Aromatherapy Massage And Yoga

Aromatherapy massage and yoga exercises are forms of complementary and alternative medicine practiced for health and well-being. An aromatherapy massage combines calming massage movements with an aromatherapy treatment. Yoga is a mind-body practice involving physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Because scientific evidence on these practices is limited, the effectiveness for treating specific health conditions cannot be concluded.

Aromatherapy Massage

An aromatherapy massage involves both the manipulation of soft tissues and the use of essential oils. According to MassageTherapy.com, the use of essential oils, or herbal extracts, in healing practices dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. During an aromatherapy massage, Swedish massage techniques, such as gliding and kneading, are the primary movements. Additionally, the massage therapist blends essential oils into his massage oil, and diffusers fill the massage room with the scent of the oils.

Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

The benefits of massage and the advantages of essential oils may be present in an aromatherapy massage. The Mayo Clinic website reports that "some studies have found massage helpful for stress relief, managing anxiety and depression, pain, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth, sports-related injuries, boosting immunity and cancer treatment." According to MassageTherapy.com, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation and help the healing of physical and emotional wounds. More research is necessary to determine the health benefits of an aromatherapy massage.

Yoga

Hatha yoga, Raja yoga and Karma yoga are among the major forms of yoga practices. Hatha yoga is the most common form of yoga practiced in the United States and emphasizes postures and breathing techniques. Raja yoga combines meditation and study with postures and breathing exercises. During Karma yoga practice, "all movement, all work of any kind is done with the mind centered on a personal concept of God," reports the American Yoga Association.

Benefits of Yoga

People practice yoga for a variety of health conditions and to achieve fitness and relaxation. "Yoga increases flexibility, improves muscle tone and is helpful in the reduction of stress," indicates MassageTherapy.com. The American Yoga Association includes addictions, neck and back pain, chronic fatigue, insomnia and weight management among the conditions yoga may be helpful for. Due to limited studies on yoga, the effectiveness of yoga to treat specific health conditions has not been concluded.

Medical Considerations

"Discuss massage therapy with your doctor first in cases of unexplained pain or other symptoms, burns or open wounds, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis and pregnancy," advises the Mayo Clinic website. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the side effects of massage may include temporary pain, bruising, swelling and sensitivity to massage oils. The American Yoga Association does not recommend yoga exercises for women during menstruation, pregnant women, nursing mothers or children younger than 16 years old.