According to research done by Statistica, 25% of US adults reported cases of anxiety from May 26th to June 7th, 2021. Though the numbers could be attributed to the pandemic and mass job losses, the rate is high. But all is not lost.
Medical experts recommend seeking professional assistance to help manage and reduce the chances of suffering anxiety attacks. Some of the recommended complementary treatment is aromatherapy massage.
Some studies also claim that aromatherapy massage modality is excellent for anxiety relief, but the question is, does it work? Stay with me till the end as I unveil some of the things you need to know about Aromatherapy massage.
But before we get into the meat and potatoes, get to know the massage modality better.
What Is Aromatherapy Massage?
An aromatherapy massage is a therapeutic modality that has been used for ages to relieve pain, relax muscles and improve mood. The massage dates back 3500 years in ancient Egypt. During the massage, natural essential oils extracted from plants and have therapeutic effects are used.
Historically, essential oils have healing properties and are accepted in mainstream medicine to promote health and well-being, including managing anxiety. A study published in 2014 in the Journal of Biomedical Research International showed that 4 weeks of aromatherapy massage for older people with chronic pain effectively worked for anxiety, stress, and depression.
However, some people consider doing aromatherapy at home but end up not getting the results they wanted. Does this sound familiar? Well, you are not alone. Read on to know why it is not safe to have aromatherapy from an unlicensed therapist.
Is It Safe To Do Aromatherapy At Home?
While you may choose aromatherapy oil for use at home, it can be challenging to know which one best suits your needs. The market is flooded with different brands, which makes it a challenge to choose an authentic brand. Even though you manage to get a quality one, you will not get the same effect as if you got the massage done in a controlled setting with a trained professional.
What To Expect During Aromatherapy Massage
In most cases, an aromatherapy massage starts with an interview where your therapist asks questions about your health goals, interest, and particular symptoms. After the interview, your therapist will select a blend of oil that suits your needs.
Your therapist will request you to lie facing down. Once the therapist starts the massaging session, you will notice an essential oil aroma. When inhaled, the scent invigorates the brain, making you feel relaxed and uplifting your moods.
However, inhaling is not enough. Your therapist will have to perform a professional massage to help relieve tension, sore muscles and help relax the body.
The techniques therapists use during aromatherapy are similar to those used during a Swedish massage. Often, people go for aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, sore back, stress, sore muscles, and boost moods.
After the massage, your therapist may also suggest quality essential oil to use at home between your massage sessions. You will also need to wait for a few hours before taking a shower to give the essential oil time to be fully absorbed into your skin for maximum results.
How To Prepare For Aromatherapy Massage
To get the best out of your massage, it is highly recommended to avoid eating any meal before the session starts. Always talk to your therapist during your appointment about your health goals.
Is Aromatherapy Safe For Cancer Patients
According to National Cancer Institute (NCI), aromatherapy is a proven complementary treatment for cancer patients. Patients who had aromatherapy helped improve the quality of their life than their counterparts. However, it is highly advisable to have all sessions monitored by a professional therapist.
Is Aromatherapy Massage Safe For Pregnant Women?
Pregnancy needs care, and if you have been expectant, you may have heard many don’ts for stuff you shouldn’t eat or use. The journey is an emotional roller coaster, and managing these symptoms safely can help make the term less stressful.
Aromatherapy is one of the recommended and safest options by medical experts for expectant mothers compared to tropical applications. This means you will only require putting the essential oil in a diffuser instead of massaging it on the skin, which may not give you relief for back pains, sore muscles, and stiff back.
Getting a prenatal massage can help relieve back pain, relax the body and manage prenatal symptoms. However safe, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before having an aromatherapy massage.
Wrapping Up
An aromatherapy massage is an effective way of managing anxiety. However, to get the best out of the massage modality, you need to get a controlled session with a massage therapist. Book your aromatherapy massage plantation in FL today and restore your inner health and well-being.