Benefits of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy massage is when essential oils added to the massage oil or lotion used during your massage session. One of the most important elements of aromatherapy is the ability to combine one or more essential oils to create the combination that will be more powerful and effective than using just one oil. There are probably as many uses for aromatherapy as there are essential oils, but research shows promise in the following: 

· ability to reduce anxiety and stress

· ease depression

· stabilizing your mood

· boost energy levels

· speed up the healing process

· eliminate headaches

· nausea relief

· boost cognitive performance and memory

· induce and improve sleep

· strengthen the immune system

· reduce pain

· improve digestion

· increase circulation

As a stimulant, many essential oils can help increase the rate of healing throughout the body. This is due to increased oxygen and blood flow to wounds as well as more internal healing processes like those following a surgery or illness. The anti-microbial properties of some essential oils also keep the body protected during the delicate healing stages of the body. A few of the most popular essential oils for speeding up the healing process of the body include lavender, rose hip, frankincense, tea tree, rosemary, and ylang ylang essential oils. Some of these same oils do more than heal wounds; they can also reduce the severity and discomfort from skin conditions.

Aromatherapy massage is a combination of a massage with essential oils added to the massage oil. It will provide benefits for both your mind and body.  During the massage session, you inhale the essential oil and absorb it through your skin. There are many reasons why you should incorporate aromatherapy with your massage session here are just a few of the benefits:

• Reduce anxiety levels

• Ease depression

• Boost energy and memory

• Speed up the healing process

• Eliminate headaches

• Induce sleep

• Strengthen the immune system

• Reduce pain

• Improve digestion

• Increase circulation 

Each essential oil used in aromatherapy will have different properties. Some are calming, while others energize. Some of the most popular and useful essential oils listed below

Clary Sage – Uses: Antispasmodic, Relieves Cramps, Aphrodisiac, Relaxing, Relieves anxiety and stress, Labor pain management

Cypress – Uses: Astringent, Antispasmodic, Treats Respiratory Complaints, Edema, Cellulitis, Menstrual Pain, Muscle Pain

Eucalyptus- Uses: Expectorant, Decongestant, Beneficial for cold/flu season, Clearing to the mind, Energizing, Bronchitis

Fennel – Uses: Digestive, Menstrual Irregularities, Antimicrobial

Geranium – Uses: PMS, Indicated or hormonal imbalance, Antimicrobial, Nerve Pain

Ginger - Uses: Digestive, Useful to Eliminate Gas, Constipation, Relieves Nausea, Warming Emotionally and Physically, Anti-Inflammatory, Relieves Pain, Immune Modulator

Helichrysum – Uses: Cell Regenerative, Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory, Indicated for Bruises and Swelling

Lavender – Uses: Calming, reduces Anxiety, Wound Healing, Burns, Cell Regenerative, Insect Bites, Antispasmodic, Reduces Itchiness, General Skin Care, Great For Children

Lemon – Uses: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Uplifting, Anti-stress, Immune Enhancing, Great for Cleaning or Cleansing Home and Environment

Lemongrass- Uses: Cleansing, Antiviral, Insect Repellent. Use for Cleaning, Antimicrobial

Mandarin – Uses: Calming, Great for Children (can combine with Lavender), Slightly more warming citrus aroma

Neroli – Uses: Relieves and Reduces Anxiety, Antispasmodic, PMS, Antidepressant, Nourishing, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy/Delivery.

Patchouli - Uses: Antidepressant, Anti-Inflammatory, Soothes the nervous system

Peppermint – Uses: Relieves Nausea, Analgesic for Muscular Aches and Pains, Relieves and Reduces Migraines, Energizing, Antispasmodic

Roman chamomile – Uses: Antispasmodic, Menstrual cramps, Sedative, Relieves Anxiety/Stress, Insomnia, Great for children (soothing, comforting), Anti-inflammatory

Rose – Uses: The Queen of Essential Oils, Cell Regenerative, Nourishing the Emotions, Aphrodisiac, Relieves and Reduces Stress and Anxiety, PMS

Rosemary – Uses: Indicated for Respiratory Congestion, Bronchitis, Colds and Flu, Expectorant, Expands and Deepens the Breath, Energizing, Clears the Mind, Sinus Congestion, Circulatory Stimulant

Tea Tree – Uses: Supports/Enhances Immune System, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, Antiviral

Vetiver – Uses: Calming, Grounding, Astringent, Useful for Varicose Veins

Ylang Ylang – Uses: Aphrodisiac, Antispasmodic, Antidepressant, Nourishing

Aromatherapy with essential oil scented massage oils and lotions can help ease stress and anxiety and accelerate the healing and recovery process. So, go ahead and add luxury essential oils to your massage ritual!

The staff at Nirvana Asian Massage hopes to see you soon.