Massages are often thought of as a luxury. You get the chance to escape from the chaos of your everyday life and capture a moment of relaxation. But what many may not realize is that massage therapy not only provides an escape but a wealth of health benefits. As I continue on my educational journey, I am soaking in vast amounts of knowledge to empower people to manage stress and gain vitality and health naturally.
Embrace the health benefits of massage therapy
I have to be honest, I am guilty of categorizing massages as a “treat” or a luxury item. But after studying the aromatherapy aspect of massage therapy and how it relates to the systems of the body, I am setting aside funds to be able to embrace the health benefits of massage therapy. If we look back in history, we will see that in the 1900s, Marguerite Maury pioneered the dermal application of essential oils and focused on the importance of taking a holistic approach to health. She was the first to draw attention to the enhancing effects of essential oils on the already beneficial effects of massage therapy.
Recently, a dear friend gifted me with a 1-hour massage. I created a formulation for a massage oil blend using Young Living Therapeutic grade essential oils and V6 massage oil to enhance the benefits of my massage session. My choice of essential oils included a blend of Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Eucalyptus Radiata (Eucalyptus Radiata), and Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) essential oil. Why?
Peppermint
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- Cooling sensation on the skin
- Penetrates deep into the muscles and joints to help release tension and support the muscular-skeletal system
- Energizes and stimulates the body
Eucalyptus Radiata
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- Cleansing and soothing properties
- Helps open up the lungs and encourages deep expansive breathing to relieve stress
- Helps soothe inflammation in the body
Lavender
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- Soothing to the mind and body
- Helps soothe inflammation and tension in the body
- Encourages relaxation and supports the body in recovering from mental fatigue
During the massage, I realized just how much tension I was carrying in my neck and shoulders, arms, legs, and areas I didn’t even know I could carry stress! That is why I label stress as “The Silent Killer” because it eats away at us without us even realizing it. As the therapist massaged the essential oils into problem areas of my body, I could feel the release of the tension deep in my muscles. Why is massage therapy with essential oils so beneficial? According to Eileen Cahalane from Alive Magazine,
Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.
So do away with the idea that massages are only for luxury, a “treat” or even therapy after an injury. When we reduce the stress in our bodies, we are able to bring our body back to balance so that our systems can function properly. When we bring the body back into homeostasis, we can avoid the risk of developing chronic diseases. You will notice a difference in your emotional state, your energy, your flexibility, and your overall health. So what are you waiting for?
If you are looking for life balance and accountability coaching incorporating essential oils, contact me for a free 20-minute consultation. Mention Living Healthy List for your free consultation.
Be inspired. Be encouraged. Be joyful.
Letticia
Dr. Letticia Callies (a.k.a. Dr. Joy) is on a mission to spread joy around the world. She helps people who are stuck or overwhelmed by helping them get the results they need to live out their joyful purpose. She uses a combination of evidence-based strategies to help you bounce back when you fall, empower and encourage you in your faith, improve your overall wellness, and help you discover more time to do what you love. Her joyful demeanor and compassionate communication help motivate her clients to make positive changes that simply become second nature.
Dr. Callies is the wife of her best friend for over 20 years; she is a mom to four boys and two girls. She is the founder of JOYFull Inspirations, LLC, an author, homeschool educator, worship dancer, and joy-lettering journalist. She enjoys spending time with her family, sampling tea, leading joy-handlettering Bible studies, and creating healthy recipes in the kitchen.