Aromatherapy Massage Definition

Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment that has many methods of delivery, massage being a popular medium. Aromatherapy is the holistic practice of using aromatic essential oils to evoke pleasurable moods and feelings. When applied to the skin during the course of massage, aromatherapy practitioners take great care to dilute the essential oils to avoid unpleasant skin reactions.

Aromatherapy

The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy defines aromatherapy as the "art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." The tools of aromatherapists are essential oils derived from botanicals such as lavender, geranium, bergamot, rosemary and orange blossom, each of which has a unique chemical makeup that defines its aroma. One of the most prominent theories behind how aromatherapy works is that when you smell an essential oil, the limbic system of your brain causes you to experience a certain mood or feeling, explains the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a treatment that pairs rubbing and kneading of the soft tissues with pleasantly-scented essential oils for purposes of relaxation and general well-being. Essential oils are never applied directly to the skin; rather, they are diluted with a carrier oil. According to aromatherapist David Crow, essential oils are roughly 70 times stronger than the entire plant from which they were derived. When used for purposes of massage, a dilution of between 2 percent and 10 percent is used, with 2.5 percent generally recommended for adults.

Evidence

Aromatherapy massage may be of benefit to people suffering from depression, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), by eliciting emotions that are associated with a pleasant memory or feeling. If you believe that aromatherapy massage works, this also influences its efficacy. A study published in the March-April 2006 issue of the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health by the University of Tokyo indicates that aromatherapy massage may improve the mental and physical status of postpartum women to better allow them to bond with their newborns. However, clinical trials assessing the efficacy of aromatherapy in cancer patients have yielded conflicting reports, the NCI says.

Cautions

Aromatherapy massage generally poses no risk to healthy individuals when used appropriately, the NCI says. Risks may include allergic reactions or skin irritation in both patient and aromatherapist. Sun sensitivity is associated with the application of citrus oils. Lavender and tea tree oils, when applied topically, may have hormone-like effects, decreasing the effect of male sex hormones, cautions the NCI, which goes on to note that a study of these oils was linked to breast enlargement in pre-pubescent boys. Crow cautions practitioners against the use of essential oils on babies, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals and people with serious medical conditions unless their medical knowledge is sufficiently advanced.

Considerations

Essential oils are treated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Stephen Barrett of the National Council Against Health Fraud says cosmetics are defined as "articles to be introduced into or otherwise applied to the body to cleanse, beautify, promote attractiveness or alter appearance." Essential oils and aromatherapy massage cannot claim to treat or cure any specific health condition. Talk to your physician before you include aromatherapy as a complementary treatment to address your health concerns.