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Feb 21, 2023 2:59:35 PM | achs Extend the Benefits of Massage: Part 2

Extend the benefits of massage through herbal detoxification with essential oils & herbs using these post-massage rituals for relaxation & muscle relief.

By Mindy Green for American College of Healthcare Sciences
 

Extend the benefits of your massage by facilitating detoxification with herbs and essential oils.

Bath

Herb teas and essential oils can be used in the bath for their healing and detoxifying properties. Start with five to eight drops in a full tub and do not exceed 15 drops of even the safest oils, such as lavender or geranium. If using peppermint, lemon or other citrus scented oil such as lemongrass, do not exceed three drops, as they can irritate skin.

Combining essential oils with vegetable oil before adding to the bath will reduce any irritation on sensitive skin. Epsom salts contain magnesium chloride, which helps to relax the muscles. Soak for 20 minutes. Using the same oils provided during your massage can trigger the same relaxation effect.

If you absolutely must be active after your massage, utilizing stimulating essential oils can help restore your vigor.

 

Post Massage Herbal Detox Tea

Combine one ounce of each-

  • dandelion

  • cleavers

  • parsley

  • linden

  • peppermint

  • ginger

Use one teaspoon per cup of boiling water, cover and steep for 5-15 minutes. Strain and drink.

 

Post Massage Muscle Relaxing Bath

Combine three ounces each -

  • yarrow

  • burdock

  • calendula

  • cramp bark

  • black haw

For an herbal bath, use one cup of dried herbs per three quarts of water. Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the herbs, cover and steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain the tea into the full tub of water.

 

Post Massage Essential Oil Bath Blends

 

Relaxation

4 drops lavender

2 drops chamomile

2 drops orange

 

Muscle Relief

5 drops marjoram

2 drops eucalyptus

1 drops lemongrass

 

Stimulating

5 drops rosemary

2 drops fir

1 drops peppermint

 

Add each 8-drop blend to one full tub of water. Stir, and soak for at least 20 minutes.

 

Herbal Suggestions for the Tub or Teacup

 

Lymphatic herbs

Cleavers: best lymphatic tonic, with alterative and diuretic properties; assists the detox process of swollen glands.

Calendula: anti-inflammatory herb helpful for a variety of skin complaints, including bruises and sprains; also supports detoxifying the lymph system.

 

Nervine herbs (calming effect)

Wild oat: The best nourishing nervine, it is specific for debility and exhaustion.

Chamomile: best known for calming insomnia, anxiety and as an anti-inflammatory.

Vervain- strengthens nervous system while relaxing stress and tension, antispasmodic.

Linden: soothing herb that has the unique ability to reduce cholesterol deposits and prevent build-up.

 

Passionflower: Sedative and pain relieving; the best choice for insomnia and neuralgia; antispasmodic

 

Detoxifying herbs

Burdock: Mild bitter stimulation encourages the liver and eliminative processes including digestive and kidney function.

Dandelion: effective diuretic with excess potassium providing an overall gain of this important nutrient.

Parsley: This overlooked culinary garnish is an effective diuretic and digestive aid; rich source of vitamin C.

Yarrow: Urinary antiseptic and diuretic that stimulates digestion and tones the vascular system.

Celery seed: Anti-rheumatic, diuretic and digestive herb reduces uric acid levels in the body and is helpful for arthritic conditions.

 

Muscle relieving herbs

Crampbark: Relaxes muscle tension and spasms; sedative and astringent.

Black haw: Antispasmodic and sedative useful in reducing blood pressure through relaxation of the peripheral blood vessels.

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory, warming and stimulating for peripheral circulation, sprains and fibrous muscle conditions; promotes elimination through perspiration.

Cayenne: Hot spice that blocks pain receptors; used to relieve everything from overworked muscles to arthritic complaints.

 

 

About the Author:

Mindy Green is a nationally recognized authority on botanicals and co-author of Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, 2009. Friend her on Facebook or see more at www.greenscentsations.com

>>To learn more about the benefits of using herbs and holistic nutrition as part of your health and wellness routine, click here for a schedule of accredited online holistic health classes and wellness programs from ACHS.

 

*Note: This information has not been reviewed by the FDA. This information has been provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Before making any significant changes to your health routine, always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor.

Dorene Petersen, ACHS Founding President

Written By: Dorene Petersen, ACHS Founding President

Dorene is the Founding President of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS). She has over 50 years of clinical teaching and lecturing experience in aromatherapy and other holistic health subjects. She has presented papers on essential oils and clinical aromatherapy at the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades Annual Conference (IFEAT) in California, USA; the Aroma Environment Association of Japan (AEAJ) in Tokyo, Japan; the Asian Aroma Ingredients Congress (AAIC) and Expo in Bali, Indonesia; the International Center of Advanced Aromatherapy (ICAA) at the WonGwang Digital University in Seoul, Korea; as well as the AAIC Expo in Kunming, Yunnan, China. Dorene is a founding member of the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) and served as its chair until 2023. Dorene is also involved in the distance education community and has served as a volunteer, committee member, and standards evaluator for the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Dorene is a travel junkie, and has led ACHS Study Abroad programs to India, Indonesia, Greece, and Hawaii!