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Aromatherapy is a natural adjunct to massage and bodywork. The effects of pure essential oils have been well documented in research conducted for the cosmetic and food industries — the largest users of botanical extracts.

But the essences also work on the mind and, thus, the emotions, and have an effect on the spiritual level, as well. Massage therapists can positively affect many levels during a massage or bodywork treatment by adding essential oils to our cold pressed massage oil, or have a blend that is diffused into the air. Remember to always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin.

Some of the most commonly used essential oils and suggested blends are described below. For more information, please refer to my column, “The Aromatic Message,” in Massage Today, and to the books listed as references.

Additional oils and blends will be added on a continuing basis.

CHAMOMILE (Anthemus nobilis). Distilled from dried flowers, chamomile’s familiar apple-like scent is found in herbal teas and cosmetic products. Chamomile is used for pain, inflammation, headache, insomnia, stomach distress, skin irritation and infection, and relieves symptoms of PMS. It is an extremely calming oil in the sedative category that is useful to relieve anger.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus). Distilled from a tree indigenous to Australia, eucalyptus is a powerful decongestant. It is good for flu and sinus conditions, protection from bacterial and viral infections, and it cools the emotions and clears the mind. Use in low doses. One drop in boiling water is a powerful inhalation for congestion due to colds and flu.

GERANIUM (Pelargonium graveolens). Another scent familiar from cosmetic products, Geranium is an anti-inflammatory that assists circulation and relieves anxiety. It relieves neuralgia, stress related conditions, is helpful for both menopause and PMS, and has numerous applications for skin. Geranium is also a pleasant mosquito repellant.

GRAPEFRUIT (Citrus paradisi). Expelled from the rind of the fruit, this essence is known for having a euphoric effect. It also stimulates the lymphatic and digestive systems and relieves simple water retention. Grapefruit will ease the desire to overeat and helps in detoxification.

JUNIPER (Juniperus communis). Distilled from the berry, juniper is a powerful detoxification agent. It relieves simple water retention, overworked and overstressed muscles, and is uplifting to the spirit.

LAVENDER (Lavandula angustifolia). Often considered the one essential oil to have if you can have only one, lavender has extensive properties, including relief of pain, muscle spasm, high blood pressure, insomnia, headache, anxiety, depression, burns, colds and flu. Lavender is the principal sedative oil, but overuse can cause it to become a stimulant.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita). The refreshing, familiar aroma of peppermint is clearing to the mind and emotions. Peppermint relieves headache, muscle pain, sinus, colds and flu, painful feet, and digestive difficulty.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalus). Known as the principal stimulant, the essential oil of rosemary relieves pain, headache and promotes circulation while it assists digestion and detoxification.

BLENDS

Chamomile, geranium and grapefruit – Soothing and uplifting; helps relieve PMS.

Chamomile, lavender and grapefruit – Relieves pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Grapefruit, juniper and rosemary – Stimulates circulation and digestion; relieves jetlag.

Lavender, rosemary and juniper – An all purpose blend for pain relief and detoxification after sports massage.

Peppermint, rosemary and geranium – Relieves pain; uplifts and strengthens.

Acupressure is an ancient form of healing believed by some to be even older than acupuncture. It involves the use of the fingers (and in some cases, the toes) to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Pressing on these points relieves muscle tension, which promotes the circulation of blood and qi (pronounced “chee”) — the vital energy or “life force” — to aid in the healing process.

Acupressure and acupuncture are somewhat similar. Acupressure is sometimes referred to as “needleless acupuncture,” because both forms of healing use the same points to achieve the desired results. The main difference is that an acupuncturist stimulates points by inserting needles, whereas an acupressurist stimulates the same points using finger pressure.

Stimulating specific points on the body can trigger the release of endorphins (chemicals produced by the body that relieve pain). When endorphins are released, pain is blocked, and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. In acupressure, as with most traditional Chinese medicine concepts, local symptoms are considered an expression of the whole body’s condition.

When performed correctly, acupressure increases circulation, reduces tension and enables the body to relax. Reducing tension, in turn, strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness. However, applying acupressure too abruptly, or using too much force during treatment, can lead to bruising and discomfort. Great care should be used when applying pressure to points on or near the abdomen, groin, armpits or throat. Special care should be when treating pregnant women or those with recently-formed scars, burns, infections or skin lesions.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China some 3,500 years ago, only in the last three decades has it become popular in the United States.

Traditional Chinese medicine asserts that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by 20 pathways (12 main, 8 secondary) called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), between the surface of the body and its internal organs. Each point has a different effect on the qi that passes through it. Qi is believed to help regulate balance in the body. It is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang, which represent positive and negative energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to keep the balance between yin and yang, thus allowing for the normal flow of qi throughout the body and restoring health to the mind and body.

Several theories have been presented as to exactly how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various “gates” to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or are located near) neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic-like substances called endorphins, which reduce pain. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances called opiods may be released into the body during acupuncture treatment.

Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, and they are not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than a half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of pain as the needles are inserted. Some people reportedly feel a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed. If you experience significant pain from the needles, it may be a sign that the procedure is being done improperly.

Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4^th century B.C.: “The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing.”

Now days, in addition to “rubbing,” massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client:

Physical and Mental Benefits

• relaxes the whole body
• loosens tight muscles
• relieves tired and aching muscles
• increases flexibility and range of motion
• diminishes chronic pain
• calms the nervous system
• lowers blood pressure
• lowers heart rate
• enhances skin tone
• assists in recovery from injuries and illness
• strengthens the immune system
• reduces tension headaches
• reduces mental stress
• improves concentration
• promotes restful sleep
• aids in mental relaxation

Currently, there are well over 100,000 massage therapists practicing in the United States alone. Training requirements vary from state to state, although an increasing number of schools and states recommend massage therapy programs of at least 500 hours training. As of March 2004, 33 states and the District of Columbia have official massage licensing regulations, and other states are pending.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.