It’s probably a good guess that you don’t need an excuse to get a little bit of massage therapy. After all, who would pass up the opportunity to chill out and ease away the tensions of the day?
Massage is one of the oldest therapies and has been used for its emotional and physical benefits for thousands of years by many cultures around the world. But if you think massage is simply about relaxing then think again. Today there are many studies that show us that massage has many benefits and coupled with the power of essential oils a massage treatment can be a very effective way to treat emotional and physical concerns.
With more research and studies being done, we are now seeing essential oils and massage therapy being used alongside western medicine to help patients. While it may not be common daily practice there are NHS facilities that recommend complementary therapies in the UK, The York Hospital is one establishment that uses some essential oils to help women during pregnancy. Likewise, there are hospitals around the world introducing the use of essential oils and complementary therapies alongside western medicine to help patients. Used with proper training essential oil and massage therapy can be great aids.
Studies and Research
A study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in 2004 shows us that women having stage 1 and 2 breast cancer may benefit from massage therapy. Thrice-weekly massage therapy can help to reduce depression, anxiety, and anger. It can enhance dopamine, serotonin, and NK cell number and lymphocytes. Hernandez-Reif M, Ironson G, Field T, et al. (2004)
In 2005 a study showed that both Lavender & Orange essential oils had a positive effect on reducing anxiety in patients waiting for dental treatments.
And a study released by Orthopedic Nursing in 2015, shows that the addition of a brief massage is effective in managing pain. A 5-minute massage after the analgesic administration is helpful for postoperative orthopedic patients. It increases patient satisfaction with pain management. Their pain management is higher with the application of brief massage than with medication only. Miller J, Dunion A, Dunn N, et al. (2015)
The many ongoing studies and research programmes show us that perhaps the correct use of massage and essential oils is more than just a lovely way to relax. It has so many health benefits that perhaps a regular aromatherapy massage should be upgraded from a nice treat to a ‘must-have’ regular self-care routine.
What is aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage involves applying essential oils to the skin that have been blended into a carrier oil. A good therapist will usually blend the oils based on the client’s consultation or have a few pre-blended options to target client’s needs.
These oils are absorbed through the skin and through inhalation which stimulates the limbic system in your brain, and so influences your emotions and feelings. Their impact releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin. Essential oils are known to influence the nervous system, relieve pain, stress anxiety, balance hormones and much more.
For example, lavender essential oil is well known for its calming properties. It not only has the ability to reduce the impact of the stress-induced hormone, cortisol but can also be used to aid a restful night’s sleep. Clary sage can also influence cortisol levels and put anyone who smells it in a good mood.
Grapefruit oil encourages the production of neurotransmitters called enkephalins that act as natural painkillers, while the oil from marjoram can boost your levels of serotonin, making you feel calm and content.
And several compounds in eucalyptus oil have been shown to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, so it’s ideal for headaches as well as aching muscles and joints.
Benefits of massage with essential oils
- Helps improve emotional and physical well-being
- Helps improve the quality of sleep and can help boost immunity, boost circulation.
- Helps release feel-good ‘happy’ hormones – serotonin, dopamine and endorphins which immediately boost the mood.
- Reduces levels of cortisol and other stress hormones.
- Lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, slows breathing, and relieves all your unwanted stress and painful knots.
If you have never tried the benefits of an aromatherapy massage perhaps national spa week 2022 (4-9 Nov) is the time to book yourself in. Or perhaps treat your loved one to a relaxing night in by giving them a gentle foot massage.
Here’s a relaxing oil recipe you can use at home for your partner or for self-massage
YOU WILL NEED
- A 30ml sterile, dark glass bottle
- 30 ml of carrier oil of your choice (Jojoba, sweet almond, cold-pressed coconut or extra virgin olive oil are good choices)
- 5 drops lavender Angustifolia essential oil – Calming, relaxing, nurtures creativity, promotes well-being, balancing body and mind, promotes sleep
- 5 drops of Frankincense – Improves concentration, eases irritability and impatience, emotional balancing, enhances spiritual awareness and meditation
METHOD
Add the carrier oil into a clean, sterile dark glass bottle. Add the essential oils and pop the lid back on securely. Roll the bottle in your hands a few times to blend. Label with the date and ingredients. Oils should be stored away from sunlight in a cool dark environment.
Always patch test before use.
Research
