Many believe that stress, because it suppresses the immune system, increases the risk for certain types of cancer and other ailments. Taking time out to relax, escape, and rejuvenate combats anxiety, helping to fortify the immune system. Pressure point massage, combined with aromatherapy, is an excellent modality for reducing stress.
History
For nearly 6,000 years, aromatherapy and massage have been used to promote health and wellness. Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and early Chinese experienced the benefits of aromatherapy oils. Egyptians were known to combine aromatherapy with massage. The Chinese created incense from aromatic plants and used it to promote harmony and balance. Today, in Europe, essential oils are prescribed by the established medical profession to restore health and relieve illnesses.
What Happens
Adding elements of aromatherapy into a pressure point massage session increases the relaxation level and provides extra healing benefits. The technician may prepare the room by lighting a sage aromatherapy candle to cleanse the atmosphere. Aromatic essential oils are mixed with the massage oil base. Each aromatherapy oil is associated with specific benefits. Lavender oils help relax the body so it doesn't resist the massage. Peppermint oil is used to invigorate the body (try it at home on tired feet). The oils chosen will affect both your body and your overall mood.
Throughout the session, the therapist will manipulate specific areas known as pressure points. The direction and pressure differs with each point. Sinus pressure points are found under the nose, between the eyebrows, below each cheekbone and on each hand in the webbed area between the pointer finger and thumb. Sinus points on the face are massaged in an upward and outward motion to help eliminate congestion through lymphatic drainage. There are thousands of other pressure points on the body, and each is a juncture where nerve bundles are located. They are sensitive, and when correctly manipulated, pain decreases and pleasure increases.
How it Works
The olfactory system is attached to the brain's limbic system. The limbic system is a complex series of nerves in the brain, near the edge of the cortex. This system manages instinct and mood. It controls basic emotions including fear, pleasure and anger.
During massage, as the oils are absorbed into the skin, their scent diffuses. The olfactory system picks up the scent and then transfers it to the limbic system. Practitioners select oils to calm, uplift or energize. They then apply pressure to specific pressure points. This pressure helps relieve the buildup of toxins and waste stored in your body. Aromatherapy oils are also commonly used to relieve stress, headaches, and back pain enhancing the physical effects of the pressure-point massage.
Benefits
Pressure point massage also aids in full body detoxification. As muscles work or "burn", waste products accumulate. This accumulation can cause soreness, stiffness, and sometimes even muscle spasms. With proper massage technique, circulation can improve and blood flow increases. Body tissues are infused with fresh oxygen. Increased circulation flushes toxins and expedites the healing of damaged tissue. In addition to body detoxification, massage is credited with fortifying the immune system, which enables the body to better fend off disease.
Aromatherapy, in combination with massage, works to improve circulation, soothe the senses, increase energy, and impart an overall sense of calm and well-being. In this respect, these two modalities are a dynamic mix.
Preparation and Follow-Up
Prior to your aromatherapy pressure point massage, get enough rest. Contrary to the belief that you get the best benefit of a massage only when you're really stressed out, it's actually best to arrive relaxed, as well as pliable; the easier you are to manipulate, the deeper the work will go.
After the session, drink plenty of water. Pressure point massage releases stored toxins into your bloodstream. To effectively eliminate those toxins, they need to be flushed out. This is achieved by consuming large amounts of pure distilled water. Try for at least 4 glasses.
Tags: point massage, pressure points, immune system, limbic system, with massage, body detoxification