Massage, aromatherapy can soothe frazzled mind and body

These alternatives, which range from $7 to $45, are more expensive than an evening at the library, but Tucson professionals in the fields of relaxation therapy said students studying for finals can benefit from these methods.

Tomi Wertheim, owner of Massage on the Rocks, said touch therapy, which includes massage, is basic to human nature.

"On a physical level, massage causes deep relaxation, reduces stress and relaxes muscles," Wertheim said.

Massage helps on a mental level by creating a relaxed state of awareness and allowing better response to stressful situations, she said.

She said that touch therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing and increases awareness of the body/mind connection.

"In our society we've been reduced to handshakes, where other societies like the Italian or French, frequently touch and embrace," Wertheim said.

Aromatherapy is another option for students preparing for finals. The Aromatherapy Center, in Phoenix, said scientific research has shown that the sense of smell can be a valuable learning aid. Certain aromas can lead to the recall of learned information while others can aid in concentration and improved test performance.

Some aromas can make people work faster and more efficiently. A study of a high school calculus class showed that students worked three times faster when aromas were used as they were learning, the Aromatherapy Center reported.

Anne Barnard, a license massage therapist at Changes Massage Centre, said there are four basic aromas associated with memory and relaxation. These are lavender and clary sage, which are good for clearheadedness, and peppermint and citrus, which are mental stimulants.

Barnard said one-ounce bottles of the oils range from $7 for lavender to up to $45 for the other aromas.