Aromatherapy: Massage + Sleep
The study: Researcher Zhang Cheng led a double-blind study with 96 participants who received lavender aromatherapy massage; the placebo group received a massage with sweet almond oil. Therapists focused on the lumbosacral area, from the soles of the feet to the shoulders, then on the palms of the hands.
The results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvement in sleep quality, anxiety, and pain scores when compared to the placebo group.
Added benefit: “Aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil may have positive effects, especially for breast cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy,” researcher Cheng notes.
Learn more: National Library of Medicine
Massage Tipof the week
Anatomy lesson: Stress and your Masseter Muscle
Your masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for the action of mastication (chewing). When the masseter contracts, it produces a powerful elevation of the mandible, closing the mouth. Its insertion along the angle and lateral surface of the ramus also allows it to aid in the protrusion of the mandible, allowing for the anterior motion of the jaw.
Sometimes your jaw just hurts! To relax your masseter muscles:
- Place the knuckles of both hands just beneath the cheekbones and press in.
- Slowly open your mouth and press in against the jaw muscles with your knuckles.
- End the compression and stretching when you meet the edge of the jawbone.
- Repeat at least 10 times. Feel better!
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov • oshercenter.org • Image: Wiki Commons
Therapistof the month
Tony Easlick, LMT, founder, Licensed Massage Therapist: District of Columbia, Virginia, Fairfax County
The founder and CEO of Mobile Tranquility, Tony specializes in deep tissue and sports massage.
Join our Team!
Mobile Tranqullity is hiring! Click here to learn how you can be part of our traveling chair and table massage team!
learn more