Thursday, September 23, 2010
Aroma Remedy Massage
Every molecule has a scent...
Have you ever slipped back in time with the smell of a particular scent? An aroma hits your nostrils and instantly your brain rummages through old memories trying to remember events, places, and people. For better or worse you feel instantly transported to another place and time and as quickly as the scent came it’s gone. Maybe you passed a bakery and the fresh out of the oven buttery scent reminds you of the holidays with your family, or the smell of chlorine reminds you of summers spent at the pool. I was taking a walk yesterday and the smell of roses from a neighboring garden reminded me of my grandfather and summers over 20 years ago watching him tend to his roses.
Humans can identify approximately 10,000 different scents and our sense of smell is strongly tied to the area of the brain that controls our memories and emotions. When you inhale the scent its picked up by your olfactory (smell) receptors and directly transmitted to your brain’s limbic system, the seat of your emotions and memories, but your limbic system also regulates your breathing, blood circulation, and hormone levels.
Aromatherapy works on a similar, but far more powerful level. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils, potent yet gentle concentrations of aromatic essences derived from nature’s most healing plants. Often considered the immune system of the plant, these essences are utilized through inhalation and topical applications. By entering our blood stream, these healing molecules begin to detoxify, increase respiration, aid in restful sleep, relax muscular tension, and calm the mind.
Many people, although unaware, have unconsciously been enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy for years. If you’ve ever perched your nose over a steaming mug of chamomile tea, the aroma promotes sleep and soothes digestion. Or maybe you enjoy lavender candles. Studies show that smelling lavender reduces anxiety and acts as a natural air purifier. Likewise, a mentholated cough drop uses extracts of eucalyptus to relieve congestion, ease coughs, and release tension. And a wedge of lemon in your water relieves fluid retention and promotes a healthy liver. Many use aromatherapy through these methods, but one of the most therapeutic uses is through an aromatherapy massage.
So saying that, I thought you should know that GJ is buzzing with excitement and enthusiasm, over the launch of our new Aroma Remedy Massage! We have partnered with Hope Gillerman (a Master Aromatic Healer) to incorporate her fabulous H. Gillerman Organics line of 8 organic and wild crafted essential oil remedy blends. The line treats common aliments with easy to use essential oil drops and roll-ons including a Sinus, Chest, Stress, Muscle, Sleep, Travel, Tension, and Jaw-Clenching Remedy. For me it was love at first sniff, not only did these remedies give me goose bumps of delight every time I smelled them and used them, but they actually did what they claimed. With these products we have created 4 customized aromatherapy massages that therapeutically address various symptoms associated with everyday stresses while enhancing your current state of well-being.
Pure Breathing – Focuses on boosting the immune system, detoxifying and clearing congestion
True Relaxation – Aiding the mind and body to recover from the daily effects of stress
Natural Rest – Balances sleep cycles, hormones, and cleanses the mind and body
Clear Mind – Regain mental focus and relieve tension from headaches and jaw clenching
This fall is a perfect time to relax, breathe, and allow yourself to be transported on a scent driven journey of self healing!
Posted by: Frieda Lehn, Director of Massage & Body Care
