Not all massage is enjoyed just for the benefit of relaxation alone. Oriental Aromatherapy massage blends the East with the West in a more challenging way of treating body/ mind disorder. Through the holistic Chinese world view the subtle and invisible are as significant as what can be seen or touched and caring for the physical structure is entwined with the human spirit not separate from it. Illness, therefore, may be identical but the persons suffering from it are individuals.Using the time tested Oriental medicinal principles regarding the relationship between the patient, the five elements (earth, water, fire, metal and wood) and the cause and effects of disease, the vital properties of natural aromatic oils are blended and matched with the patient's energetic needs.The essence of Oriental Aromatherapy lies in the choice of essential oils in response to the individual's overall energetic pattern. Once the oils are chosen in an holistic way and blended in a carrier oil such as macadamia or sweet almond oil the individual is massaged in a very flowing uninterrupted style. The body is able to totally absorb the essence that represents a whole system; a global and organic way of healing which could never be reproduced synthetically.Oriental aromatherapy is a very complex subject. To define its actions it is first necessary to distinguish between internal and external causes of disease. Naturally a good grasp of the Traditional Chinese Medical System is essential in determining such causes. External causes of disease are more climatic in origin such as wind, cold, damp, and so on. Internal causes are those of a subtle nature of more simply, our emotions. For example, an intensity of sadness and melancholy can lead to a disharmony of the lungs and conversely a disharmony of the lungs can lead to sadness and melancholy.To illustrate one half of their paradigm, when a person loses someone dear to them they go through a grieving or letting go process. If, however the sadness is so intense that they become stuck in time or the past, others may feel that they are out of reach. From this kind of digression a lack of vitality may develop, with shallow breathing and a consequent increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Essential oils to work on the lungs would be chosen according to their specific actions, for example oils to move energy, strengthen, warm, cool or sedate the lungs. Specifically thyme to open one up to the 'now' experience and clary sage to strengthen and uplift the Qi (energy) in the lungs would be chosen.So by understanding the functions of the Chinese medical system and the diverse qualities of essential oils and integrating both, it is the aim to re-establish harmony by helping the patient regain their innate oneness. Massage, acupressure and essential oils are therefore applied as a holistic treatment. |
