WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE? OILS, BENEFITS, RISKS, AND MORE

Aromatherapy refers to contentious therapies that make use of essential oils and extra plant compounds. However, a range of essential oil has been discovered to have several antimicrobial activities. They are also believed to contain antiviral and antifungal properties. Some examples of aromatherapy applications are massage, topical applications, and inhalation. Generally, users should be knowledgeable that most natural products are made with chemicals and can be dangerous when used in an unintended way. It's mainly crucial to follow the guidance of a  professional when using these essential oils to avoid doing the wrong thing. During aromatherapy massage, both of you inhale these essential oils molecules and absorb them into the skin giving you relaxation and mindfulness.

Using Aromatherapy

Ali et al. (2015) explained that aroma therapy is mainly applied through inhalation and topical application. Generally, in inhalation, the oils vaporize into the air by the use of a  diffuser container or even oil droplets. They provide an enjoyable smell and respiratory disinfection. Using it more often can have better psychological benefits giving you peace of mind in everything you do. However, breathing in the essential oils helps to arouse the olfactory system. It's the component of the brain linked to smell including the brain and nose.

Molecules that can go inside the nose pass through the lungs and are then transported to other body parts. When the molecule reaches the brain, they affect the limbic system which Is connected to the rate of the heart, breathing, memory, and emotions. Moreover, essential oils are useful in many ways but they can contain a holistic effect on your body. Body application products are soaked through the skin providing relief to only the area of need.

Rubbing the part where the oil is applied can help boost the circulation of blood and lead to an increase in absorption. However, areas with sweat glands and also hair follicles like the head and the hands absorb the oil more effectively.  Before using any aromatherapy it's safe to perform an allergy test to make sure the product responds well to you. If you, do it and there are no allergic reactions then it's safe to be used. But if you experience any allergic reaction it is not safe not to use it at all. The maximum concentration found in essential oil in adults is five percent. Most importantly ingesting essential oil is not advocated for because it can destroy the liver and kidney.

Benefits

Aromatherapy has a couple of benefits. It can also be used as an additional therapy. However, it cannot provide treatment for some sicknesses but it can be helpful in the conventional treatment of some conditions. Rada & Johnson-Leong (2004) explained that it has been proven to lessen nausea and some body aches. Using it often can help with anxiety issues, stress, and also depression. It can reduce insomnia and fatigue and reduce them effectively. Essential oils can decrease muscular aches and circulatory problems. It can be useful for women with menopausal problems because it brings them relief. The oils can help reduce hair loss and boost hair growth. Tabassum & Hamdani (2014) stated that people suffering from psoriasis may find a calming relief with aromatherapy, however before you use it you should seek advice from professional health care.

Digestive problems can have a solution if you use peppermint oil. But the peppermint oil should be ingested. It can also be beneficial to people suffering from toothache and if you may have mouth sores but should be used topically to avoid any adverse effects. Before using any essential oil, you seek advice from a medical professional who will direct you on how to use it.

What Does Essential Oil Do?

There are many types of essential oil and all of them have a different use. Gharib, (2006) explained that basil oil, a type of essential oil, helps in increasing concentration and can help reduce some effects related to depression. Basil oil can help in calming headaches and also migraines but should be kept away from pregnant women. Another essential oil is bergamot oil which is useful for conditions such as urinary tract and some digestive tract conditions too. When mixed with eucalyptus oil, bergamot essential oil helps with skin conditions including the ones related to stress. Black pepper is used to stimulate circulation and pains. However, when mixed together with ginger essential it can help relieve pain related to arthritis and boosts flexibility.

According to Happy et.al (2021), chamomile essential oil, another type of essential oil, is used to treat eczema and other serious conditions. It can be used as a stress reliever and give you peace of mind. Clove essential oil can be used as a topical analgesic mainly used when experiencing a toothache. Generally, it can be utilized like an antispasmodic for stopping vomiting and nausea from taking place. It can also be used similarly to a  carminative, stopping gas present in the gut. It also contains properties such as antioxidant and antifungal properties.

Eucalyptus essential oil aids in relieving the airways during cold. It's often mixed with peppermint to make it more beneficial. Jasmine oil is considered to stimulate beta waves that are connected to alertness. Also, it's a stimulant that can increase blood flow in the penile. The lavender essential oil can be utilized like an antiseptic which can treat minor cuts and possible burns. It can also be useful in increasing relaxation and sleep.

Risks

All essential oils have their chemical make and use. It is mainly crucial to talk to a trained aromatherapist or doctor before applying any oil that can be used for healing purposes. Generally, a trained professional will teach you how you can use each product and give proper instruction on its application. Users should also be conscious that the government doesn't observe aromatherapy items hence making it difficult to be aware of whether an item is pure or contaminated. However, some beauty products like lotions and makeup contain a product that may be similar to essential oils but some are synthetic products. Essential oils must be handled with total respect to avoid any adverse effects. It's mainly critical to look for professional help and follow the instruction carefully.

Conclusion

Because essential oils may cause a response in the body, This means that not all oils can be beneficial to everyone. However, you should be aware that essential oils contain chemical compounds and can cause unfavorable effects when used with other medications. Generally, concentrated products can be dangerous and should be treated with more care. Individuals with an allergy or asthma should be extra cautious when utilizing aromatherapy. Using aromatherapy during pregnancy or nursing periods has not yet been proven to be safe by research hence it’s not recommended. Most importantly when storing any essential oil, you should know that light and heat can affect the efficiency of the oil.

References

Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams, S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601-611.

Gharib, F. A. (2006). Effect of salicylic acid on the growth, metabolic activities, and oil content of basil and marjoram. International journal of agriculture and biology, 4, 485-492.

Happy, A. A., Jahan, F., & Momen, M. A. (2021). Essential Oils: Magical Ingredients for Skin Care. J. Plant Sci, 9, 54-64.

Rada, R. E., & Johnson-Leong, C. (2004). Stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression among dentists. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 135(6), 788-794.

Tabassum, N., & Hamdani, M. (2014). Plants are used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(15), 52.