Aromatherapy massage, which utilizes the combination of Swedish massage with essential oils, has long been effective in promoting beneficial changes to the body, whether it be in terms of physiological or psychological healing. The essential oils or lotion used in aromatherapy (highly concentrated plant oils) include peppermint, lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, rose, chamomile, ylang-ylang, tea tree, jasmine and lemon. These essential oils are believed to improve wellness and happiness – and may therefore,
Aromatherapy is mainly used to promote relaxation and help relieve stress. According to the Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. This helps to transmit impulses to the part of the brain which controls memory and emotion. Therefore, depending on the type of oil, the result on the body can help promote calmness and relaxation.
In this article, we will explore 5 reasons why aromatherapy massage can help your everyday hassles and discomforts.
1. It can help boost your mood.
Essential oils such as wild orange, lime and essential oils with a fresh citrus scent are known to help uplift one’s moods, particularly helping those who suffer from mild depression.
According to an article published by the Therapy Directory, to reap an all-day benefit of creating an uplifting and perky environment, it is recommended that you apply essential oils to your wrists and hands.
Oils that help regulate body temperature – such as clove or ginger to warm, or mint or lavender to cool – are best applied to the underside of your wrist. You may also massage the oils between your thumb and fingers, so that the scent remains on your hands as you move it around your face.
2. It helps with getting better sleep.
According to an article published by Healthline, one of the most effective essential oil to improve one’s sleep and relaxation is lavender.
A 2005 study conducted on 31 young, healthy sleepers showed that lavender increased the amount of slow and deep wave sleep in participants. The research also found that all participants reported feelings of “higher vigor” when they would wake up in the morning.
Lavender is best applied to the soles of your feet, wrists or palms at the beginning or end of the day to help you feel calm and relaxed.
However, you might not want to be totally dependent on lavender oil. Blending several essential oils may also be useful in making you reap the rewards of a better sleep and to improve your overall life quality.
According to an article published by TheSleepDoctor.com, a study was conducted in 2017 to research the effects of aromatherapy and acupressure massage on sleep quality and overall quality of life in women. Researchers found that a blend of sleep-promoting essential oils worked more effectively to improve both sleep quality and quality of life than acupressure. The blended oil was also more effective at improving sleep than single essential oil, lavender.
3. It helps with stress relief and anxiety.
Using essential oils can help combat high stress levels and anxiety. A previous study conducted by researchers showed that aromatherapy was more useful in lowering stress levels in people than those who didn’t undergo aromatherapy during a stressful situation.
Some of the most significant essential oils used to reduce stress levels are lavender, ylang ylang and jasmine. Meanwhile, rosemary and basil are thought to promote mental clarity.
To reap the rewards of lower stress levels and anxiety, it is best to apply essential oils on the back of your neck. This helps to rejuvenate your body into alignment and refocus your mind.
With regards to anxiety, many people with cancer turn to aromatherapy to complement conventional therapy (according to Cancer Research UK). It has a positive effect on patients in making them more cheerful and it helps to reduce the pain and anxiety with coming to terms with their newly diagnosed condition. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also suggests that aromatherapy may help to treat feelings of agitation for those suffering from dementia. It may also support well-being, reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
4. It can help with tension headaches and migraines.
Aromatherapy massages are helpful to relieve tension headaches and migraines as helps remove tension in the back and shoulders that contributes to these headaches.
Scents such as peppermint, clary sage and lavender are known for helping to reduce pain. It may be applied during aromatherapy massages.
Alternatively, If you are suffering from a headache, a blend of lavender, chamomile and peppermint may be applied to your temples to help reduce the effects.
5. It can ease symptoms of colds and flu.
Essential oils such as menthol and eucalyptus oil oils may help to clear blocked airways when inhaled, making it easier to ease congestion and improve symptoms of cold and flu. You may also add a few drops of the aforementioned oils to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
Risks of aromatherapy
People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor. These illnesses and conditions include:
- Lung conditions such as asthma, respiratory allergies.
- Skin allergies
- Pregnancy
