Aromatherapy massage for the elderly
Massage can be very helpful for the problems that most people experience as they grow older. It can be used to soothe conditions such as muscle stiffness and soreness, loss of flexibility, anxiety or insomnia to name just a few. But, perhaps most important of all, for elderly people who have lost their partners and live alone, massage provides the sense of nurturing that comes from being gently and respectfully touched. Elderly people with Alzheimer's or who have had a stroke and find it hard to communicate verbally benefit greatly from massage.
What are the benefits?
Even gentle massage improves circulation of blood and lymph in the body, and doing so, it distributes oxygen and nutrients at an accelerated rate and assists in removal of toxins. By nourishing parts of the body for any reason functionally deficient, it aids in preventing further deterioration. Skilled massage can thus be used complementarily in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including arthritis, asthma and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
Using dilutions of gentle essential oils such as chamomile, lavender, mandarin, sandalwood or rose with massage (Aromatherapy) not only creates a very pleasant and uplifting ambience, but also adds to the therapeutic qualities. For instance, bactericidal and antiviral characteristics of the oils work to support the immune system, whilst some of them (eg. Lavender, Neroli ) are renowned for the capacity to alleviate stress, tension and anxiety thereby helping to manage such complaints as insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Together, aromatherapy and touch can create an environment of powerful emotional support, as well as complementing/supporting any healing process.
The power of touch
Our need for touch does not stop in childhood. During our lifetime touch remains a powerful medium for conveying care, empathy and goodwill. Today, the elderly, no longer live in three-generation households where they could hold and cuddle children. They mostly live in care homes where the staff, no matter how kind, have very limited time. As a result the elderly suffer effects of emotional and physical isolation.
Even a short massage can have a tremendously comforting effect. It conveys nurture and strengthens emotional and sensory connection with the outer world.
Case studies show that patients recover quicer when their doctor holds their hand warmly during assessments!
What can a massage session in a care home look like?
Very frail or modest clients can benefit just as much from a foot, hand or face massage as they might from an all-over body massage. Aromatherapy massage treatments can be easily adapted to individual needs and preferences. The treatments can be carried out with clients comfortably seated or resting on a bed. Clients (or sometimes their legal guardians) are encouraged to participate in the treatment by telling the therapist about themselves and heir habits and are welcome to advise the therapist about their favourite areas of the body to be massaged, and their most loved or preferred scents.
The aromatherapist will always work in close partnership with the team of carers and endeavour to fit in with the clients` lifestyle or routine. Treatments can be given in the morning , afternoon or just before bedtime. A session with an individual client can take anything from a 10 min soothing hand or face/head and shoulder massage to a half-hour or even longer session, depending on individual condition and wishes. Aromatherapy treatments can be administered occasionally, on a weekly basis or as often as required. Most of our clients living in care homes have a 15-20 minute session on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Are there side effects and when should it be avoided?
Aromatherapy massage is a gentle and non-invasive treatment and, by and large, very safe. Carried out properly, it does not have detrimental side effects. There are nevertheless conditions and circumstances where caution needs to be observed, and special practices applied, for the treatment to be beneficial and safe.
Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, or with contagious or infectious diseases. Clients with any form of cancer must obtain their doctor's permission before having any kind of massage treatment. Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor first.
The therapist is bound by a code of conduct and confidentiality. It is important to make sure that she is told about any medical conditions and medication the elderly client is taking. This enables the complementary treatments to be carefully designed taking into account changes in the body function and responses due to ailments or medication.
Bibliography:
First and foremost: Mary Kathleen Rose - Massage fort the elderly and the ill, 2001
Age Concern UK -Benefit of Massage/ www.AgeConcern.org.uk
www.sonamassage.com/modality-elderly.html
www.massagetherapy.com/
Cancer Research UK - Massage therapy / www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Complementary Therapists association / www.complementary.assoc.org.uk
The stroke association - Massage for stroke Patients/ www.stroke.org.uk
For all enquiries call:
Anna
01424 428851
0794 0441027