Aromatherapy Massage

What is it?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils.

An essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source.
Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit.

They can be sedative or stimulating, some have an analgesic and antispasmodic effect, most are antibacterial

Essential oils can aid in skin care and wound healing.

Stop to Smell the Roses

Whether you are looking for answers that are not necessarily found at the drugstore, or you are simply looking around for more options for yourself and your friends when it comes to holistic health and wellness, it is time for you to take a look at what aromatherapy massage can do for you!

Aromatherapy massage can use the same motions and movements that are found in other types of classic massage or it can be integrated to Lymphatic drainage techniques, but there is an all-important addition in essential oils.

Your massage therapist, who will also be an certified aromatherapist, will be using these oils to enhance the massage that you are receiving as well as bring in some other advantages as well.

The main thing that distinguishes aromatherapy massage from classic massage, like swedish massage, is the use of essential oils, which are oils that have been derived from plants and have been processed in such a way as to be highly concentrated.

Because these oils can be very strong and even inflame the skin, they are added to the massage oil (carrier) or the massage lotion that is used.

In a regular massage, many people never give a second thought to the lotion, finding it has no smell, or that the smell is artificial and easily dismissed or even annoying.

In an aromatherapy massage, however, the fresh and clean scent of the oil will go a long way towards making up an important part of the experience.

The Uses and Advantages of Aromatherapy

There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically - in aromatherapy baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, but perhaps one of the most pleasant, relaxing and therapeutic ways, is through aromatherapy massage or aromatherapy facial.

It is one of the more popular massage modalities and alternative medicines.

You'll find that aromatherapy massage works by affecting a part of your brain that is called the limbic system. The limbic system is connected to your nostrils, but it also controls your emotions as well as having a strong effect on your nervous system and your hormones.

Aromatherapy massage will utilize this connection and use the scent of the essential oils to stimulate your limbic system.

When the molecules of the essential oils are inhaled, certain messages will be sent to the limbic system and you'll find that parts of you as different as your memory, your digestive system and your heart rate can be affected.

You'll also find that the essential oils that are carried by the lotion will be absorbed into the skin.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Massage therapy is beneficial, use of essential oils is beneficial, to combine the two can be synergistically even more beneficial than either therapy separately.

It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calm the "fight or flight" response, reducing the level of harmful stress hormones in the body.

One of the most interesting things about aromatherapy massage is that the effect and benefits will largely be dictated by you! To find out which essential oils are benefitial for your emotional well-being click here.

While an aromatherapy massage will certainly help you rub out things like soreness or pain, as well as relaxing you and improving your circulation, you'll also find that the different essential oils can be used to create different effects, both on your body and your mind.

Think about the effect that you want to get from your massage, whether you want a chance to relax or you simply want some energy.

You'll find that rosemary, for instance, is used to cleanse the body and the mind as well as for a quick energy boost, while sage, rose and neroli oil can all be used to lift your spirits if you have been down in the dumps.

Eucalyptus and pine can be used for the wholly mundane but no less efficient effect of a decongestant on your lungs.

As mentioned above, aromatherapy massage can be used to take care of a number of different conditions, including stress and insomnia.

It has been shown to have some beneficial effects when it comes to be premenstrual disorders as well as back pain and migraines.

From a holistic point of view, aromatherapy massage can also be used to reduce post-partum depression, as well as induce a more pleasant mood and lifted spirits.

Who Should Not have Aromatherapy

When thinking about getting an aromatherapy massage, remember that the massage lotion will contain essential oils that can sting, so make sure that you are not suffering from any infectious skin disease or rashes or open wounds.

Remember that pregnant women, those undergoing chemotherapy and those who suffer from heart disease and blood clots should consult with their physician before trying massage at all.

Make sure that the therapist knows about any allergies that you have during your consultation.

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