Aromatherapy Massage May Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

Aromatherapy massage may reduce menopausal symptoms, according to a new study.

Aromatherapy is a technique in which essential oils from plants are used with the intention of preventing or treating illness, reducing stress, or enhancing well-being. Fragrance oils and products containing man-made compounds are not used in the practice of genuine aromatherapy. Although many gift shops sell scented candles, pomanders and potpourri as "aromatherapy," genuine aromatherapy treatments use higher strength (concentrated) essential oils drawn from various herbs. Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils that have been added to massage oil. This allows the essential oils to be absorbed through the skin as well as the nose and mouth.

In a new study, 90 menopausal women were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group received a 30-minute aromatherapy massage with aroma oil twice weekly for four weeks, the second group received a 30-minute massage with plain massage oil twice weekly for four weeks and the third group received no treatment at all. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated with the menopause rating scale throughout the study.

The researchers found that after eight treatment sessions, participants in both the aromatherapy massage and regular massage groups had significantly lower menopause scores than those receiving no treatment. Participants in the aromatherapy group had significantly lower menopause scores when compared to those receiving regular massage treatments.

The authors concluded that both aromatherapy massage and regular massage treatments may reduce menopausal symptoms; however, aromatherapy massage may be more effective. Further research is necessary before any firm conclusions can be made.

Many other integrative therapies have been studied for their potential effects on menopausal symptoms. Foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy, may help alleviate symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, burning, itching, painful intercourse and decreased interest in sex. Black cohosh is also a popular alternative to prescription hormonal therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Initial human research suggests that black cohosh may improve some of these symptoms for up to six months. However, the current evidence is mixed. Additional, well-designed studies are needed before firm conclusions may be made.

For more information about integrative therapies for menopausal symptoms, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about aromatherapy massage, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

Comments

[SB]

I wonder if it is any particular scent, or aromatherapy in general. Or if there is a medical mechanism of action, or if it is simply a reduction in tension. In any event, it is a nice way to deal with a very common problem.

[J Squared]

Aroma therapy massages are just awesome. At a recent site visit at Mass Metta Massage Therapy, the therapist there explained to us how they use essential oils in order to relax their clients during massage sessions. At this particular place, essential oils such as lavender oil, lemon, geranium, sandalwood etc, were used according to the types of doshas each of the clients were according to Ayuverda such as pitta, kapha or vata. Jojoba oil was the most requested since it is so similar to our body oils.

[ks]

It’s amazing how massage can help with so many different ailments. Chronic pain, depression, anxiety, migraines, increasing circulation and enhancing immunity are just a few benefits that occur from getting regular massages. Although all these indications only have a Natural Standard evidence grade of C, the improvement that it brings to people’s lives cannot be ignored. Menopausal symptoms can be very debilitating for women, so it's nice to see research being conducted on alternative ways to help.

[NA]

I’m sure many women would be pleased to learn that a reduction in menopausal symptoms may be achieved through aromatherapy massage! I was surprised to read that women had lower menopause scores in the aromatherapy massage group compared to the women in the regular massage group. I am curious to know what the mechanism of action of aromatherapy is in reducing menopausal symptoms. With more evidence, I’d also be interested to see what evidence grade Natural Standard would give aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms.

[AB]

As the post stated, aromatherapy oils are more concentrated than manufactured oils. I wonder what the difference in the concentration between the aroma oils and the plain massage oils was. I also wonder what results differing concentrations of the same aroma oils would produce. Is there a concentration that produces optimum results for menopausal symptom relief?

[JD]

This could be a good alternative for women who don’t want to take hormone supplements or the other options for menopause that have a lot of controversy behind them. I’ve also heard that aromatherapy massage can be good for women with severe or frequent cramps associated with menses. If it is affective for cramps, it would be a good way to get away from taking over the counter pain medications every four hours for at least 4 days a month. I’ll definitely have to try it.

[GDC]

I have talk to a lot people and aromatherapy massage is a complementary therapy to them. It reduces psychological stress and in most “end of life” situations especially in cancer patients it improve quality of life. It confers some short-term benefits in our psychological wellbeing, reduces anxiety. Despite the fact that it lack concrete limited evidence, I think it is helping a lot individuals who are challenged in one way or the other such as during menopause. There is no harm in trying so why not give it a chance.

[CC]

This study sounds amazing; I wish I was a participant in one of the 30 minute biweekly massage treatment arms! I’ve never used aromatherapy for menopause symptoms, but I have regularly used it for stress/anxiety relief. I’ve noticed if I feel particularly tense and I put a few drops of lavender oil in an oil warmer, I feel much more relaxed. Aromatherapy is Grade C for anxiety, but in my personal experience it rates higher!

[Carrie]

My first thought to this article was that is a really nice, safe, and relaxing way to deal with menopause symptoms. Massage with/without aromatherapy is less risky then medication options available and a lot more fun than taking a tablet everyday.

[MW]

Aromatherapy is a subject I wish would be looked into more. Checking out the Natural Standard website aromatherapy can be used for a variety of medical conditions from menopausal symptoms to insomnia. As a medical professional this is something that in the future I will recommend my patients give it a try.

[Charles]

It is amazing how scent may be tied so closely to other biological functions. According to Natural Standard, there is good scientific evidence that aromatherapy may help alleviate agitation in patients with dementia. There are some dermatological and neurological complications that one should consider before starting aromatherapy, however. It is always best to consult a physician before starting any alternative medical treatment.

[TC]

That's a great point MS, I was reading up on the Natural Standard monograph of lavender of the possible health benefits for relaxation and anxiety reduction lavender's scent might have. It would be interesting to discover if the authors of this study considered using a variety of scents to determine which one might work best for their objective.

[TC]

I wonder what other health benefits exist for aromatherapy massage? And I wonder if other disease states could benefit from aromatherapy massage and see improvements in symptoms like we see here with the reduction in symptoms from menopause.

[MS]

Reading over this post, I'm wondering which specific essential oil they chose to use in the study. I know that different oils are supposed to have different properties and alleviate different symptoms. Perhaps one specific essential oil reduces menopausal symptoms, or perhaps several different ones would be an option.

[EM]

I know plenty of menopausal women who will be so excited to hear of this new research. The symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, can last for years, and CAM therapies are often looked to for relief. While more research will tell us more, I'm excited to have another option to offer to patients.