What is aromatherapy?
According to https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) as a complementary health approach. The essential oils are most often used by inhaling them or applying a diluted form to the skin.”
During the massage, essential oils are combined with a neutral medium such as oil, lotion, or cream to provide additional benefits. Here at Zen Is In The Name, we mix the oil with Bon Vital unscented, hypoallergenic cream. We also place our hands with a few drops of the oil under the face rest when you are face down and above your face when you are face up while asking you to take three deep breaths for you to inhale the oil as well. The reason we do both is so you may receive the full effect of the oils themselves. Every oil has different results, which can, in turn, help you achieve your goals more efficiently.
For more information on several of the oils, follow this link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
Benefits include:
- Reduction in anxiety
- Better quality sleep
- Lowered blood pressure
- Reducing nausea
- Reducing insomnia
- Helping with low appetite
- Dry Mouth
- Pain reduction
- Reducing headaches
- Assistance with respiratory problems (especially those associated with allergies)
- Reducing Indigestion
Studies on the benefits of aromatherapy can be found here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3588400/ – Effects of Aromatherapy on the Anxiety, Vital Signs, and Sleep Quality of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients in Intensive Care Units
https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/12/04/lyme-disease-treatment-essential-oils/ – Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ncicdr0000458089 – Aromatherapy With Essential Oils (PDQ®): Integrative, alternative, and complementary therapies – Patient Information [NCI]
Does aromatherapy have side effects?
The most common side effect is allergic reactions. Often time this is due to the oil not being diluted correctly. However, even diluted correctly, you should always patch test oil on a small body area, such as the forearm, before having it applied during a massage or in any other treatment.
According to https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
“A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions to certain essential oils. You’re more likely to have a bad response if you have atopic dermatitis or a history of reactions to topical products. Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are more likely to be problematic, including:
- Oregano oil
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Jasmine oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
- Chamomile oil
- Bergamot oil”
Contraindications for aromatherapy
With conditions such as pregnancy, epilepsy, high blood pressure, sensitive skin, hypoglycemia, and asthma, one should approach the use of essential oils with caution. In some cases, avoid it altogether
Certain oils should never be used due to these oils’ potential to be poisonous and even deadly. While we have a large variety of oils, you will never see these oils in our collection.
• Rue
• Common Sage
• Wormwood
• Wintergreen
• Sassafras
• Tansy
• Bitter Almond
• Red Thyme
• Savory
• Blood
• Broom
• Madwort
• Pennyroyal
• Onion
• Mustard
• Oregano
• White Thyme
• Chervil
• Horse Radish
• Bitter Fennel
For more information on what oils are contraindicated for specific ailments, follow this link: https://www.iphm.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-contraindications/
As you can see, aromatherapy has many benefits beyond just providing a pleasant scent to your massage. It’s also not for everyone; please do your research on all oils and never ingest them orally. Check out my video here for an example of why oral consumption of essential oils is a bad idea.
If you wish to add aromatherapy to your next mobile massage with Zen Is In The Name, text 480-359-7452.
