Aromatherapy has a special significance in sports massage. It enhances the benefits and promotes well-being. Here is a list of the essential oils beneficial in sports massage.
Before the Event
• For Stimulation : juniper, eucalyptus and rosemary.
• For supple, toned muscles : black pepper, ginger, rosemary, lavender, cypress, juniper, peppermint, grapefruit and orange.
• To aid a good and strong respiratory system for aerobics : eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and geranium.
• To aid mental preparation before a competition : a blend of rosemary, lemon, lavender and chamomile.
• To promote good circulation – rose and palmarosa. After the Event
• To soothe and prevent aching muscles – eucalyptus, ginger and peppermint.
• To eliminate stress following a competition – lemon, nutmeg, clary sage and orange.
To Prepare the Oil for Massage
• Pour the equivalent of two teaspoonfuls of pure vegetable oil into a bowl. This is the base oil and can be any oil such as coconut, apricot kernel, jojoba or sweet almond.
• Very carefully add one, or two drops of essential oil and mix together.
Medical Massage
Although massage is not thought of in conjunction with Western medicine, Europeans have employed this time tested practice for centuries. Medical massage can be used to prevent muscular atrophy in cases of broken bones, to reduce inflammation in strains and sprains, to reduce inflammation of sciatica and lumbago, to increase circulation of varicose ulcers, to stimulate normal bowel movements and much more.
Although massage may create positive changes in many ailments, there are indications for not giving massage. The trained therapist is well informed as to contraindications. Active and passive exercise is the key to good health. The informed therapist may evaluate your range of motion and make recommendations for simple exercises to maintain, or improve your health.