Relaxing With Massage Therapy

This week's topic is massage therapy. It might be surprising for some, but many individuals like to get massages for many reasons. Massages could help individuals be less stressed and more relaxed. 

Image from Massage Magazine

Kristeen Cherney mentioned in her Healthline article that the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) found in their 2019 report that "nearly 7% of U.S. adults use massage therapy on a regular basis." That percentage might be higher now because I know a few individuals who routinely get massages to help with health conditions or to be more relaxed. 

What is massage therapy?

As the name suggests, therapists rub certain body parts to ease any discomfort you may experience or to loosen tense muscles due to stress. Whatever the case may be, massage therapists are there to eliminate these issues. 

To further resolve these issues, massage therapists have incorporated essential oils. Doing this has led to many benefits. 

Massage therapy has been shown to reduce physical aches. However, including essential oils will improve the client's mood, as noted by Cherney. 

Image from Freepik

In the previous blog post, I talked about a few studies that showed the relationship between smelling essential oils and boosting an individual's mood. Therefore, studies have shown that including essential oils in your routine can boost your mood and impact you in other ways. 

A. Rothstein explained in their Minnesota School of Cosmetology article that the skin absorbs essential oils and makes the skin appear plump. Rothstein also indicated that the aroma provides individuals with mental stimulation. 

Massage Therapy's Potential Risks:

Individuals sensitive to scents should be cautious when engaging in different aromatherapies because they can get an allergic reaction. I would describe this aromatherapy as more delicate since it involves your skin. That is why individuals need to be careful when using this therapy. 

If an individual has skin sensitivity, they can dilute essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. Then see if their skin reacts the same way. If it does, the individual should refrain from using massage therapy because their skin will negatively react to it. 

Another risk involves citrus essential oil. Individuals using citrus on the skin should avoid the sun and tanning because this oil makes the skin sensitive and can cause skin discoloration. After the massage, they should shower to remove the oils from their skin. 

Useful Essential Oils: 

• Lavender is great for promoting better sleep, decreasing pain, and helping clients feel more relaxed. 
• Eucalyptus contains antiviral and antibacterial properties, which are beneficial for those sick or experiencing pain in their muscles, as described by Rothstein. It helps ease congested sinuses. 
• Peppermint is a refreshing scent. When applied to the skin, it can create a tingly feeling, helping to soothe any pain the client is experiencing, like migraines, headaches, and sore muscles. 
• Grapefruit helps to balance mood swings and can improve the mood of those suffering from depression. This oil has an elevating and refreshing scent. 
• Rose can make the skin look plump and more vibrant if your skin is appearing dull.  

  

  Image from Dreamstime

  
  

Wendy Scott, who uses massage therapy, shared having a positive experience. She indicated that this therapy was relaxing and helps loosen her muscles. Sometimes she suffers from back pain due to work; however, massages with essential oils ease that pain. 

Just like Scott, other individuals have had positive firsthand experiences. However, not every individual who tries massage therapy with essential oils has the same experience. Individuals should know if they are sensitive to scents and which scents. 

Listen to your body; it will let you know if it is relaxed or stressed while smelling different scents.