Aromatherapy and
Your Emotions
By Natasha L Harvey, LMBT, BCTMB
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. What better time to discuss our emotions and the effects aromatherapy and massage can have on them.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. It’s believed that essential oils extracted from plants have therapeutic properties that can affect your emotions, mood, and overall mental state. Aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of therapeutic massage with the use of essential oils to enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and uplift your mood.
It's believed that essential oils extracted from plants have therapeutic properties that can affect your emotions, mood, and overall mental state.
4 Ways Aromatherapy and Massage Influence Your Emotions
1. Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Certain essential oils like lavender, chamomile, frankincense and bergamot are known for their calming properties. Inhaling these scents can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and a sense of peace.: Massage therapy alone is known to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and easing tension in the body. When combined with the soothing scents of essential oils the effects are even more profound. These oils can help calm the nervous system and induce a sense of tranquility, making it easier to let go of stress and worries.
2. Uplifting and Mood Enhancement
Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, grapefruit and bergamot are often used to uplift mood and increase energy levels. These bright and refreshing scents can help combat feelings of sadness or low energy. The gentle touch of massage combined with uplifting essential oils can elevate mood and promote a sense of happiness and well-being. These oils are known for their refreshing and invigorating properties, helping to boost energy levels and combat feelings of sadness or low mood.
3. Focus, Clarity and Mind-Body Connection
Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are known for their invigorating properties. Inhaling these scents can help improve concentration, mental clarity, and alertness. The combination of touch and scent in aromatherapy massage can enhance the mind-body connection, allowing you to become more aware of your emotions and physical sensations. This increased awareness can promote mindfulness and self-reflection, leading to a deeper understanding of your emotional needs and triggers.
4. Balancing Emotions and Emotional Release
Some essential oils, such as rose, geranium, and sandalwood, are believed to have balancing properties that can help stabilize emotions. They may be used to promote feelings of harmony, peace, and emotional well-being. The combination of massage therapy and aromatherapy can help release pent-up emotions stored in the body. The therapeutic touch of the massage therapist combined with emotionally supportive essential oils can create a safe space for emotional release and healing.
Communication is Key
Taking time for an Aromatherapy Massage can be a powerful form of self-care and nurturing. It allows you to prioritize your well-being and connect with yourself on a deeper level, fostering a sense of self-love and compassion that can positively impact your emotions and overall outlook on life.
When receiving an aromatherapy massage, it’s essential to communicate with your massage therapist about your emotional state and any specific concerns you may have. This will allow them to tailor the treatment to meet your individual needs and ensure a truly therapeutic experience.
Natasha L Harvey, LMBT, BCTMB is a North Carolina Licensed, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with 20 years of experience. She has worked in various settings including Spas, Medical Massage Offices, Chiropractic Offices and most recently private practice. She has held positions as Lead Massage Therapist, Spa Operations Manager, Therapeutic Massage Program Coordinator and Massage Clinic Supervisor.
She views massage as an effective asset to overall mental and physical health and well-being and would like to make a positive impact and reach as many lives as she can. Visit her site to book time with Natasha.
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