Having an Aromatherapy massage is one of the most soothing and relaxing treatments that you can have!
Whether you wish to:
The effects of the essential oils together with human contact give a powerful form of therapy.
Touch is probably one of the most underrated of our senses in this day and age. As we grow older we use our sight and hearing much more than touch. How often do we really touch our family, friends and work colleagues? People who aren't touched enough can suffer emotionally, and this in turn can lead to physical ailments.
Massage is an excellent way to put the 'touch' back into our lives!
Massage is one of the oldest forms of treatment known and also one of the most important and common applications of aromatherapy. It provides a very effective way of introducing the essential oils into your body. The skin absorbs the oils and a small, but useful, amount is taken into the bloodstream during the time of the massage.
The word 'massage' dates back to the Greek word meaning 'to knead'.
It is very important to remember that an aromatherapist treats the entire person, mind, body and spirit, not just the symptoms.
In other words it promotes overall balanced good health.
There are a wide variety of massage movements and strokes, both light and quite vigorous, depending on the type of therapy. They are applied to the superficial muscles (the ones immediately beneath the skin) which benefits the physical body. The beneficial effects are also felt by the layers of deeper muscles and your internal organs.
Aromatherapy massage uses mostly relaxing, stroking movements, known as effleurage, along with some kneading and some frictions. The more energetic petrissage and percussion movements found in swedish massage are not normally used - the massage needs to be soothing! Many therapists will also include finger pressures into the treatment at various acupressure points.
Communication is very important, so before the massage there should be a thorough discussion about yourself, your lifestyle, sleeping patterns, diet, medical history, your present health and general emotional health. The more the aromatherapist knows about you, the better they will be able to help you!
It is usual in an aromatherapy massage for the therapist to choose two or three essential oils which are then blended into a carrier oil. The choice will be dependent on your general and emotional health or your particular needs.
It is important that you like the aroma of the individual oils and also the aroma of the mix.
Your massage will normally last from one to one and a half hours depending on your therapist.
You will feel so relaxed by the end, so make sure that you have arranged some quality quiet time afterwards!
So, uplift your spirits and renew your energy and vitality - have an aromatherapy massage!