So.....Aromatherapy Massage ...What is in a smell? It is a known fact that scents affect people. Passing by fragrant flowers or trees suddenly perks up the mood, or sometimes brings memories of old. Pleasant scents are captivating to our nose that we would sniff and search their source. But do you know that there is a therapy which relies in the power of scent to induce healing and relaxation? It is an alternative medicine which naturally wards away anxiety, depression, stress, headache, infection, and even sexual dysfunctions without taking any prescriptions. Aromatherapy also called as clinical aromatherapy or medical aromatherapy uses oils for this purpose. But don’t be in a hurry to splash that perfume. Fragrance or perfume oils are not the same as aromatherapy’s essential oils.

This healing practice is not something new. Historical accounts trace the use of aromatherapy by Greeks, Romans and Egyptians more than 6000 years ago. Even Hippocrates who is the Father of Medicine used aromatherapy in bathing, in massaging, and in ridding Athens of a plague. It was in 1930 when French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse ushered the birth of modern aromatherapy for therapeutic use. In World War II, French Physician Jean Valnet used the essential oils as antiseptics. And it is to Madame Marguerite Maury’s credit that aromatherapy is regarded as a holistic therapy.

How can our sense of smell produce healing benefits? Many scientific studies show that stimuli which enter our nostrils go directly uncensored to the limbic system, that part of the brain responsible for arousing emotion and memory. Particular smell would lead the limbic system to produce particular feelings. Pleasant scents are found to create positive emotional states while offensive smell produces negative emotional reactions. When a person’s feelings are altered then you can expect positive reactions and behaviour to follow.

To create your own oil the following substances will be necessary: essential oils which are also known as fragrant oils and are extracted from plants; absolutes which are fragrant oils extracted primarily from flowers or delicate plant tissues using solvent or supercritical fluid extraction; Phytoncides which are volatile organic compounds with antibacterial function; herbal distillates or hydrosols which come from herbs that make herbal distillates and are used in the kitchen and in medical and skin care; Infusions which are aqueous extracts of various plant materials; and carrier oils which are use to dilute the essential oils, particularly for skin care.

There are several ways of using aroma oils.  One, it can be used through aerial diffusion. Pretty much like air freshener, you can let fragrant molecules of a scented candle or aroma-filled potpourri diffuse in the room while breathing them in. Two, in case of colds and respiratory infection, you may benefit from direct inhalation of oils or ointments with powerful decongesting actions. And three, for overall body massage, babble bath or therapeutic skin care you may topically apply healing lotions or oils.

Many botanical and herbal oils are categorized according to their pharmacological actions. Known as antibacterial are Rosemary, Clove, Lime, Cinnamon and Tea Tree Oil. Identified as having antiviral properties are tea, tree oil, lemongrass, sandalwood, peppermint, ginger, thyme and hyssop. With antifungal properties are Lavender, Thyme, clove, Juniper and Tea Tree Oil. For anti-inflammatory aid, known to be effective are Clove, Cinnamon, Sage, Eucalyptus, Black Cumin and Bay Leaf. Anxiolytic oil includes Lavender, Rose and Angelica. Known as  Antispasmotic (Spasmolytic) are Catnip, Lavender and Tea tree oil. Other oils are associated with improving states of emotion. Known for their calming effects are Chamomile, Lavender and Geranium; For uplifting one’s mood, Ylang-ylang, Clare Sage, Rose and Neroli are highly used; For energizing and cleansing  Rosemary is primarily preferred; For decongesting, Eucalyptus, Pine tree and Tea tree offer instant relief. For Insomnia and Postpartum Discomforts, Lavender is known to help; For male impotence and other sexual dysfunction, the choices are Licorice, Lavender, Cola, Oriental Spice and Vanilla. 

Aromatherapy massage is certainly a good treatment for wide array of medical and psychological conditions and it also enhances the cognitive functioning of the individual. Can’t wait to try its benefits? Why not grab an aromatherapy recipe and start the exciting process of concocting your own wonder oil!