Derek Barel, NCBTMB LMT
NCBTMB LMT since 2014, ABMP Member since 2013
Aromatherapy
from the AIAM, American Institute of Alternative Medicine:
Aromatherapy massage differs from Swedish massage in a variety of subtle ways. It is important to note that while the Swedish technique primarily focuses on treating the physical and partly on the psychological, aromatherapy is the opposite. Aromatherapy massage aims to address specific emotional concerns intended to relax, detoxify, or invigorate the individual. It does so by using essential oils – such as lavender, bergamot, and grapefruit – to enhance the massaging experience to a therapeutic one.
As a holistic approach, aromatherapy massage is used for:
- Addressing anxiety, insomnia, or stress-related conditions
- Promoting relaxation, improving mood, and reducing headaches
- Enhancing skin health by hydrating and soothing it through essential oils
- Relaxing the muscles and supporting the immune system
This information can be found at the AIAM website, the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, for further information visit:
https://www.aiam.edu/massage-therapy/what-is-a-swedish-massage/
from John Hopkins research:
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. When inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.
Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. A massage therapist might add a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles during a rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create a soothing soak.
The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from pure essential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. And because there's no regulation, the label may not even list everything that's in the bottle you're buying. That's why essential oils should not be ingested.
Johns Hopkins also advises against using essential oil diffusers, small household appliances that create scented vapor. Diffusion in a public area or household with multiple members can affect people differently. For example, peppermint is often recommended for headaches. But if you use it around a child who's less than 30 months old, the child can become agitated. It could have a negative effect. Additionally, someone with fast heartbeat can react adversely to peppermint.
This information can be found at the John Hopkins website, for further information visit: