Introduction
Have you ever wanted to improve your athletic performance? A study conducted by medical professionals under the United States Sports Academy shows that aromatherapy, or the practice of utilizing essential oils, could be used in maintaining an athlete’s physical and mental well-being. From easing different pains and aches, healing injuries, and even managing mental health, aromatherapy is considered a beneficial practice to sustain athletes.
Healthy living is one of the main values of Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage. We are dedicated to providing our clients with an accessible option so they can take care of themselves and their health while minimizing the need for prescription medication.
Under the guidance of our professionals, you can take a step back and enjoy what life has to offer while improving your lifestyle at the same time. This is one of many reasons why Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage offers numerous packages to attend to our clients’ needs. Of these packages, the aroma body and foot massage is an ideal option for athletes—especially marathon runners.
Benefits of Aromatherapy for Marathon Preparation
Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils to improve an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Professionals use different types of oils that are comprised of powerful ingredients and hold notable healing properties, to help people relieve their muscles and mental state of stress.
With the amount of fatigue preparing for marathons can cause, an aromatherapy full body massage can be a wonderful de-stressor for athletes. For marathon runners, the healing properties of essential oils are very much felt as it causes the following:
Reduces Muscle Inflammation
An aroma full body massage can reduce muscle inflammation. It relaxes the stress strenuous workouts can cause, including muscle pain and fatigue. When you find your muscles sore from an intensive workout, a massage using essential oils can relieve your aches as a form of physical therapy.
Decreases Stress and Anxiety Levels
Aside from the physical benefits essential oils and aromatherapy can give, they can serve to relieve stress. The scents essential oils give off, along with a good massage, are meant to relax an individual and ease their anxieties. Settling your nerves can be an important factor in preparation for any race.
Stimulates the Right Glands in the Brain
Along with mitigating stress and anxiety, aromatherapy stimulates the body and mind. Through the relaxing effects essential oils can promote, you might find yourself with a renewed sense of motivation after the session. You can count this as part of the mental preparation often recommended before running a marathon.
Promotes Self-Healing of Injuries
Aromatherapy can also stimulate and heighten a body’s self-healing factor. Because it can relieve pain, the practice is utilized for addressing joint discomfort, tendonitis, sprains, and strains, among other bodily aches.
Controls Blood Pressure and Heartbeat
This method can also increase blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, and improve lung functions. When exposed to essential oils for under one hour, you can regulate your blood pressure at a healthy rate. After an intense workout spent preparing for a marathon, there is nothing quite like an aromatherapy full body massage to end your day with a nice restful activity.
Essential Oils Often Used
There are many different essential oils that can be used in the practice of aromatherapy massages. Each one provides its own different scent and effect, which can benefit you depending on the situation. By learning more about the kinds of essential oils used during aromatherapy, you can better expect what you’ll feel during and after a session.
Eucalyptus
When paired with wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil emits a strong relaxing effect when diffused. This, alongside its ability to soothe bodily pains in the joints, muscles, and tendons, makes it an ideal option for physical aromatherapy. In addition, due to its specialty for soothing pain, eucalyptus may be best saved after strenuous activities like workouts.
Lemon
Considered to be one of the best options for treating athlete’s foot, lemon oil is a prime pick for stimulating your immune system after a long day of physical activity. It has strong anti-depressant effects that can ease the mind during scheduled periods of rest. In fact, it can even help alleviate any nausea or headaches you’re feeling before a race.
Lavender
Lavender oil is known for its stress-relieving properties and promotion of speedy recovery. Professionals have shared that it is “rich in medicinal properties like antimicrobial activity, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties.” Paired with aromatherapy, this oil is best used the night before and after a race, as its relaxation properties work best in calming the mind and soothing cuts and bruises.
Visit an Aromatherapist Near You
Natural healing is an appealing way for you to improve your well-being in this day and age. It can be a rejuvenating experience when supported by the right hands. Luckily, there is an easy avenue for it by looking toward your local aromatherapy spa. At Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage, we have a number of branches you can visit for a session.
As a haven of tranquility dedicated to providing our clients with premier service, Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage promotes healthy living with the guidance of trained professionals. It is important to listen to what your body needs. With our team of experts, we make it a point to provide an experience that renews your mind, body, and energy.
Conclusion
As athletes, striking a careful balance between work and relaxation can be difficult. With aromatherapy, however, this can become less of a concern.
When in need of an aromatherapy full body massage, Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage would be more than happy to help you. If you find yourself in need of a calming massage session, contact us at any one of our branches to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit.