Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote healing and a feeling of well-being and relaxation in the recipient. There are several ways of applying the oils; including adding the oils to the bath, or inhaling them, but the most popular and effective is through massage. It can be a full body massage, taking in the back, chest, arms, legs, head and stomach, or even a facial beauty massage. An aromatherapy massage should be gentle, but firm.
Techniques of Body Massage
The oil is applied in long sweeping strokes which warm the skin and muscles and prepare the body for deep tissue massage. Once the muscles are warmed, the masseur will continue with deeper massage, rolling and squeezing the skin and underlying muscles between the hands. Again, this should not be painful, but deeply relaxing. Carefully applied pressures stimulate the nervous system, relieve muscular tension and lymphatic drainage helps encourage a healthy circulation. Stresses and strains are dissolved away.
The full-body aromatherapy massage routine begins with a back massage, easing out any tension and knots that one have there, followed by the back of the legs, the front of the legs and the feet, then abdomen, arms and hands, upper chest, shoulders and neck; and lastly the scalp and face, which is a very soothing and deeply relaxing way to finish the body massage.
Benefits of Body Massage
During aromatherapy body massage, the skin is warmed and the blood is drawn to the surface, increasing circulation and encouraging the elimination of toxins from the body, which has the consequence of speeding up recovery time from any illness or injury. The manipulation of the muscles continues the process, whilst at the same time releasing tense knotted muscles by dispersing the build up of lactic acid which often occurs after exercise.
As the circulation increases, the oils are absorbed through the skin and carried round the body, allowing their healing effects to permeate to all the major body organs. By the time the massage is over one should be deeply relaxed and feeling calm. Sometimes people even fall sleep.
The effects of an aromatherapy massage can last up to 48 hours, depending on the oils used. Very often, the benefits are immediately noticeable after a massage, but over time, it may be noticed that underlying or long-term problems have also been eased by massage. It is not recommended to have a full body massage more than once a week, but a weekly massage is an excellent way to keep the body relaxed and free of toxins.
