Stress reliever massage is gaining attention due to its various health benefits. According to Aromatherapy, it not only manages stress but also relieves pain, controls blood pressure, removes toxins etc. The massage can be done by using single or combining various Aromatherapy oils. The oils work in direct unison with the mind to provide freedom from stress. The oils that are preferred mainly comprise of Bergamot, Neroli, Jasmine, Orange, Lavender and Rose. For all the stress reliever massages, firstly one has to sit upright in the chair. One can either wear a suitable or no clothing on shoulders for uninhibited massage of neck and face. The best combinations of massages are as follows:
Relaxing Massage:
Take 3 drops each of rose oil, geranium oil and lavender oil in 30ml (6 tsp) sweet almond oil.
Keep the back straight. Then slowly bend the neck to one side as far as is comfortable so that the ear is parallel with shoulder.
Hold the stretch for a count of five and feel it pulling up the side of the neck.
Straighten slowly and repeat on the other side.
With the head upright, place left hand palm down on the top of right arm.
With a downward pressure, stroke firmly across the top of the shoulder and up the side of the neck to the ear.
Repeat ten times, then change hands and repeat on the other side.
Energizing Massage:
Take 3 drops of bergamot oil and 1 drop each of geranium and peppermint oil in 30ml (1 fl oz/6 tsp) sweet almond oil.
Bend the elbows and place hands palm down back over the shoulders, on either side of the neck, with the heel of hand on collarbone and fingers stretching down the back.
Press firmly into the shoulder muscle, so it is pinched between the fingers and palm, and at the same time, drop the head backwards. Hold for a count of ten then slowly raise the head and release the hands.
Repeat the procedure. And in the same starting position, drop head first down to the left side for a count of five, then over and down to the right, while pinching into the shoulder muscle. And then again repeat.
Muscle Reliever Massage:
Take 2 drops each of Petitgrain oil and lavender oil and 1 drop basil oil in 30ml (1 fl oz/6 tsp) sweet almond oil.
Bend the neck forward and place fingertips back over the shoulder muscles.
Knead the muscle by pressing in with firm fingers and gradually work up each side of the neck from the nape to the skull.
Use the first two fingers of each hand to make small circles from the top of the neck out along the base of the skull to each ear.
With the head still bent forward, place the right hand palm down over the nape of neck.
Do a slow, firm, upward pulling stroke from the nape up to the crown of the head, with one hand following after the other.
Hair Tonic:
Take 3 drops of lavender oil and 1 drop each rosemary oil and bay oil in 30ml (1 fl oz/6 tsp) sweet almond oil.
Spread the fingertips across the top of forehead along the hairline from ear to ear.
Keeping fingers bent but stiff, press them gently into the scalp and make small, firm circular movements so the scalp itself rotates.
Gradually move, inch by inch, back up to the crown of the head. Repeat working from the nape of the neck up to the crown.
Pick up tiny sections of hair close to the root between each thumb and index finger and tug at the hair, quickly and firmly several times.
Repeat all over the head to stimulate the circulation and relax the scalp.
For Proper Sleep: Take 3 drops of sandalwood oil and 2 drops of chamomile oil in 30ml (1 fl oz/ 6 tsp) sweet almond oil.
Lean forward and rest the elbows on a table.
Place the heel of each hand over an eye and relax downwards, holding for a count of ten and breathing deeply.
Straighten the first three fingers of right hand and place them across the forehead.
Stroke slowly and firmly from the bridge of the nose up between the brows to the hairline. Repeat five times.
Using the first two fingers, gently press in and stroke from the inner to outer brows. Repeat five times.
With one hand on either side of the face, do a firm, very slow, palm stroke from the ears, over the temples, forehead and into the hair. Repeat.
Headache Reliever:
Take 2 drops each of rose oil and lavender oil and 1 drop of chamomile in 30ml (1 fl oz/6 tsp) sunflower oil.
Using the tips of first two fingers, make small circles over the whole face, from the jaw, up the cheeks, over the temples and along the hairline to the middle of the forehead.
Repeat with a slow, firm, palm stroke.
Placing the hands with palms over the cheekbones and fingers over the forehead, gently press into the contours of the face and hold for a count of ten.
With one palm across the forehead and the other across the back of neck, press in for a count of ten.
With one hand over an ear on either side of the head, press in and hold.
