Aromatherapy Massage​
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In addition to the many benefits massage already offers, adding aromatherapy can further enhance these benefits. Using Aromatherapy is great for increasing mood and & relaxation, while also relieving pain. Your therapist can help determine which might work best for you.
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What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses essential oils, which are the concentrated extracts of plants, to promote physical and psychological well-being. The aromatherapy oils are typically inhaled or applied topically and are believed to have therapeutic properties that can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation. It is also used in massages and other spa treatments.
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Our most commonly used essential oils include:
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Lavender
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Eucalyptus
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Peppermint
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Sweet Orange
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Lemon
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Lemongrass
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Tea tree
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Rosemary
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Cinnamon Leaf
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Clove Leaf
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
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Muscle pain relief
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Headache relief
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Improves mood
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Promotes Relaxation
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Helps relieve stress & anxiety (more on this below)
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Aromatherapy For Anxiety and Stress Relief
Aromatherapy is believed to reduce stress by using essential oils that can have a calming effect on the body and mind. These oils are often inhaled or applied topically and can stimulate the senses, promote relaxation, and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension. Some commonly used essential oils for stress relief include lavender, bergamot, and chamomile. In addition, some research suggests that certain essential oils may have a positive impact on the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to regulate mood and reduce stress.
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Before trying Aromatherapy, please let the front desk or your massage therapist know if you have any known allergies in order to prevent an allergic reaction.
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How to Use Stress to Your Advantage
The phrase stress kills may sound extreme, but studies show it isn’t all that far from the truth for some adults. Living with stress on a daily basis can lead to many different issues. These issues can be from chronic aches and pains to difficulty managing your mental health. But, the right kind of stress can actually prove beneficial in your life, both on and off the job. First, let’s take a look at how stress can be a healthy component of your life, and how to harness it when the time comes.
Can Stress be Healthy?
The short answer is yes, but only with the right kind of stress. Constantly experiencing feelings of overwhelm or under pressure doesn’t do much good for the body. When stress continues on without letting up for several months, or years it can do damage. But, a moderate amount of stress can be a good thing. From a psychological perspective, small stressors throughout the day prompt action. Think of this as a flight or fight response. Often, the normal stress of daily life motivates us to move forward in positive ways when we choose to fight through it. Here’s how that works.
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The Benefits of Good Stress
Several advantages come from stress, and they can be harnessed in various ways to our benefit.
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Cognitive Function
There are moments in life that cause feelings of panic or nervousness which aren’t comfortable for most. But, recognizing the small stressors that cause these feelings can actually improve cognitive function at the moment. Your brain gets a performance boost when stress comes along because neuron connections are stronger. This can result in better memory, greater attention span, and creativity.
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Productivity
With improved cognitive function comes increased productivity. For many adults, moderate stress can be used to stay motivated to get the job done. Whether you are at work or at home, external stressors like deadlines, performance reviews, or honey-do lists keep you on your toes. Having the pressure of knowing something needs to get done or there will be a negative consequence results in increased productivity.
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Resilience
Experiencing stress regularly helps us develop the tools and strategies necessary to harness it for good. Over time, the successful use of stress helps build resilience. While this is most commonly used to manage moderate stress in the future in similar situations, resilience also plays a significant role in other scenarios that may be far more stressful. Significant life changes, unexpected loss, or facing an illness can all be managed that much better when resilience is built up over time.
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Managing Bad Stress
Although stress can be used for good in certain circumstances, leaving the stress to fester over the long haul is not beneficial to your health. Behavioral, emotional, and physical issues can arise when long-term stress is not managed well or avoided altogether. These physical symptoms can include pain, diminished relationships, and mental health challenges. Managing bad stress requires a multifaceted approach for many, such as finding the underlying cause or finding ways to reduce it. If pain continues it may be necessary to eliminate stress when it takes place.
Combining the management or reduction of bad stress with harnessing the power of good stress can lead to a healthier, more enjoyable life.
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Get Started Today!
Click here or call our Auburn, WA office at 253.833.4800 to set up a consultation to see how we can help you manage stress through aromatherapy and massage.
At Our Auburn, WA Office