Massage is known to provide a number of benefits to the person receiving it, such as improved mobility, reduced stiffness, improved blood circulation, reduced stress, increased relaxation, as well as reduced pain and muscle soreness to name a few. Research shows that different kinds of massage provide slightly different benefits as the massaging technique varies in the different kinds of massage. An aromatherapy massage is also known to provide positive effects and research has been carried out to identify the clinical effects of aromatherapy massage. Let’s have a look at these effects.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is a holistic healing treatment that is considered to be an alternative treatment method. It uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being as well as promote healing. During the aromatherapy session, molecules of the essential oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin during the massage therapy session. The purpose of using these essential oils and aromas is to stimulate the immune system. Basically, the nervous system is involved during the aromatherapy session as inhalation stimulates the olfactory receptors. This, in turn, signals the brain to secrete neurotransmitters to ease any psychological problems.
It is known that plain oil massage is not as effective as aromatherapy massage due to the use of essential oils. Plain oil massage does offer benefits such as improved joint mobility, and reduction in muscle stiffness, but it does not offer the additional benefits associated with an aromatherapy massage.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are made from plant extracts, such as the flower, herb, bark, roots, peel, and petals of the plant. These oils give off fragrances based on the plant they were extracted from. The thing to understand is that not all kinds of oils made from plants are essential oils. The difference is in the specific extraction method. Some commonly used oils in aromatherapy massage include lemon, cedarwood, chamomile, lavender, as well as bergamot to name a few.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is known to be quite effective in promoting health and well-being. It works by lowering upper respiratory infections, reducing sleep disorders, nausea, vomiting, as well as pain. Aromatherapy massage is also known to provide relief from symptoms in people with cancer. Some other benefits of aromatherapy massage include reduction in anxiety and depression, as well as improved mood in people with certain illnesses. Psychological wellbeing is another benefit offered by aromatherapy massage.
Some other benefits of aromatherapy massage include reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels, improved sleep patterns, improved quality of life, ease in certain types of pains, reduction in pain and nausea, as well as a feeling of relaxation. Aromatherapy massage is known to be generally safe and free from any side effects.