Anxiety, stress and depression are probably the three biggest reasons for clients coming to see me. Back pain and neck and shoulder pain probably come next but I often find neck and shoulder pain is secondary to stress.
Massage and aromatherapy can help with the symptoms of these psychological conditions but if a client is working in a very stressful job and is unable to change any of the factors creating their problems then they will be using massage and aromatherapy as a way of coping rather than eliminating the problems.
There are many essential oils that can help with these problems, bergamot, frankincense, lavender, vetiver, chamomile to name just a few. If there are abuse issues | will probably add one of rose, jasmine or neroli. If the client is expressing a wish to get out of the situation (This has to be their wish and not mine) then I might add Laurel (bay) Rosemary or Pine, all oils that help with poor self esteem and might over time help a client to make a decision to move on.
Massage as well as providing the means of delivering the essential oils can address the symptoms itself and also provide a sense of nurture that can allow the client to feel more accepted and help them move out of depression.
While I do feel that antidepressants and some other psychiatric drugs are vastly overused, I do not advise clients to stop these or use massage and aromatherapy as an alternative to conventional treatment without discussing this first with their GP. If a client is wishing to stop medication and has the support of their GP I am happy to provide aromatherapy a a way of supporting this.
