Misconceptions

• The greatest misconception about holistic massage is that it is a pseudo-science. Other cultures including Native American and Asian populations use alternative medicine with great efficacy. Holistic massage is only one of the alternative methods of helping to heal the body, mind and spirit. There has been tremendously provocative research that indicates touch is a powerful healing tool. Holistic massage is one of the most restorative mechanisms available to modern science.
  
  

Benefits

• Massage can be a potent tool in healing the body and mind. Stress relief is a major element with any type of holistic massage. Due to increasing demands from our places of work, our families, extended families and deadlines looming at every available turn, our bodies are literally flooded with stress hormones. These fight or flight chemicals saturate our bloodstream and affect every organ in our body, including the brain.
  Stress affects the way we function on every conceivable plane. Stress can categorically deplete energy levels, the ability to concentrate and focus, cause mood disturbance, and even affect metabolic functions that control weight. In a world where we are constantly being bombarded with environmental toxins, massage can help in lymph drainage, which helps the body release toxins that have been stored in our tissues over time. Holistic massage has the power to reduce tension, anxiety and stress levels, thereby returning the body to a natural state of homeostasis.
  
  

The Facts

• Some of the best holistic massage involves the use of essential oils that are healing and restorative. Essential oils have the ability to heal on a cellular level, and have been used medicinally for centuries. For example, lavender has the capacity to fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections but also helps regulate mood by restoring a sense of calm. Lavender is a popular essential oil and is often found in an assortment of beauty products, infant care and soothing bath products aimed at relaxing the consumer.
  Essential oils can also be used. Massage oils infused with citrus such as bergamot, tangerine and lemon are popular options for the lethargic, stressed, and burned-out consumer.
  
  

Effects

• Holistic massage has the power to heal a variety of ailments, depending on the essential oil that is infused into the massage, or (carrier) oil. Most essential oils require the use of carrier oil such as grapeseed, coconut or olive oil to prevent skin irritation. Lavender and tea tree oil are two essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin without fear of skin irritation in most people.
  
  

Expert Insight

• A synergistic blend of olive oil infused with frankincense and sandalwood can be used to treat longstanding respiratory infections, but there are many more combinations that can help to treat a variety of disorders. Holistic massage not only feels good, it has tremendous health benefits that are time-tested across many cultures and in several disciplines. A good place to start learning about the health benefits of holistic massage would be a book on the healing power of essential oils. It should be an all-inclusive read that is cross-referenced by specific oil and health care benefits. Holistic massage should be used in a comprehensive plan for maintaining well-being and stability in your life.