An aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of massage therapy with the use of essential oils.
They can have many different effects on the mind, body and spirit, and make an aromatherapy massage an uplifting experience.
Essential
oils are an aromatic essence distilled from a single botanical source
and are renowned for their sedative, stimulating and analgesic
properties. They have many different therapeutic uses.
A few
drops in the bath, for inhalation, or added to creams and lotions can be
very pleasant, but the most relaxing and therapeutic use is through
aromatherapy massage.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Massage,
dates back around 4,000 years where massage was used in traditional
Chinese medicine where it was used as a healing therapy.
The
benefits of massage affect the body as a whole and it particularly
influences the activity of the following areas of the body:
Musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
Massage
is a 'hands-on' therapy and there are many variations, ranging from a
gentle stoking and kneading of muscles to firmer, deeper, manual
techniques.
Many studies have shown that massage therapy is an
excellent way of reducing stress. Many people from all walks of life
enjoy regular massages for this reason.
With the correct
techniques and the right blend of essential oils, an aromatherapy
massage can provided symptomatic relief to a variety of problems.
Stress
for example, can cause and exacerbate many chronic problems including
digestive problems, migraines, hypertension, back ache and muscle
tension.
An Aromatherapy massage can be an effective way of
inducing relaxation, combating stress and ensuring continuation of good
health.
Aromatherapy Massage - What You Can Expect
On your
first visit for an aromatherapy massage, you will be expected to provide
your therapist with in-depth information into your current state of
health and wellbeing.
This is likely to take the form of an
initial consultation. During this consultation, your therapist will
need to ascertain if you have any illnesses or injuries that may affect
the massage.
Your therapist may also want you to consider what
factors in your life may be contributing to the symptoms you are
experiencing. For example, backache or muscle tension might be related
to stress at work or family worries.
The therapist will be looking
to treat you as a 'whole' - mind, body and spirit. He or she will
blend oils to relax and calm, to ensure you get the best from your
aromatherapy massage.
A good therapist may also make suggestions
for dealing with the issues that are contributing to your symptoms.
They may suggest alternative forms of treatment or help.
Aromatherapy Massage - How does it work?
Armed
with the information gathered from your consultation your therapist
will select and blend essential oils that they feel best meet your
individual need.
The essential oil blend will be added to a 'carrier oil' and this will be used for your aromatherapy massage.
During
the aromatherapy massage, much of the essential oils are inhaled and
absorbed through the mouth and nose stimulating the production of
relaxing, sedative euphoric or sedative neuro-chemicals, providing
beneficial mental and emotional effects.
Aromatherapy Massage - Choosing a Therapist
Massage
is a very personable experience. It is important that you choose a
therapist whom you are comfortable with, as you will be expected to
remove some of your clothing, but only as much as you feel comfortable
with.
Clear communication, understanding and consent are vital and
you should feel confident to advise your therapist if any specific
technique hurts, or you feel discomfort at any time.
An
aromatherapy massage usually lasts about one hour, but can be shorter or
longer on request. After the session, your therapist may suggest a
blend of oils that you can continue to use at home.
The amount of
sessions you have will depend on your personal circumstances. Many
people recommend the use of aromatherapy massage as a maintenance tool
to be used as often as possible.
Finding the right aromatherapist for you
You
should take the time to find a therapist with the appropriate skills
and training. If in doubt you should ask to see any relevant
certificates of training.
There are various professional bodies
that you can contact for details of aromatherapy massage and a number of
organizations will provide an aromatherapy massage in the comfort of
your own home.
By
Kelly Price
