Aromatherapy Massage Oil
June 4, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy massage not only relaxes the body but also the mind. It’s an ancient art, practiced for thousands of years and still being actively practiced today. Aromatherapy has been associated with several branches of alternative medicine, and has even been considered a type of alternative medicine in its own right. It is also used to complement and enhance traditional medicine, and even herbal medicine. The focus of this article is aromatherapy as it pertains to massage, addressing its therapeutic benefits and the effects of massage oils.
The Basics of Aromatherapy Massage
Massages have been thoroughly covered in their own literature, so this article is going to focus on the proper way to use aromatherapy massage oils.
Imagine that you’re lying on your stomach or back, smoothing away tension with a good firm massage. Your aches and pains are being relieved at the hands of your masseuse, and the aromatherapy oils are entering your nose and stimulating your mind. There is nothing more soothing or relaxing, especially if you’re working against a hectic week or particularly sleepless nights. There are several different kinds of oils, which can either be used to soothe or energize. Used alone or in concert with another kind, they can have an incredible effect on mental health.
As relaxing as the aromatherapy massage oils are, they can’t completely replace the effect of a good and proper massage. With that said, below are some suggested guidelines if you decide to pamper yourself or a friend with a relaxing massage coupled with some aromatherapy massage oils.
Use smooth, gentle pressure while using aromatherapy massage oils. Hard pressure can be beneficial, but only if you know how to use it properly. Gentle movements are the most effective relaxants, especially in the long term. Don’t ever try to crack someone’s back; leave that for a professional massage.
Don’t directly apply aromatherapy oils; pour them onto your hands first, or use a soft towel. Remember not to use hard pressure on bones, and don’t try to massage areas that have been broken or fractured.
Along the same lines, don’t massage the abdominal area of someone with stomach problems. For safety, never use aromatherapy massage oils on someone who is pregnant. They can be very concentrated, and sink into the skin during a massage.
Since they can sink in, leave off using aromatherapy massage oils on any areas that are infected or injured. They could worsen the infection and make a slight injury potentially serious.
Used correctly aromatherapy massage oils are mentally and physically relaxing, and should be tried.
