Women’s Health: Bringing Balance Through Massage and Aromatherapy

By Margarita Camarena, Massage Therapist

Women know, and love, to get massages.

It's a way to relax, release the knots, and have some “me” time. Besides helping us feel better in our bodies, there are other specific and powerful reasons for women to get massages. Massage helps regulate hormones. Massage contributes to the organization and flow of hormones from glands through the bloodstream and into organs and tissues. As a result, it alleviates PMS symptoms, helps to balance the menstrual cycle and ease the transition into menopause. Adding Aromatherapy can further strengthen these effects.

PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome is a reality in our lives. Each woman’s PMS symptoms and intensity is very unique. Some of these symptoms include breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, weight gain, nausea, backache and many more (you probably have your own list!).

Citing research by the Touch Research Institute, Massage Magazine asserts that massage during the premenstrual week, may be “a long-term aid for pain reduction and water retention, and short-term for decreasing anxiety and improving mood for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.”

Menstrual Cycle

There are cases where women have PMS symptoms, but no period at all. Just like with PMS, the menstrual cycle differs from woman to woman. Some women have irregular menses or miss their period all together. The reasons are many, and the most obvious is pregnancy. Other causes include physical and/or mental stress, anxiety, tension, eating disorders, menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Premature Ovarian Failure, bulimia, anorexia; some birth control pills or other medications can also impact the menstrual cycle. 

In cases where menses is missing, a special massage protocol can be followed to stimulate circulation

and activate hormone secretion. In such cases I work on the acupressure points which jumpstart the reproductive and endocrine system. I also like to blend specific aromatherapy oils which can help induce menstruation — like geranium, rose otto, melissa, basil and myrrh. On the other hand, chamomile and lavender might be used, because a woman might actually need relaxation, not stimulation to help her cycle. A really powerful way to induce menstruation is to opt for a hot stone massage (first check to make sure this is not contraindicated for you.)

Some self-help can work too: take a hot bath with some of the essential oils listed above; also try sit-ups.

If the problem is menses that are (too) strong, massage can help regulate the flow, reduce bloating, pain, and restore your body. In this case the massage is much more grounding, calming, and reconnecting. Too much heat is not recommended. If Aromatherapy is used (we always offer it at no charge with our massage sessions), I would opt for calming and cooling essential oils. Juniper, Clary Sage, Palo Santo, and sandalwood are some examples. For self-help, try massaging your own hands and feet to redistribute the blood flow. 

Fertility

Massage can really encourage fertility by reducing stress, anxiety and increasing circulation in the reproductive organs.

It is common that women have a hard time getting pregnant if they have high levels of stress and anxiety. Swedish massage is an excellent way to reduce stress and animate the circulatory system. I also like to work modalities such as Myofascial Release Therapy to gently free up adhesions in the musculature in and around the reproductive organs, hips, and sacrum.

Once more, Aromatherapy can be used: essential oils contain compounds that help to bind the estrogen receptors in the body. Aromatherapy at home explains how it works very well, “The limbic system interacts to control the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress level and hormone balance. This is why essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind.” Some of these powerful essences include jasmine, chamomile, basil, melissa, and rose.

Subtle Therapy

Not every woman might be receptive to it, but if you are, I like to add gem stones to balance the energy body for 20 minutes while finishing the session with Reiki. The stones regulate the reproductive system and can also be used to regulate menses and ease PMS. Some of these stones include: moonstone, chrysoprase, brookite, dessert rose, courie, garnet, and quartz. Most women find just the weight of the stones to be very pleasing and relaxing. 

Aside from massage, a woman can benefit from a full session of Reiki for fertility purposes. Reiki is well known for aiding fertility. With Reiki, I am working on a more energetic level. Even for women who are doubtful about this kind of work ("Energy? Chakras?"), they find that 'something' about it produces results. Giving attention to specific areas of the body is surprisingly effective to unwind emotional blocks we hold — blocks which can impinge the functioning of our bodies. Often clients request that I include a little bit of Reiki during a massage session. This gives them a taste of its efficacy, and many of them then choose to schedule for a full Reiki session.

Benefitting from Massage

From the medical style to the subtle touch, massage has many ways to benefit a woman's body. Skilled touch and attention can be of great benefit for PMS, regulating menses, and aiding fertility. Please feel free to contact us for questions and to book a session.

If you would like to include Aromatherapy or gem stones into your session, I invite you to call ahead. I like ask more specific questions to create the right formula and gemstone group for you.

You will begin to see changes when doing ongoing, cyclical sessions; so I encourage you to make a habit of getting massages. It doesn't have to be every week, of course. How often you receive massage depends on where you are, and where you need to be. We do offer great packages that make your sessions a lot more affordable.

I look forward to seeing you, and working together to bringing wellness into your female

space.