Tips on Aromatherapy Massage


Aromatherapy massage - Tips for getting the max benefit of it by using essential oils



Aromatherapy massage is one of the main ways of experiencing the benefits that essential oils offer.

Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that utilizes aroma from essential oils extracted from plant parts. Usually coupled with a massage this alternative medicine intervention aids in many remarkable effects.

These essential oils are diluted, and then applied to the skin. With this, it is absorbed by the skin, and penetrates into the tissues of the body, your blood and the interstitial fluid. This is the secret to the energizing aspect of aromatherapy.

As the essential oils penetrate deep into the body, they will relax and energize the body. These essential oils are also known to act as rejuvenating agents through whom waste matter is eliminated. Even the dead cells of the body are removed through aromatherapy; and the regeneration of new and healthy cells in the body begins.

The essential oils are classified based on the effects they give. Top note is the essential oil classification that is associated to stimulation and optimism. Middle note is the kind that is associated with characteristics related to bodily organs and systems. Base notes on the other hand are those that have qualities like relaxation.

As many believed and have been observed essential oils can help induce certain mental states. For optimism you may use Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Tea tree, Eucalyptus and Lemon. For a influencing yourself or others with relaxation you may use Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Neroli and Ylang-ylang. To attain a sense of balance in oneself you may use Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Neroli, Ylang-ylang, Clary sage, Lavender and Rose.

back massage techniques Aromatherapy Massage

Because essential oils are highly concentrated oils they can be too strong for some skins when used alone, so you must dilute them first with carrier oils.

Commonly used inexpensive carrier oil type is the Sweet Almond Oil which is of high quality. This is an alternative to rather more expensive carrier oil that is Macadamia Nut Oil which is priced because of its characteristic of easy absorbency and its quality of not leaving any residue if applied. Grapeseed oil is compared to this expensive carrier oil type but Macadamia Nut oil is still by far more expensive.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of your aromatherapy massage:

You should be relaxed while getting a massage. It will be best if someone else who knows the right moves gives you the massage.

When you gives someone a massage, you should pour a small amount of the massage blend on your palms to warm it. When ready, you may start applying it on the skin with long strokes and then large and small circular motion. The massage process will require that you provide a variety in pressure, speed and direction on certain points. When your palms starts feeling an increase in friction on the skin you will have to pour additional amounts of oil and then continue.

Rub the oil into the skin using a combination of long strokes, with large and small circular motions. It is advisable continually vary both the speed and the motion of the massage.

Choose the massage oil properly to give you the best benefit. For relaxing and insomnia, Lavender is an excellent choice. For muscle sore, you can try peppermint.

For carrier oils, it is best to use apricot kernel, grapeseed and sweet almond as the price is quite cheap.

Massage environment is also equally important. It should be somewhat on the darker side and very quiet.

The aromatherapy massage itself generally takes from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your specific needs. Attention is generally given to pressure points throughout the body and any areas of discomfort that are identified. The massage techniques used should be enjoyable and comfortable. The essential oils will promote relaxation, mental clarity, and healing

Another great way to reduce common aches and pains, along with stress from the workplace and everyday life is chair massage. This site is your source information on massage.

Here are some examples of Basic recipes for relaxation:

  • For Lavender oils you need to mix 4 drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil
  • For Petitgrain and Frankincense oils you just mix 2 drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil

Try and enjoy it!

Custom blend for aromatherapy massage

To induce relaxation and encourage resting you can use the blend of 4 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile.

For a refreshing feel you may combine 2 drops of petitgrain and 3 drops of Lemon.

Angelic is a recipe composed of 3 drops of Rose Otto and 2 drops of Geranium.

4 drops of Mandarin and 2 drops of Geranium is the blend to create the recipe called Flowery.

And for a calming effect you may combine 2 drops of Petitgrain and 3 drops of Neroli.

Or you can try one of these aromatherapy massage blends:

In aromatherapy massage, it is important to note that the amount of oil has to be carefully calculated to avoid wasting. The amount must be appropriate to the size of the person you are administering the massage to. A small sized person will need approximately 10 ml. A medium sized person will require 14 ml. And a Large sized person will need up to 20 ml. For women, dress sizes will be a good factor to estimate the amount of massage oil to be used.

The essential oil-to-carrier oil ratio should be at 2% only for body massage. A percent of essential oil(s) in 10 ml carrier oil is equal to 2.5 drops so 2% is 5 drops. For different sizes the amount will vary, for small (10 ml carrier oil) will require up to 5 drops of essential oil, for medium (14 ml carrier oil) it will require up to 7 drops while large (20 ml in carrier oil) will require up to 10 drops.

For facial massage the essential oil-to-carrier oil ratio must be 1%. This is milder in intensity than that used on body massages.

For scalp application the 2% essential oil-to-carrier oil ratio is followed and will require 5 ml of carrier oil the least since the hair strands does absorb some of the substance. If the blend is being used both for the scalp and face then the 1% ratio needs to be followed.

Benefit and risk of aromatherapy massage

To any culture massage has been practiced since remote past. It was noted that in ancient civilizations like in China, Egypt and there are transcripts in papyri containing old medical practices and there are those written by Hippocrates himself.

In the present time it is known that massages are not intended just for soothing and relaxing sore, tired, stiff and aching muscles but also to achieve one person's optimum condition during this stressful era.

Massages are administered with the aid of a lubricating agent that will help in increasing the efficacy of hand movements while reducing friction to the skin.

The use of essential oils as a component in making the blends for the massage will also help induce a relaxing effect.

In many Western countries nowadays, massage has been regarded as a complementary intervention to conventional medicine. It was regarded as part of conventional medicine during World War II. In Europe, this methodology and intervention involving aromatherapy is treated the same as conventional medicine. Patients suffering from back pain are usually referred to for massage therapy.

Like any other type of interventions, aromatherapy massage has risks too. If too much pressure is applied, it may cause osteoporotic bones to break, fracture. There are cases reported that it can cause the liver to rupture and at some cases also damage the nerves.

Generally, massage is safe but trained personnel should be administering this method to help avoid contraindications.

Cases like phlebitis, burns, skin infections, eczema, bone fractures, advanced osteoporosis and deep vein thrombosis are those that may be watched out for.

There are theories to explain the psycho-somatic effect of massage especially on pain.

It has been explained by renowned personalities that the mechanical maneuvering of the hands on cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues will increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation that will increase oxygenation and increase in expulsion of waste products and other pain mediators.

On the other hand, aromatherapy explains that the use of essential oils will help relax oneself and reduce anxiety that directly results to positively influence the perception of pain. There were tests and studies conducted however the results are not satisfactory nor are enough to prove any of these theories. There are however clinical tests that are set to launch and potentially give credible findings regarding the matter.

Studies on aromatherapy massage

The client group must be determined first prior to administering the essential oil massage. For example are cancer patients that which certain guidelines must be observed. Caution must be observed when massaging people with auto-immune disease.

Low red blood cell count will need very gentle treatment since they are those that are feeling lethargic due of lack in oxygenation.

Also, people suffering from lymphoedema must not be treated with this intervention unless the practitioner has special knowledge regarding the case but effleurage must not be used to massage lymph nodes.

Cancer cases will require appropriate aromatherapy massage techniques like acupressure, aromatherapy biodynamic, Polarity therapy, Reiki, Swedish massage, Gentle Shiatsu, Reflexology and manual Lymph drainage.

Remember that hard Swedish massage, Rolfing and deep pummeling, Deep finger kneading and deep tissue pressure tapotement must be administered only on the areas not affected by the cancer. The goal of using aromatherapy massage to caner patients is to help ease the symptoms, help improve the quality of life, provide relaxation to reduce anxiety, stress and tension through a comforting touch. Up to date there has not been a single and proven essential oil to have cured cancer. Any remissions must not be considered as cure. It is crucial not to give false hope to patients as it may aggravate their condition due of disappointment.

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