Massage oils date back to the time of Plato and Socrates. Oils are even mentioned in the Old Testament. Chinese massage treatment has been around for over 4,000 years and is still part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern massage uses a variety of oils that benefit the massage client. Oils induce relaxation; soothe body tissues, muscles and joints; and facilitate the movement of the hands on the skin.
Relaxation
Essential oils massaged into the skin promote healing and relaxation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oils used in aromatherapy are believed to have an effect on the part of the brain that stores memory and emotions. This affects mood and enhances calmness. Lavender massage oil has a sedative effect.
Healing
Essential massage oils used in aromatherapy boost the immune system's ability to fight off infections, according to the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Different oils are used to treat different conditions ranging from anxiety to nausea. Some healing massage oils are lavender, ylang ylang and sandalwood. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center hosts a monthly aromatherapy class to teach cancer patients and care givers the benefits and methods of using massage oils for healing and stress reduction.
An evidence-based study of complementary alternative medicine at the National Institutes of Health showed that massage oils could be beneficial in disease states. The oils used in the study included sweet almond, lavender oil, cypress oil and sweet marjoram oil.
Hair Regrowth
Massage oils containing lavender oil can be used as a scalp treatment. Lavender oils combined with other herbs may help hair loss. A study by the Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, in Scotland, concluded that oils were a safe and effective treatment for hair loss, alopecia areata. Eighty-six people with hair loss were studied, with half massaging a mixture of thyme, rosemary, lavender, cedarwood, jojoba and grapeseed into their scalp every day. After seven months, 44 percent showed significant hair regrowth.
Skin Benefits
Lavender oil is a common treatment for skin wounds and fungal infections. The antifungal activity of lavender oil stops germ formation, fungal growth and the spread of infection, according to a study by the Department of Public Health in Rome, Italy.
A study of eight children with eczema showed possible benefits for treating the skin disease when they massaged essential oils onto their skin. The study results declined on the third trial, indicating a need for further studies, according to the National Institutes of Health.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Massage
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: M.D. Anderson Teaches the Art of Aromatherapy to Soothe and Heal
- British Medical Journal: Massage Therapies
- National Cancer Institute: Questions and Answers About Aromatherapy
- National Institutes of Health: Immunological and Psychological Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
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