Massage has a miraculous power of healing. The most wonderful aspect of massage is that anyone can enjoy its pleasures- both giving and receiving. Massage is useful in several different ways. It improves blood circulation, it calms the nervous system, stimulates the skin function, improves muscle tone and it eases aches and pains in muscles and joints. In basic terms massage is a way of stroking the body, with variations in the length and depth of stokes. However, one should always direct firm strokes towards the heart, as this will be beneficial to the circulation. Let us understand a few massage stokes that are used and are beneficial to give maximum relaxation and effects to the body parts while massaging.

Effleurage: This movement includes long flowing massage strokes with little pressure on the body. These movements are most soothing and relaxing. It is done with the whole hand using gentle, even pressure and is often used to start and finish a massage.

Tapotement: This movement includes patting or tapping the skin with the fingers quickly and slowly. The effect is stimulating and it helps to increase the blood flow. It is usually done on small areas such as the forehead, cheeks and neck.

Petrissage: It involves squeezing and relaxing a muscle or part of a muscle group. A good example of this kind of movement is kneading dough. It is mostly done with both hands, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. Petrissage also helps strengthen muscle fiber, remove waste products and ease fatigue.

Friction: This is another type of massage movement called friction, which creates just that. It involves rubbing the hands backwards and forwards across an area and is very warming and stimulating to the tissues. Rubbing our hands quickly together on a freezing winter day is a good example of how friction can work.

Aromatherapy Massage is a gentle healing art suitable for everyone from babies to the very elderly. An aromatherapy health professional uses mainly effleurage and works on pressure points with some frictions and Petrissage, but there is no reason why you cannot vary the movements if you decide you would like to try giving a simple Aromatherapy massage. You do not need to be an expert to give a soothing massage to family or friends. You just need to learn a few basic movements. However, there are certain times or conditions when it should be avoided (for example: massage should be avoided after a heavy meal). There are certain guidelines to be followed when giving or receiving aromatherapy massage. While massaging one should take care and not massage: