Aromatherapy Massage
What is Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy is holistic and practical as it stabilizes emotions, energizes the body and strengthens the immune system. Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy which is much more effective than a regular massage in relaxing and stimulating the mind and body. This is because highly powerful essential oils are used, and these have a therapeutic effect. These are inhaled and/or massaged by adding them to massage oils or lotions. These penetrate the body through the skin during the massage process. An aromatherapy massage is a sensual science because it combines the effects of ‘touch’ and ‘smell’ and works mainly on the central nervous system.
Aromatherapy Massage: How to Set It Up
Massages relax you so it is important to set the right mood for optimal health benefits.
Here are some simple steps you can take to improve your massage experience.
The aromatherapy massage therapist can use a cushioned floor or mattress at home or a futon (a Japanese mattress) so the massage recipient can be comfortable. Massaging on an ordinary bed is not recommended as it is not really firm. Most aromatherapists use a massage bench.
How can you set up your aromatherapy massage at home with ease?
Prepare the floor with a large cotton sheet covered with a bath towel.
You need a large wrap-around towel, a pillow and a warm blanket. A hot water bottle may be required by the feet for a soothing therapeutic effect.
Relax the Massage Recipient
A calm atmosphere and warm soothing small touches relax the massage recipient. Use a vaporizer and a relaxation-inducing oil to aromatize the room. It is important to maintain silence as voices can be distracting. Soothing background music such as instrumental music tracks can be helpful.
The room temperature should be around 70-72 degrees farenheit i.e. warm room temperature. As the body is massaged with oils, the skin feels warm to touch but the person feels colder. So, it is advisable to cover those body parts which are not being massaged or worked on so that the person feels comfortable. The masseur and the recipient should feel at ease with each other for an effective treatment process.
Essential Oils: Things to Keep in Mind
Stick to dosage and treatment guidelines for the recommended oils which are to be used.
Do not consume essential oils internally on your own accord, without a professional’s recommendation. Some essential oils may be prescribed by a professional herbalist, doctor or aromatherapist for indigestion.
Essential oils should be kept away from the eyes and from children. Wash immediately with plenty of water if you do get even neat or diluted essential oil into your eye. Undiluted essential oils should never be applied to the skin, unless there are specific instructions given.
Citrus oils may cause skin reactions as they are photosensitive to u.v. rays. After application of citrus oil for any aromatherapy massage treatment, stay away from the sun and other ultraviolet rays for at least 4 hours.
Before you use any oil for the first time, make sure to conduct the following allergy test especially if you are prone to allergies. Place one drop of carrier oil or lotion behind your ear or on the breastbone. Leave it on for 12 hours. If no adverse reaction is seen, dilute one drop of the essential oil in half teaspoon of the same carrier oil or lotion, and rub the mixture behind your ear or on your breastbone. Let it remain for 12 hours for any reaction to show.
Storing Oils
Oils should be stored in dark brown or dark colored bottles and kept away from heat, light and moisture. The bottle caps should be tightly closed when not in use and kept away from children.
Essential Oil Dilution
Neat essential oils are potent, volatile concentrated liquids. They are diluted with carrier oil, base oil or lotion before applying on the skin. This makes it easier to apply the oils and prevents any likely skin reaction.
Oil Synergy
If you combine or mix two or more essential oils, this creates a unique synergistic blend, a chemical compound which is more powerful than each individual oils. You can create a more potent oil product with such synergistic blends without increasing the oil dosage. For e.g. Chamomile essential oil has an improved anti-inflammatory action when lavender oil is added in the correct proportion.
Thus, a single essential oil would not achieve the same vibrancy and energizing effect that the combination of particular essential oils would give. These essential oil interact in the correct proportions to give powerful positive results to the individual.
Adaptogens
Essential oils are known as adaptogens; they cause reactions in the body that help to achieve a state of balance or homeostasis. These reactions affect the nervous system, the endocrine system, blood pressure among other systems. Hence, most essential oils are natural balancers.
