a bath. For example, as noted in “Essential plant oils and headache mechanisms” (Phytomedicine, 1995), peppermint essential oil induces a significant increase of blood flow to the skin of the forehead after local application and exerts significant effects on mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of clinical headache syndromes. Local application of peppermint oil generates a long-lasting cooling effect on the skin, caused by an alteration of the calcium channels of the cold-receptors. Peppermint also inhibits non-competitively 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and substance-P-induced smooth muscle contraction. This explains how peppermint works to relieve a headache. There are many more studies that Single essential oils or blends may be used during massage sessions, as spot treatments applied to areas of pain and inflammation, in body lotion or in a bath. | www.massagemag.com | September 2015 | MASSAGE Magazine | 47 support the use of essential oils for pain and inflammation, both in therapeutic practice and self-care. For topical application, essential oils are added to a carrier, such as a vegetable fixed oil, cream or lotion base. The area of application, oils used and therapeutic purpose will determine the total amount, or percentage, of essential oil used in the base carrier. An essential oil dilution can be anywhere from 0.5 – 50 percent in the carrier. In a 30-milliliter container, 2 percent will equal approximately 12 drops of essential oil. Ten percent is approximately 60 drops. Essential oils in massage practice The diversity and holistic properties of essential oils provide great opportunities for the massage therapist and other practitioners. Used topically, oils’ analgesic and antiinflammatory properties synergize and enhance the work of the practitioner, increasing therapeutic results. Also, the inhalation of essential oils may more quickly bring the client into a state of relaxation, decreasing the initial time you would normally spend getting the body prepared for deeper work. Essential oils can be personalized with focus on the specialized needs, including fragrance, of the individual client. Personalized blends give exclusivity to your treatments, which can enhance your services’ value and support client retention. You can also offer self-care home treatment products for retail sale to your clients, which can increase your profits. As a massage therapist you are constantly adding to your array of tools; paired with your skilled hands and close attention to clients’ needs, essential oils can provide you another effective way to help your clients find relief from inflammation and pain. Jimm Harrison (jimmharrison.com) is an essential oil, holistic wellness and scent branding consultant, educator and author with more than 20 years’ experience. He is the author of Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics (Milady) and teaches his Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Certificate CCCE Program at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, across the U.S. and internationally. M Read “Best Application Methods for Essential Oils,” by Jimm Harrison, at massagemag.com/ bestapplicationmethods. 48 | MASSAGE Magazine | September 2015 | www.massagemag.com | “The only way to gain strength is by exercising.” I saw that line again just the other day in a LinkedIn discussion panel. We’ve all heard it, and there is some truth to it: Exercise does build strength—but that assertion doesn’t tell the whole story. Our bodies constantly perform a balancing act to create functional movement, specializing at helping us maintain whatever posture we choose to inhabit the most. However, small fixations and inhibitions in muscles, joints and fascia can keep a muscle, or section of muscle, weak to prevent further injury. When the body signals it needs to protect itself from injury or pain, the muscle action will reflexively collapse even under the light pressure of a muscle test, keeping it from full activation and full strength. So, I’m not referring to the kind of weakness that exercise is designed to combat. I’m talking about specific muscle weaknesses where the body feels fixated or inhibited somewhere in the complex of muscle, fascia, nerve or joint. Because every person’s body mechanics suffer when muscles stay weakened, it is in each person’s self-interest to find and resolve these fixations. Massage, chiropractic, Make Space in Your Body Quick Self Fixes Improve Function by Mark Volkmann by Barbara Sharp, L.M.T. 1. Cranial Fix. This fix stems from craniosacral and osteopathic techniques. It targets the upper trapezius and deltoid muscles, but can often strengthen many muscle tests body-wide. It is a very light touch—no more than a nickel’s weight—of splayed fingers on both sides of the head, making contact to the skin over five skull bones: frontal bone, parietal bone, temporal bone, sphenoid bone and occipital bone. The first four bones meet in front of and slightly above the ear; that meeting point is a powerful healing point (often active in migraines). 5Quick Self Fixes to Try Now Fingers touch on the five numbers. 5 4 3 2 1 The circle highlights the meeting point of the four skull bones. PHOTOS BY CHRIS SAVAS | www.massagemag.com | September 2015 | MASSAGE Magazine | 49 osteopathy and various forms of stretching and yoga are some of the most common bodywork methods. But sometimes we need something quick,