There is a simple, common goal among many massage practitioners: to provide relaxation.
Whether a client is coming to you for relief from a specific pain, for help recovering from an injury or to ease stress and tension, the basic purpose is to relieve the client’s problem and allow them to relax in its absence.
It may serve your practice well to find a relaxing and therapeutic massage cream to help reach the goals of each session and further enhance the efficacy and results of your hands-on services. Studies show ingredients like lavender, passion flower and lemon balm have relaxing effects. Be sure to thoroughly research the products you are looking to buy, taking notice of the key ingredients and their benefits.
Lavender
Also known as Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis, lavender has been linked to calming the nervous system, reducing stress and speeding the relaxation response of the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, researchers recommend the use of lavender essential oil during massage therapy for benefits ranging from improved mood and sleep quality to increased concentration and decreased anxiety.
Passion Flower
Passion flower, or Passiflora incarnata, is an all-natural ingredient that has been reported to help reduce tension, anxiety and even insomnia. Neurologist and ayurvedic wellness expert Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D., said passion flower contains two compounds that can have positive effects on the nervous system: beta-carboline alkaloids and chrysin. Chaudhary explained that beta-carboline alkaloids may create an effect similar to certain medications used to treat depression, and chrysin has been proven to be effective in alleviating anxiety.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis, more commonly known as lemon balm, has been connected to the alleviation of tension, the calming of nerves and may have anti-viral benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center cited research on lemon balm that shows this natural ingredient can help decrease anxiety, promote better sleep, improve mood, and boost calmness and alertness.
About the Author
Brandi Schlossberg is an avid bodywork client and full-time journalist based in Reno, Nevada. She has written for MASSAGE Magazine on many topics.