Aromatherapy and Its Advantages

The health benefits that one derives from the aroma of essential oils have been in place even during the olden times. We read from history books about the Pharaohs, queens and high priests of Egypt (the heart of civilization during that era) utilizing oils extensively in their rituals.

In this computer generation, more and more people are becoming aware of the health advantages of these oils.

Massage clinics are now incorporating oil into their massage therapies. This is because massage is the most effective way to introduce these oils into the body. This is what we call aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy makes use of the effleurage and stroking movement massages in which massage therapists employ acupressure a method of applying pressure instead of needles on the neuromuscular focal points. These oils are taken into the muscles and then into the blood stream. The oils and the accompanying massage that goes with it, is believed to create a balance in the body and therefore a state of well being.

Acupressure also called shiatsu and had originated from Japan. It is applied in the 12 meridians throughout the body. It is believed that these meridians create an undisturbed connection of one organ to another thereby creating a positive flow of energy making the person whole and healthy.

An aromatherapy massage may take from one to one and a half hours. This includes the following:

1. Back - full back massage; the pressure on the spine should be just enough. T-shaped effleurage is done. ( the pressure is applied in a t-shape pattern)

2. Back of leg and right legs and buttock - wringing and effleurage is applied.

3. the front of the right and left leg and feet kneading and effleurage

4. the abdomen circular kneading, stroking and effleurage

5. right arm stroking, sliding pressure and effleurage

6. left arm - stroking, sliding pressure and effleurage

7. scalp- slow circular movements

8. face and shoulders - kneading, effleurage, chin stroke

The back absorbs most of the aromatic oils and should be given special attention, but the other points of pressure should also be done properly. It is therefore imperative that an experienced massage therapist should perform the procedure as this employs special techniques like; sliding, wringing, effleurage, kneading, that only a well trained massage therapist could do.

Acupressure in aromatherapy is contraindicated where there is swelling, tenderness and pain and just like any other type of treatment, the family physician should be consulted first before initiating it. The therapist should make sure that the massage is not contraindicated in the person and that the person has no allergy to the oils.

Keeping healthy is a responsibility of each individual and all avenues of treatment should be explored including aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is worth looking into as more and more health professionals are branching into that field because of the increase number of persons attesting to its effectiveness.

Reference:

Goldberg, Lyn, Massage and Aromatherapy: A Practical Approach, United Kingdom