An Aroma Therapy is used for a variety of different reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood. These are also some of the basic benefits of massage therapy. Adding essential oils is thought to enhance such benefits.
What is Aroma Therapy?
Aroma Therapy is the use of essential oils for certain benefits. Examples include lavender, orange and bergamot, and eucalyptus. These “aromas” are all plant-based derivatives from herbs, tree extracts, and flowers. Essential oils are extremely concentrated so to be used correctly they should be diluted into milder oils, humidifiers, or lotions.Aroma Therapy’s overall purpose is to improve your physical and mental well-being. More consumers are testing out essential oil products than ever before by diffusing them at home or diluting them for skin usage
Aroma Therapy Uses:
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source, nearly 7 percent of U.S. adults use Aroma Therapy on a regular basis.This specific therapy consists of manipulating muscles and lymph nodes through professional pressing and rubbing techniques.Essential oils can be added to many types of massage for aromatherapy purposes.Aroma therapy has been linked to a short-term decrease in physical aches and pains and improved mood. Adding an essential oil for an aromatherapy massage can potentially enhance the effects.
For example, if you have aches and pains from depression, then adding a mood-boosting oil like orange could also make you feel better.
Does Aroma Therapy work?
Scientific research about the health effects of aromatherapy is mixed or lacking.According to the NCCIH, stimulating oils to boost mood has been found effective in some studies. Examples of these include lemon, orange, and tangerine. However, lavender, though widely considered safe, was found not to affect mood in that same study.Another study looked at the effects of chamomile and therapy for anxiety relief. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI)Trusted Source, the results showed a greater decrease in anxiety symptoms after Aroma Therapy with chamomile versus massage without aromatherapy.
Pain Aroma Therapy risks
There are generally few risks associated with an Aroma Therapy. One consideration is possible sensitivity to the essential oils used during your session. Your therapist should always dilute the oil with massage lotion or carrier oil before applying to the skin.
Tips for aromatherapy massage When signing up for an Aroma Therapy, consider the following tips to make the most of this or any type of massage session Choose an essential oil based on your needs. For example, you might choose a citrusy scent for boosting your mood, lavender for relaxation, or eucalyptus for pain management. Decide whether you want the oil diffused or applied directly to your skin during your therapy. If you have any known sensitivities to a particular oil, it’s best to steer clear and choose something else.Don’t go to your therapy on a full stomach — this could cause stomach upset during and after your session.Do drink water before and immediately after your therapy and consider having a snack.Take a warm shower after your therapy. This helps remove any oils left on your skin.Your therapist is also your first source for questions about an Aroma Therapy experience. They should be able to recommend specific essential oils and discuss what products and techniques they would use based on your needs.
Some essential oils can irritate asthma and other breathing problems.
When applied to the skin, essential oils made from citrus fruits can make the skin more vulnerable to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure after grapefruit, orange, or other citrus oil is used on your skin.Don’t be afraid to speak up during your therapy. If something doesn’t feel right, let the therapist know. You can also ask them to apply more oils and use more or less pressure at any point. Remember that this is a quiet space, so your therapist won’t want to interrupt your experience with questions — it’s up to you to speak up.
For more details on Aroma Therapy, visit Color Cafe Salon & Spa and experience the luxurious rejuvenation and relaxation offered.
