Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in skin and body care. Aromatherapy and massage movements combine in an aromatherapy massage. Relaxation and healing are among the benefits of an aromatherapy massage, accoeding to MassageTherapy.com. The inclusion of essential oils with massage techniques requires additional training for the massage therapist. The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that "scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in the body during a massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how."
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which are extracted from herbs, and dates back thousands of years to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In 1928, the French chemist Gattefosse' coined the term aromatherapy and published "Gattefosse's Aromatherapy," a book on the medicinal use of essential oils. During an aromatherapy massage, certain essential oils are blended into the massage oil and used in diffusers to fill the room with the scents of essential oils. Massage therapists and aromatherapists select essential oils for their unique characteristics and effects.
Massage Movements
An aromatherapy massage involves calming techniques performed to relax the muscles and nervous system. The movements for the relaxation massage are similar to Swedish techniques and include gliding and kneading strokes with gentle pressure. The long, flowing movements are directed toward the heart. In addition, the therapist can use pressure point techniques to release areas of localized muscle tension. An aromatherapy massage can be a full-body treatment or may focus on areas of muscle stress on the neck and back.
Benefits
In aromatherapy theory, the essential oils provide a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. Therapists use cedar oil for "calming, protective and grounding" effects, Roman chamomile oil for "antidepressive, restorative and sedative" properties, and clary sage oil for "relaxing and euphoric" effects. According to MassageTherapy.com, benefits of an aromatherapy massage include aiding relaxation, improving circulation and helping the healing of physical and emotional wounds.There is not enough scientific evidence to conclude the specific health benefits of an aromatherapy massage.
Training
According to the Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, although aromatherapy is not a regulated profession, "most qualified aromatherapists incorporate their aromatherapy training with another training they are licensed in," and "any topical application of essential oils would require one to have a professional license ie; massage therapy." Massage therapy schools recognized by the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork offer studies ranging from six hour introductory courses to professional, 240 hour aromatherapy programs.
Medical Considerations
According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is performed by a properly trained therapist and if appropriate cautions are followed." It also says, "Massage should not be performed on any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones or where there has been a recent surgery." Discuss massage therapy and aromatherapy with your health care provider.
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