Essential Oils and Medicated Oils in Massage Therapy

One of the great things about receiving a massage is its ability to bring us into the present moment. Through the experience of receiving touch and with the help of aromatherapy, we are brought into an awareness of our mind and body. Jade Shutes said, "Aromatherapy is essentially an interaction between the therapist, client and essential oils, working together to bring forth the healing energy which will help the client regain their sense of well being and vitality.” Aromatherapy supporters highlight the connection between our sense of smell and the limbic system of the brain as the basis for the effects of essential oils on mood and emotions. The limbic system is involved in storing memories, forming emotions, and olfaction or the sense of smell. What is interesting about our sense of smell is that it is the only sense that is processed immediately, as the receptor neurons in the nose which receive the odor stimuli are actually nerves. Specialized sensory cells, called olfactory sensory neurons, are found high inside the nose and connect directly to the brain. In scientific studies, conclusions report that aromatherapy is especially useful for people with anxiety symptoms (Lee, Wu, Tsang, Leung, Cheung 2011). Lavender and Rosemary essential oils together were found to reduce levels of anxiety as shown in pulse rates (McCaffrey, Thomas, and Kinzelman 2009). Essential oils also offer benefits when taken topically, but it is always recommended to dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. A study found that lavender essential oil in particular is more effective than iodine in wound care (Vakilian, Atarha, Bekhradi, Chaman 2010). A combination of tea tree oil and lavender oil was shown to be effective for treatment of headlice (Barker, Altma 2011). Research shows that there are different efficacies of essential oils for different symptoms. Since the FDA does not regulate aromatherapy or essential oil use, it is important to work with a practitioner who understands their clinical applications.
Massage has been documented as a way of keeping joints and muscles healthy through manual techniques like friction and kneading. An element of many massage therapy modalities is the topical application of oil to facilitate these techniques. In Ayurvedic body therapies, topical oil application, called oleation, is an integral part of any treatment and is itself a benefit of the treatment. Oils are medicated with herbs to both relieve existing symptoms and to help the body rejuvenate. In Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic massage, we use oils that are first warmed up so that they do not have a startling effect when applied. We make our own oils at Ambika Massage and infuse with herbs that are known to allay muscle trauma or bruises or to increase circulation, such as arnica, comfrey, and lemon balm. Shirodhara uses a blend of oils over the forehead and scalp to relax the nervous system. Udvartana, an herbal scrub, uses herbs medicinally to increase circulation, move lymphatic fluid, and to soothe the skin. Swedana, a steam treatment, helps the medicated oils penetrate into deeper tissues of the body where they can be integrated into the body’s systems and organs. At Ambika Massage, we also use castor oils packs placed over the body to treat conditions in the underlying organs, specifically over the abdomen for digestive or uterine problems, and over chest for respiratory problems. The Edgar Cayce readings recommend castor oil packs to improve assimilation, elimination and circulation (especially of the lymphatic system).
It is always important to inform your practitioner of health conditions as well as other pharmaceuticals or prescription drugs you are taking, as these may interact with the essential oils or herbs. At Ambika Massage, we formulate our own massage oil blends to meet the needs of individual clients. We infuse our oils with therapeutic herbs like turmeric, arnica, and comfrey and use castor oil in all of our blends. Also included in each session is aromatherapy, either through a diffuser or topically as needed. Our goal is to provide complete nourishment to the mind and body through holistic massage practices.
Erica Ragusa is a yoga instructor, Ayurvedic treatment specialist, and certified massage therapist. She is the owner of Ambika Healing Massage in Breckenridge. Contact her at 970-368-3270 or visit ambika.massagetherapy.com.