Aromatherapy Back Massage
For the ultimate in relaxation, learn to give a basic aromatherapy massage routine on a friend or loved one. It's a loving and tender way to let that person know you care and gives them a peaceful stress-relieving experience. Popular around the world, massage incorporates the use of touch to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. Massage therapy is an ancient healing touch that provides comfort through applying pressure to the muscles of the body. Massages may be given lying down or seated at a massage chair and, may be total body or specific areas of discomfort. An Aromatherapy massage is done using Essential oils and is usually done by a trained practitioner. Usually, you will have a consultation before you actually have the massage. This is because the practitioner needs to see which kind of oils will be better for you. Firm or gentle effleurage or petrissage can be used. Do not massage over the vertebrae. Start from the lumbar region of the back and with two hands, stroke all the way up to the shoulders. Slide the hands over the shoulders and return down the sides of the back. Repeat this movement as many times as you like. The longer the massage, the more relaxing it is.
An aromatherapy massage can help in a number of circumstances. If you are stressed for example, an ordinary massage would really help to relax you. However, an aromatherapy massage works a lot better than an ordinary one because the Essential oils have a strong, relaxing aroma. The aroma of the oils sets off a trigger in the brain which then calms the mind and in turn, the emotions. As well as relaxing the body, an aromatherapy massage can also wake you up. A lot of people like to have these massages after a hard days work. Some people also have them done in their dinner hour to prepare them for a busy afternoon.
Effleurage is the most useful movement in Aromatherapy massage. It is a series of gentle, soothing stokes, which enable the essential oils to penetrate the body, causing relaxation and calm throughout. Use your whole hands, not just your fingers, in strokes that can be long or short, firm or gentle. Muscles will be relaxed and nerve endings soothed, stress and tension relieved and circulation increased. Petrissage is like gently kneading dough. Each movement should be slow and careful, never causing pain. These movements are often helpful on fatty areas and on backs. They can relax the muscles, increase circulation, aid the release of trapped toxins and help lymphatic flow.
Aromatherapy's benefits may include relaxation, increased energy, pain relief, improved circulation, digestion, and sleep, and a greater sense of well-being. Massage also confers physical benefits on the recipient-stimulating the immune system, reducing high blood pressure and improving circulation of the blood and lymphatic system, to name but a few. Massage can also reduce muscular tension or swelling, as well as relieving pain in the muscles and joints. These physical effects aid relaxation, which is so important in the healing process and contributes to the alleviation of psychological tension and frayed emotions.
