevitably multiply. And, it really should go without saying that no employer wants to deal with a worker who isn't able to concentrate or successfully complete their assigned duties on time.

The use of essential oils for massages is actually twofold, first, with the fragrance from the oils being inhaled, and secondly when they are applied to the body topically. The topical application of essential oils is to ensure they are absorbed through the skin and eventually into the body's bloodstream. To improve poor blood circulation, it is recommended to use essential oils such as black pepper, carrot seed, lemon, sage, and thyme in conjunction with aromatherapy massage.

Also, aromatherapy massage may be beneficial for infants suffering from upset stomachs, although it is, of course, rather difficult to tell when a baby has a tummy ache as even conventional medicine hasn't been able to figure out a way to do that yet. However, using a mixture of geranium and dill oils and gently massaging the stomach area is said to bring relief.

If you have ever considered having a massage for the relief of sore, tired, tense muscles, or if you'd just like to treat yourself to some much needed relaxation, aromatherapy massage is definitely worth looking into. Depending on the area of the body, you can always utilize aromatherapy massage yourself, although the best results will always come from the hands of a knowledgeable professional, who knows quite a bit on the subject and how to benefit most from the practice.