Tiara L. Catey
Licensed Massage Therapist
MA 41831
MA 41831
Center For Balance
Call to make your appointment:
352.642.4545 cell
Location:
Center for Balance
1705 NW 6th Street
Gainesville, FL 32609
352.378.5166 fax
tiara@tiaracatey.com
352.642.4545 cell
Location:
Center for Balance
1705 NW 6th Street
Gainesville, FL 32609
352.378.5166 fax
tiara@tiaracatey.com
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Home Massage Services Lomilomi Aromatherapy Cherokee Bodywork Benefits Information About Me Center For Balance Contact Me Testimonials
Copyright Tiara L. Catey, LMT @ Center For Balance
Aromatherapy
Reflections on Aromatherapy
I have been fascinated by the therapeutic qualities of essential oils for over a decade. When I started to utilize essential oils with massage, I was amazed at their effectiveness. I have correlated my own personal and professional use of aromatherapy as the reason why I have hardly suffered from colds or viruses over the years. When I have come down with a sickness, I have been able to recover remarkably quickly. I personally would find a massage without aromatherapy to be missing something profound. Massage is, of course, therapeutic on its own, but it is a much richer experience with essential oils.
Background on Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is the practice of applying essential oils through massage to encourage balance and well-being for the whole person. The idea is that when one is balanced, one is healthy. Aromatherapy and massage brings two therapeutic practices together - the healing qualities of essential oils and the experience of nurturing touch!
Essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plant, such as the flowers, roots, leaves, rind, wood, and bark. Essential oils are aromatic by their very nature.
Throughout history and in all cultures, aromatic plant materials have been used to facilitate healing - they were the early medicines. In France, in the 1920's, chemists in the perfume industry correlated their exposure to the fragrant essential oils with their improved health. The term "aromatherapy" was coined to describe these phenomena, which began the modern-day exploration of the healing benefits of essential oils. In the 1940's, the use of essential oils was introduced to the field of massage as a safe, gentle and effective method of therapeutic application. Ever since, the two disciplines have complemented each other perfectly.
Aromatherapy massage was also adopted by the beauty industry - it recognized that essential oils and massage were healing and health-affirming, understanding that there is nothing more beautiful than a healthy person. The beauty industry also took notice that the essential oils were positively affecting troublesome skin conditions.
Aromatherapy's value is being recognized beyond the beauty industry and the complementary/alternative medicine therapies in recent years by the mainstream medical field overseas, particularly in France and Great Britain, which have begun to research the qualities of essential oils. Because of their natural antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral qualities, essential oils have begun to be recognized as potential substitutes o antibiotics and legitimate topical agents for skin conditions, etc.
Massage, on its own, has become recognized as a helpful and preventative method of complementary health care. It has the ability to relieve musculoskeletal issues, reduce pain, improve flexibility, and promote a sense of relaxation and alleviate depression and insomnia. Aromatherapy combined with massage improves our well-being, brings equilibrium to our lives, supports health, and, all the while, delights our senses.
Essential oils are absorbed through the skin because of the small size of their molecules. It is because they are absorbed into the body, that in my practice, I only use therapeutic-grade essential oils in combination with natural carrier plant oils to offer supreme aromatherapeutic benefit.
I have been fascinated by the therapeutic qualities of essential oils for over a decade. When I started to utilize essential oils with massage, I was amazed at their effectiveness. I have correlated my own personal and professional use of aromatherapy as the reason why I have hardly suffered from colds or viruses over the years. When I have come down with a sickness, I have been able to recover remarkably quickly. I personally would find a massage without aromatherapy to be missing something profound. Massage is, of course, therapeutic on its own, but it is a much richer experience with essential oils.
Background on Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is the practice of applying essential oils through massage to encourage balance and well-being for the whole person. The idea is that when one is balanced, one is healthy. Aromatherapy and massage brings two therapeutic practices together - the healing qualities of essential oils and the experience of nurturing touch!
Essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plant, such as the flowers, roots, leaves, rind, wood, and bark. Essential oils are aromatic by their very nature.
Throughout history and in all cultures, aromatic plant materials have been used to facilitate healing - they were the early medicines. In France, in the 1920's, chemists in the perfume industry correlated their exposure to the fragrant essential oils with their improved health. The term "aromatherapy" was coined to describe these phenomena, which began the modern-day exploration of the healing benefits of essential oils. In the 1940's, the use of essential oils was introduced to the field of massage as a safe, gentle and effective method of therapeutic application. Ever since, the two disciplines have complemented each other perfectly.
Aromatherapy massage was also adopted by the beauty industry - it recognized that essential oils and massage were healing and health-affirming, understanding that there is nothing more beautiful than a healthy person. The beauty industry also took notice that the essential oils were positively affecting troublesome skin conditions.
Aromatherapy's value is being recognized beyond the beauty industry and the complementary/alternative medicine therapies in recent years by the mainstream medical field overseas, particularly in France and Great Britain, which have begun to research the qualities of essential oils. Because of their natural antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiviral qualities, essential oils have begun to be recognized as potential substitutes o antibiotics and legitimate topical agents for skin conditions, etc.
Massage, on its own, has become recognized as a helpful and preventative method of complementary health care. It has the ability to relieve musculoskeletal issues, reduce pain, improve flexibility, and promote a sense of relaxation and alleviate depression and insomnia. Aromatherapy combined with massage improves our well-being, brings equilibrium to our lives, supports health, and, all the while, delights our senses.
Essential oils are absorbed through the skin because of the small size of their molecules. It is because they are absorbed into the body, that in my practice, I only use therapeutic-grade essential oils in combination with natural carrier plant oils to offer supreme aromatherapeutic benefit.
Aromatherapy & Massage:
A Synergistic Experience
Aromatherapy in conjunction with massage adds dimension to the benefits and experience of bodywork.
Aromatherapy and Massage: Natural Partners
In recent years there has been an increase in the public's knowledge of the benefits that can be derived from massage, such as the ability to deeply relax and to relieve muscular tension. But did you know that when aromatherapy is combined with massage, research indicates that the massage is greatly enhanced and the health-giving effects of the massage are prolonged due to the therapeutic action of the essential oils?
Holistic Qualities of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of botanical extracts, specifically the fragrant portion of a plant, in the form of an essential oil. Essential oils are known to have restorative benefits which help achieve balance for the whole person - physically, mentally and psychologically. Each essential oil is amazing in its diversity of actions and each may be used for a variety of purposes. Let's take eucalyptus oil, for example. Its myriad benefits include antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and it is particularly useful for respiratory conditions, to relieve sore musculature, to stimulate the mind, and to give one a sense of "room to breathe". Not only are essential oils therapeutic, but they also have beautiful aromas!
Methods of Application and Absorption of Essential Oils
Within the scope of practice for massage therapy, essential oils are added to oil or cream. Since essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, only small quantities are necessary for a session. The belief is that essential oils, due to their small molecular structures, are absorbed through the skin and enter the body. That is why it is very important to use only high-quality essential oils.
Another method of absorption is through diffusion in the air. Respiration brings the therapeutic qualities into the body through the lungs. The impact of aroma may affect our mood and emotions through associations, regulate our stress response, improve our level of concentration and mental acuity and disinfect airborne pathogens to support healthy breathing.
True Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been getting a lot of press recently, and many products are featuring it as a selling point. The public's perception is that aromatherapy is derived from a natural source. Although there are many products out there that are reputable, especially those that are found in health food stores, many products are mass marketed as aromatherapeutic, but are not. For instance, blueberry, kiwi and papaya are natural but there aren't any essential oils extracted from these fruits. Therefore, the fragrances that are being offered as these aromas are actually synthetics. You might ask, "If they smell good, why not use synthetics?" The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are those which nature has tempered with trace chemical components to soften their effects and give them complexity of scent, but, most importantly, diversity of purpose. True aromatherapy offers a multifaceted array of applications, rather than the one-dimensional function of fragrancing. One may look at the earlier example of the eucalyptus oil and its myriad uses to understand essential oils' broad benefits. In addition, our bodies are more accepting of the essential oils because of the balance provided by a truly natural product producing within the plant as opposed to synthetic oils, concentrated in one or two chemical components manufactured in a laboratory that could potentially cause irritation or allergic reaction.
Education and Experience with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is appropriate for women, men, and sensitive populations such as children and the elderly. However, aromatherapy should be used judiciously, with respect for its inherent potency and the situation and population to which it is to be administered. It is wise to consult with a professional aromatherapy practitioner who has a solid background and education in the field, take an introductory class or self-educate through an informative book on the subject.
Aromatherapy and Massage
Aromatherapy massage is an excellent method of stress reduction and has an indispensable role in self-care and preventative measures. Massage in conjunction with aromatherapy may be tremendously beneficial in its ability to encourage the body to heal. Experience aromatherapy massage and discover its innate and infinite benefits.
A Synergistic Experience
Aromatherapy in conjunction with massage adds dimension to the benefits and experience of bodywork.
Aromatherapy and Massage: Natural Partners
In recent years there has been an increase in the public's knowledge of the benefits that can be derived from massage, such as the ability to deeply relax and to relieve muscular tension. But did you know that when aromatherapy is combined with massage, research indicates that the massage is greatly enhanced and the health-giving effects of the massage are prolonged due to the therapeutic action of the essential oils?
Holistic Qualities of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of botanical extracts, specifically the fragrant portion of a plant, in the form of an essential oil. Essential oils are known to have restorative benefits which help achieve balance for the whole person - physically, mentally and psychologically. Each essential oil is amazing in its diversity of actions and each may be used for a variety of purposes. Let's take eucalyptus oil, for example. Its myriad benefits include antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, and it is particularly useful for respiratory conditions, to relieve sore musculature, to stimulate the mind, and to give one a sense of "room to breathe". Not only are essential oils therapeutic, but they also have beautiful aromas!
Methods of Application and Absorption of Essential Oils
Within the scope of practice for massage therapy, essential oils are added to oil or cream. Since essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, only small quantities are necessary for a session. The belief is that essential oils, due to their small molecular structures, are absorbed through the skin and enter the body. That is why it is very important to use only high-quality essential oils.
Another method of absorption is through diffusion in the air. Respiration brings the therapeutic qualities into the body through the lungs. The impact of aroma may affect our mood and emotions through associations, regulate our stress response, improve our level of concentration and mental acuity and disinfect airborne pathogens to support healthy breathing.
True Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has been getting a lot of press recently, and many products are featuring it as a selling point. The public's perception is that aromatherapy is derived from a natural source. Although there are many products out there that are reputable, especially those that are found in health food stores, many products are mass marketed as aromatherapeutic, but are not. For instance, blueberry, kiwi and papaya are natural but there aren't any essential oils extracted from these fruits. Therefore, the fragrances that are being offered as these aromas are actually synthetics. You might ask, "If they smell good, why not use synthetics?" The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are those which nature has tempered with trace chemical components to soften their effects and give them complexity of scent, but, most importantly, diversity of purpose. True aromatherapy offers a multifaceted array of applications, rather than the one-dimensional function of fragrancing. One may look at the earlier example of the eucalyptus oil and its myriad uses to understand essential oils' broad benefits. In addition, our bodies are more accepting of the essential oils because of the balance provided by a truly natural product producing within the plant as opposed to synthetic oils, concentrated in one or two chemical components manufactured in a laboratory that could potentially cause irritation or allergic reaction.
Education and Experience with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is appropriate for women, men, and sensitive populations such as children and the elderly. However, aromatherapy should be used judiciously, with respect for its inherent potency and the situation and population to which it is to be administered. It is wise to consult with a professional aromatherapy practitioner who has a solid background and education in the field, take an introductory class or self-educate through an informative book on the subject.
Aromatherapy and Massage
Aromatherapy massage is an excellent method of stress reduction and has an indispensable role in self-care and preventative measures. Massage in conjunction with aromatherapy may be tremendously beneficial in its ability to encourage the body to heal. Experience aromatherapy massage and discover its innate and infinite benefits.
