Imagine what life would be like without a sense of smell. It may not be as hard as not being able to see or hear, but it’s a big impediment to one’s day-to-day duties as well. For example, a loss of smell would mean being unable to taste food. Additionally, our sense of smell is also closely tied to our memories and emotions. Losing it can mean decreased memory and emotional functions.
The olfactory system is the one responsible for our sense of smell. Much of what we know about the world and how we relate to it is due to a well-functioning olfactory system. Our sense of smell is a major contributor to how we behave. Love or anger can even be triggered by smell.
Aromatherapy and Massage
When we smell something that’s pleasurable, such as perfume, freshly cut flowers, or a tasty meal, it changes our mood and our overall behavior towards our surroundings. These aroma-based emotions form the foundation for the art of aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy practitioners believe that scents can stimulate the body and activate its self-healing capabilities. Different aromas, or a combination of them, can boost the immune system. For this reason, the body becomes more resilient to diseases brought about by bacteria and viruses.
Aromatherapy is a unique form of massage therapy because of the variety of oils that can be used during a session. Therapists may choose from more than 90 oils that provide physical and emotional comforts. Most of these oils stem from natural ingredients, such as herbs, milk, hydrosol, sea salt, sugar, clay, and mud.
Whether it’s for relaxation, rejuvenation, or healing, aromatherapy massage brings the body’s senses to new heights. It combines two wonderful methods to awaken the body and heal itself.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
It is fairly common to have a massage as a means to briefly get away from the hullabaloos of daily life. For centuries, holistic healing treatments like aromatherapy massage have been used to rejuvenate our physical and mental well-being.
That’s why a good massage with scented oil can often help in relieving stress and clearing toxins from the body. Some of the benefits of aromatherapy massage are listed below:
- Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
- Toned muscles
- Calms the nerves
- Flexible joints
- Increased attentiveness
- Softer, smoother skin
- Increased energy level
- Better, deeper sleep
Olive oil and orange blossom are a popular combination in aromatherapy massage. Olive oil is well known for its healing properties, while orange blossom oil is known for its scent. Together, they provide extensive skin conditioning and stress-reduction.
