Sports massage has been used by many athletes across the millennia, but only recently have Western scientists been able to document what athlete’s have known and felt for many years.
There is a very important caveat to note:
– Not all massage is created equal
– There are many different forms of massage, as there are ‘tools’ in a carpenter’s toolbox
“Use the right tool for the right job at the right time”
– Using the wrong type of essential oils (See below) can greatly influence the outcome of a massage session
– Under the hands of a skilled masseuse, who has a good-sized ‘toolbox’, the benefits listed below will be greatly actualized. Consequently, under unskilled ignorant hands, massage could have the reverse effect or no effect at all
Benefits:
1) Massage can be effective for treating and potentially alleviating chronic pain via. two known mechanisms
– Decreasing the levels of Cortisol (i.e. cortisol is a hormone that destroys cells – i.e. immune, muscle etc….)
– Increasing neuro-endocrine functions such as elevated levels of Serotonin and Dopamine (i.e. both serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that improve your mood – i.e. reduction in anxiety, anger, hostility and depression)
2) Increased mobility and suppleness of both joints and muscles respectively
3) Improved immune system response via increased circulating levels of NK (natural killer) and increased T-lymphocytes
4) Increased Vasodilation, thereby reducing blood pressure
5) Increased Muscle Tone and Strength via the use of very specific types of massage strokes
6) Using specific Essential Oils can increase the likelihood of a positive therapeutic outcome. Listed below are just some of the essential oils that can be used as well as their potential benefits. (Note: these oils are usually in a concentrated form, and only require a few drops to be considered an effective dose. 786)
Arnica Oil – assists in alleviating the effect of bruising
Celery Oil – has the property of clearing uric acid from the joints aiding the relief of gout, fatigue and arthritic conditions
Angelica Oil – is a warming and stimulating herb suitable for types of osteoarthritis and rheumatism
Bergamot Oil – inflammation
Basil Oil – anxiety, muscle spasm
Camphor Oil – congestion, neuralgia, swelling
Cinnamon Oil – promotes warming and encourages blood circulation. use with caution
Cyprus Oil – inflammation
Geranium Oil – inflammation, tension
Ginger Oil – warming, inflammation, immune stimulant
Lemon Oil – has a cooling, anti-inflamatory and diuretic properties
Juniper Oil – acts as a diuretic in swollen joints
Roman Chamomile Oil – Spasm, poor circulation, neuralgia, nervousness, increases circulation, inflammation
Rosemary Oil – increases blood flow, analgesic, anti-rheumatic and immune stimulating properties
Rosewood Oil – healing, tension, inflammation, helps break up collagen from scars
Lavender Oil – inflammation, muscular and rheumatic pains, neuralgia
Ylang Ylang Oil – general tension, anxiety
Sandalwood Oil – anxiety, mood enhancer, inflammation
Marjoram Oil – arthritic and rheumatic inflammation, immune stimulant
Peppermint Oil – promotes cooling, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, decrease fatigue, promote digestion, increased liver activity and has an analgesic effect
Eucalyptus Oil – arthritic and rheumatic pain, neuralgia, muscular pain, inflammation
Menthol Oil – relaxes peripheral blood flow, promotes sweating and has an analgesic effect
Wintergreen Oil – warming, inflammation, immune stimulant
Note: please contact your Medical Doctor before trying any of the Essential Oils
