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:

Any infected area

A person who is feverish or has a raised temperature

Over an area where varicose veins are present

Over any unusual swelling or inflammation

Bruised or broken skin.

Before massaging one should:

Check with the person about to be massaged whether any of the above applies

Make sure the room is warm enough.

Warm your hands before massaging. Cold hands are a real shock and not a good way to begin to create the right atmosphere.

A good aromatherapy massage complemented with the right atmosphere is an experience in itself. There is nothing more exciting and enjoyable as a relaxing in a warm atmosphere filled with the aroma of aromatherapy oils and soft, soothing music. It is a good idea to have a blanket or a large towel to cover the parts of the body that are not being massaged. Also, it feels good to be wrapped up while being massaged. One can even wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and keep it under the patient`s feet for a really luxurious treat. While a person is lying still, he/she generates less body heat, so the aroma therapist or the person giving the Aromatherapy massage should make sure that the body is at the right temperature.

Harsh, bright lights are unpleasant when being massaged. A table lamp is a good option as it gives a softer, gentler and adequate light to the aroma therapist to see and perform the activity. Once you are comfortable with the massage movements, the lamp can be replaced by candlelight. The soft flickering of the flames has a soothing, hypnotic effect, which is very relaxing. Try to keep noise to the minimum by closing the curtains and blinds. One may also unplug the phone to stay undisturbed and play interesting and soothing background music like the sounds of the sea, tinkling bells, birdsong and running water. Part of the benefits of aromatherapy massage is the feeling of getting away from the stressful day-to-day living. Soothing music and soft lights can create a relaxing environment. The choice of music and lights can be changed according to personal taste and preferences.

Before starting the massage see to it that your hands are warm, clean and your nails are short with no jagged edges. Take off any rings if you wear them. Also check your massage partner to make sure there are no reasons to stop you from going ahead. Given below are the specific areas where one can practise aromatherapy massages and receive the maximum benefits.

Feet & Leg Massage
The Lower Legs And Knees
The Upper Legs
Back of the Legs Massage
Hands and Arms Massage
The Abdomen Massage
Back Massage
The Shoulder and Neck Massage
Face Massage
Scalp Massage

Self Body Massage
Although not as relaxing as receiving a massage, self- message is a helpful technique and can be practised whenever you feel achy, tired or stiff. By trying self- massage one can fully appreciate the way your touch can be healing. After all, you will know exactly where the pain is, or how deep to work on a particularly stiff area.

The Legs Massage
Tummy:
Hips massage
Arms & Hands
Self Chest, Neck and Back Massage
Self Face and Scalp Massage
Stress Reliever Massage
Anti-Wrinkle Massage
Energizing Massage
Baby Massage