Emotions and Aromatherapy
Essential Oils Provide Healing and Balance
Aromatic essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, wood and roots have long been a source of healing since ancient times, aiding in relaxation, circulation and wound healing. However, the use of these medicinal oils declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. In 1928, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse revived the use of essential oils and developed the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from botanicals to balance and harmonize the health of body, mind and spirit.
Because of aromatherapy's affect on emotional health, many massage therapists and bodywork practitioners incorporate this noninvasive treatment into their practices. Dispensers or diffusers filled with aromatic essences may be used to scent the massage room, and specific essential oils are used on the client's skin during the massage. Because each oil has unique characteristics and benefits, the choice of oil or oils can be customized to the client's needs and emotional state. Whether inhaled or applied topically, aromatherapy requires an understanding of how each essential oil interacts with the body, as well as the mind.
The emotions listed below can be gently eased by one or a combination of the following essential oils:
Stress: bergamot, frankincense, geranium, lavender, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang.
Anxiety: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, Roman chamomile, rose, sandalwood.
Fatigue & Burnout: basil, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood.
Anger: jasmine, neroli, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, Roman chamomile, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang.
-ABMP (Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals)
EXTRA NOTE: At Healthy Balance Massage, I often add therapeutic grade essential oils to your massage so we can help you reach your goals. I use undiluted essential oils directly on your sore muscles, and mixed into the massage lotion. Blended essential oil preparations are for sale for take-home use in the bath, by steam inhalation or by applying directly onto your body. The amazing and effective Raindrop Technique is also available to you.
