To Your Health
June 2007

Aromatherapy and Massage Therapy
by Linda Hall L.M.P.

When you combine massage therapy with aromatherapy you get the perfect recipe for relaxation.

Many massage therapists use essential oils in their massages. As a massage therapist, we of course have to be mindful of allergies and personal tastes.

Aromatherapy was used in Greece and in Asia as well as Europe throughout history and into modern day. The history of aromatherapy dates back as early as 3000 B.C. when the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians drenched themselves with different scents on parts of their bodies daily. Even foods were scented. Fragrant wreaths were used to decorate. Incense was burned in the homes, and also in the streets during festivals. There is a story that Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, had her feet rubbed with an ointment made from almonds, honey, cinnamon and orange blossoms and her hands massaged with oils of rose, saffron and violet. She even saturated the sails of her barge with floral fragrances and sat beneath a canopy of fragrant roses to meet Mark Anthony.

Some of the essential oils that I incorporate into an aromatherapy massage session are Lavender, Eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary. I have had massages from other massage therapists who use many other combinations. The possibilities are endless and fun.

You can even use essential oils in your home and baths for relaxation.

Lavender: has a calming, soothing, sedative, balancing effect. Lavender can help reduce stress, postoperative pain, rheumatic conditions, insomnia, headaches, anxiety and depression.

Eucalyptus: aids in breathing and opening the sinuses. It is mood uplifting, improves mental clarity and alertness, relieves aching and sore muscles, while lessening pain. It also aids in circulation. Eucalyptus can have a cooling and stimulating effect on both mind and body.

Lemongrass: revitalizes the body and relieves the symptoms of jetlag and headaches, helps with nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions. It is a great overall tonic for the body and helps boost the parasympathetic nervous system. It can help when recovering from illness, as it also stimulates glandular secretions. Lemongrass oil helps tone the muscles and tissue, relieves muscle pains by making the muscles more supple. It helps with correcting poor circulation.

Peppermint: opens the sinuses and breathing passages. It is mood uplifting, refreshing, reviving and improves mental clarity, alertness, memory and the ability to concentrate. In massage we use it to relieve pain and inflammation. It's great for sore, tired feet! Rosemary: a natural anti-oxidant, refreshing, stimulating, decongestant and antispasmodic. Works well for massage for poor circulation, Rheumatism and water retention. (Not for pregnant women or high blood pressure of epilepsy).

Studying aromatherapy and its uses is fun. You can use it in many different ways to add fragrance and relaxation to your life. You can find books on aromatherapy and many of the essential oils available in local health stores. If you don't have time to read about the oils, you can even find blends labeled specifically for relaxation, sleep, energizer, etc., all made up and ready to use. Remember have fun and relax, relax and relax!

Linda Hall is a Licensed Massage Practitioner whose practice, Alternative Pathways to Health, is located at the Colville Naturopathic Clinic, 234 N. Oak in Colville. For more information, call 684-1104. (This article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you're ill please consult your physician.)

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