Aromatherapy Massage for the Cardiovascular System
Using aromatherapy for cardiovascular system massage
The cardiovascular system comprises the heart, veins and arteries,
and its basic function is to ensure adequate circulation of blood around
the body. As fresh blood reaches every cell in the body, sugars, iron,
salts, oxygen - and particles of essential oils - are exchanged for
waste products such as carbon and skin and are excreted through
breathing, urination and sweating.
The heart is the most vital of the body's organs and is central to
our existence. It is also the strongest muscle of the body, and works
continuously - night and day - from the moment we are born till the
moment we die. The heart pumps blood around the body, taking freshly
oxygenated blood from the lungs to all parts of the body, and
de-oxygenated blood from the body to the lungs for oxygenation.
Any problem of the cardiovascular system requires medical attention.
However, aromatherapy massage, alongside lifestyle changes, can help to
prevent cardiovascular problems arising in the first place, and can
stimulate the circulation. Varicose veins are a minor cardiovascular
problem and massage of any kind is contraindicated over varicose veins.
How aromatherapy massage can help the cardiovascular system
- The heart benefits from aromatherapy massage because regular
treatments relax the whole body and reduces stress and tension, which
can contribute to high blood pressure, strokes, angina and heart
attacks. Essential oils that are cardiac tonics include rosemary,
lavender, rose, peppermint, garlic and marjoram.
- Blood pressure fluctuates according to activity, eating, caffeine
intake, emotional stress and so on, but normal blood pressure ranges
betwen 10/60 and 140/90. Unnaturally high blood pressure is called
hypertension. Aromatherapy massage with relaxing, calming essential
oils that can gently lower blood pressure, such as marjoram, ylang
ylang and lavender, is beneficial. Garlic capsule can also be taken.
- Unnaturally low blood pressure, called hypotension, also benefits
from aromatherapy massage with stimulating essential oils that can
gently increase blood pressure, such as rosemary and thyme.
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