Aromatherapy and massage therapy are often called complimentary sisters. Used individually, they are both extremely effective in stress reduction, relaxation, and improvement of overall well-being. Used together, however, they present a powerful one-two punch working intensely on a combination of body-mind-spirit wellness.
Aromatherapy, the use of essentials oils can easily be combined with massage therapy which generally employs the use of a body or carrier oil. Carrier oils are base oils such as sweet almond, sunflower, safflower, canola, etc, which are safe to sue directly on the skin. Just a few drops of essential oil(s) is added to the carrier oil and this is used for the massage. Essential oils should be used "neat" - directly on the skin. There are a couple of exceptions to this - such as lavender and tea tree.
Judith Jackson, aromatherapist and author of Scentual Touch explains that when combines with massage, essential oils are worked into the skin and breathed in. "the Essential oils trigger responses in the brain though receptors in the nose and the pores. The brain," she continues, "then signals various organs to products chemical s that act on the body in specific ways - such as increasing blood low (which stimulates) or slowing down circulation (which as a calming effect."
Massage therapist Cherri La Porte, incorporates aromatherapy in her practice. She feels it gives another dimension or level to the healing. "My intention when doing a massage," said La Porte, "is to help and allow the body to heal itself." She, like other massage therapists, feel they are facilitators in the healing process and aromatherapy often increases the body's response and it response time.
Due to the direct link between our sense of smell and our brain, in just seconds one may feel the difference or effects of the essential oils, commented La Porte.
La Porte and other holistic practitioners work to educate their clients as well. They often explain to them that the body sores stresses, traumas, and issues. It is thought the release and transfer of energies throughout the body system that the body can heal itself on many levels. Aromatherapy can help establish "body consciousness".
Massage, like aromatherapy, can be for physical as well as emotional healing and release. Many people today need the relaxation and stress reduction that massage brings. Massage can be beneficial in maintaining overall well-being and therefore be helpful in prevention of illness and disease.
Essential oils that La Porte finds most useful combined with massage are:
-- lavender and rose for relaxation
-- tangerine for balancing
--peppermint and the citrus group for stimulation and increasing circulation.
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