While these natural healing techniques may not always cure disease,Aromatherapy Massage and Massage: Effectiveness on Emotional and Physical Wellbeing Articles they can have a remarkable effect on the physical body.
What many individuals do not realize is that stress is the leading proponent in raising blood sugar levels and blood pressure, red blood cell over activity, constricted blood vessels, racing pulse, and digestive problems.[4] These facts prove that stress can have a very negative impact on overall health.
In a report by the Research Institute 구로 안마 of Nursing Science (College of Nursing Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea)[1], aromatherapy massage was studied on elderly women in Korea to determine its efficacy on anxiety and self-esteem issues.
In the study, aromatherapy massage was administered using aromatic essential oils, such as chamomile, lavender, lemon and rosemary. Overall, the study lasted seven (7) weeks in duration. During that time frame, aromatherapy massage sessions were set three (3) times per week, with each session being 20 minutes. After the initial three-week period, a one-week intermission ensued, and then continued the remaining three weeks. While blood pressure and pulse rate were not significantly affected, remarkable differences were clearly established in regard to anxiety and self-esteem.
In another study, aromatherapy massage was administered to older patients suffering from constipation. In the 10-day study, the experimental group was given abdominal aromatherapy massage; using the essential oils lemon, peppermint and rosemary. The control group, too, was given massage; but without the aid of aromatherapy. Upon commencement of the study, levels of constipation were measured by the constipation assessment scale (CAS). While the results found that the average number of bowel movements had improved in both groups (being treated with both aromatherapy massage and placebo massage); the experimental group who had received the aromatherapy massage showed a significant improvement. Purportedly, the aromatherapy massage demonstrated that its effects lasted for two (2) weeks after treatment; whereas non-aromatherapy massage lasted approximately seven to ten days (7-10). In conclusion, the study found that aromatherapy, coupled with massage does help ease geriatric constipation.[2]