Massage is essential for the human body. It is not only a powerful therapy for recovery from tension, fatigue or injury, it is also a powerful therapeutic tool to nurture and heal the body. It is preventative therapy, valuable in keeping people healthy. The therapeutic power of touch combined with the healing and balancing properties of essential oils is by far the most effective method to use essential oils. The therapeutic use of essential oils and massage can affect all the systems of the body - in particular the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems.
Self-massage significantly improved symptoms and wellbeing in people with lymphedema. It also slightly, but not significantly reduced limb volume. However, carefully chosen aromatherapy oils did not appear to be more effective than massage without aromatherapy oils.
Most massage therapists will request a new client to provide some intake information, relating to their current physical state, and any illnesses or injuries that may affect the massage. Practitioners of aromatherapy massage will generally have a longer list of questions and areas of discussion. A holistic practitioner will consider the client as a "whole", body, mind and spirit. They will generally help the client to consider what factors in their lives may be affecting them. For example, someone who suffers from insomnia may have family worries, stresses at work, indigestion, or simply a noisy environment, any or all of which could affect their sleep patterns.
This helps is alleviating stress and speeding up healing. These essential oils also have cosmetic properties and can be used in skincare and hair care products. Many of these oils have known anti-viral, antifungal and antiseptic properties. They are also used in household products for cleaning and antiseptic uses.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils distilled from plants to promote a well balanced and healthy lifestyle. Massage, bathing, vaporisation and inhalation are the usual methods of use. Essential oils are used by Aromatherapists generally in the process of massage. Essential oils are blended with a carrier oil to create a mixture which can be used directly on the body. The blend will depend of the clients needs and condition Often their use is also recommended for bathing and burning in a water solution over a candle to clean and purify the air and to effect improvements in a persons breathing and general well being.
Aromatherapy should not be confused with fragrances or perfume oils. Fragrances are often made from chemicals, and lack the therapuetic properties of essential oils. So remember, just because someone lights a scented candle doesn't make it aromatherapy!
What better way to gain relief from stress and muscle pains than to soak yourself in a hot bath with aromatherapy oils or grains. The relaxing properties of hot water complement the effects of well-chosen essential oils and provide a wonderfully synergistic combination. Choose 5-7 drops of essential oil to 1-ounce carrier oil. Add this blend to running bath water and mix well before getting into the tub. Be sure to read the safety precautions for the chosen essential oils. You can choose from various bath salts to suit your body requirements.
There is no scientific evidence to prove that aromatherapy can cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer. But there are a few studies to suggest that aromatherapy may be a helpful complementary therapy for people with cancer and other types of illness.
