There are many forms and types of massages, but aromatherapy is the most common for people who go to spas to be treated, spoiled and feel relaxed. It has the goal of relaxing people for reasons that include excessive stress, anxiety or other related symptoms. The relaxation massage consists of a smooth and flowing style that encompasses different hand movements and pressures, depending on what the person can handle or find relaxing.
The primary goal of a relaxation massage is not just to relax the person getting the massage, but also to promote general comfort and decrease general tensions in the body. It is meant to work on a physical and mental level. It is a highly popular form of relaxation for those with emotional stress or anxiety, because it is believed that soothing massage can help release endorphins and serotonin into the blood stream.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy is a massage treatment that is done with plant oils that give off a strong scent. This combination results in a relaxing massage while inhaling a pleasant aroma, which has the goal of promoting relaxation in the body and the mind. The aromas also help promote a sense of well being and overall healing.
The oils used during an aromatherapy treatment should not be confused with fragrances or perfume oils. Fragrances are often produced with chemicals, which should not be used for relaxation. Rather, the therapeutic elements of essential oils can only be found in massage oils. These oils are often mixed with carrier oils, like sweet almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed oils. They are concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers. Usage of the oils during a massage treatment affects all of the systems in the body, particularly the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (which is the immune system) and the nervous system.
Aromatherapy as Treatment
This type of massage is suitable for people who have acute or chronic conditions – particularly stress or anxiety, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, menopause or menstrual issues, physical or sport related injuries, prevention or maintenance therapy, skin conditions and sleeping disorders. It can also be beneficial for more common conditions, including colds and flu symptoms, headaches or slowed metabolism.
A relaxation massage does much more than simply relaxing the mind and the body of the person doing it. It also helps increase the blood flow in the body, which accelerates the healing process. This is done without putting additional strain on the heart, the vessels and the therapy will help stimulate the nerves that control the vessels.
Lastly, aromatherapy is often used to treat cardiovascular condition and related anxiety problems. This is because it is of the belief that massage stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonins, essentially preventing fibrosis and scar tissue. The use of aromatherapy can also help stimulate the immune system, be a vital part in the treatment of depression, assist in the treatment of migraines, and insomnia.
References:
“Massage Therapy”. Harvard Men’s Health Watch. 2006. 6-7.
“What You Need to Know”. National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2007.
Calvert, R. “The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey Around the World”. Healing Arts Press. 2002.
Malene Soegaard - Malene spends her life analyzing fashion and movies. She operates two print magazines and is a published author.
