Massage and aromatherapy is used as a form of complementary therapy and can help create and promote physical and emotional healing, harmony and balance when used together. Although each technique has its own key benefits, the merging of touch and smell nurtures your body, mind and spirit.
Massage
Massage is the therapeutic form of manipulating soft tissue using massage stroke techniques to promote well-being, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The use of massage in traditional Chinese medicine dates back 4,000 years. Depending on the consultation between you and the massage therapist, the therapist may use additional tools such as hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, electrical or mechanical devices, or application of an herbal or chemical preparation.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of extracted aromatic essences from plants to help harmonize balance and promote the health and well-being of a person's body, mind and spirit. The use of essential oils dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who used essential oils in cosmetics, perfumes and drugs, according to UMMC. Aromatherapy is a nontoxic, noninvasive method of treating the whole body through natural defenses that allow the body to seek balance.
Benefits
The use of massage, combined with aromatherapy, is used in the medical field, sports medicine and in therapeutic massages. In 1999, the National Cancer Institute reported "that about half of their cancer centers offered massage as an adjunctive therapy to cancer treatment." In addition, it helped decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue in cancer patients.
In a 2006 study published in Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health, researchers from the University of Tokyo reported that aromatherapy massage "might be an effective intervention for postpartum mothers to improve physical and mental status and to facilitate mother-infant interaction."
In a 2006 study published in the "Cochrane Collaboration," researchers from Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit reported "short-term benefits on psychological well being, with the effect on anxiety" only supported by limited evidence when using aromatherapy massage for symptom relief in cancer patients.
Safety
Both aromatherapy and massage therapy are generally a safe form of treatment for most individuals. Side effects reported while undergoing the combination therapy include temporary pain or discomfort, inflammation, bruising and sensitivity to the massage and/or aromatherapy oils, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
The NCCAM recommends that you refrain from massage in areas of the body with blood clots, healing wounds, skin infections, fractures or recent surgical areas. In addition, vigorous massage is not safe if you have bleeding disorders, low blood platelet counts or are taking blood-thinning medications.
Warning
Massage and/or aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment; consult with your health care provider to discuss any potential risks.
The UMMC issued these warnings on using aromatherapy oils:
Aromatherapy oils should not be consumed or used near the eyes; the oils are recommended for topical and inhalation uses only.
Oils that contain high amounts of phenols need neutralization with water or base massage oil prior to therapy to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
Essential oils are highly flammable and volatile, so keep them away from an open flame.
Member Comments