| All About Aromatherapy Massage
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Aromatherapy massage is a treat we should give ourselves and our loved ones as often as possible. This treatment is not only a great relaxant but also invigorates and refreshes the body mind and soul.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance our lifestyle. These natural oils offer the purest form of therapeutic healing. Aromatherapy massage gives the body muscles deep relaxation thus healing the body and relieving one from the day to day tensions. It also provides relief from the problem of water retention, stimulates the lymphatic system, improves the immune system and gets rid of the body\'s toxins naturally.
How does Aromatherapy Massage work?
When we inhale a fragrance our nostrils send a message to a part of the brain called the limbic system which has a direct control on emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones.
So when we inhale the essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system which in turn affects heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin.
The Procedure
To begin with an aromatherapy massage, you need to go through a consultation where a series of questions will be used to determine the specific needs of the massage. Based on these questions, the therapist can decide upon the appropriate oils in order to give you the desired results. One or more essential oils are selected based on what you need and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion. The massage may take from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your need and desire. The subtle aroma of the essential oils fills the air around you during the massage.
After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.
What do you Gain from an Aromatherapy Massage?
· It relaxes and balances the whole mind and body.
· It strengthens and aids the natural healing process of the body.
· It flushes the toxins from the body.
Aromatherapy massage can do a lot more than providing relaxation. It can also help with the following afflictions:
· Headaches
· Menopause
· Menstrual problems
· Slow Metabolism
· Stress related conditions
· Cold or Flu
· Digestive problems
· Sleeping disorders
A Few Helpful Tips
Be careful in case you have a sensitive skin or are allergic to something, you must let your therapist know this in advance as a few essential oils are very strong and to those who react negatively these oils can cause more harm than good.
Resist the temptation to try some of these massages at home on yourself or a dear one. Massage is a technique that requires a lot of practice and by massaging the wrong way you may end up damaging the muscles.
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
Always be relaxed before a massage so that you can enjoy the massage completely.
A Few Precautions for an Aromatherapy Massage
· Massage is not recommended immediately after surgery, chemotherapy, radiation (unless specifically recommended by your doctor)
· Aromatherapy massage should be avoided by people who are prone to blood clots, have an infectious skin disease or an open wound.
· Pregnant women and heart patients should get a massage done only after checking with their doctor and by a certified massage therapist.
· Massage should never be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, abdominal area or an area of recent fracture.
· Aromatherapy Massage is addictive but a healthy one!
Based on research, some benefits that have been reported:
· Self-massage helped in improving symptoms and well being in people with lymph edema.
· A study was carried out on 16 first-time mothers who received a 30-minute aromatherapy massage two days after delivery and another set of 20 mothers received standard post-partum care. The aromatherapy massage group had lesser rate of post-partum blues and anxiety and had increased vigor and attachment to their babies.
· Research suggests that patients with cancer, particularly in the palliative care setting, are increasingly using aromatherapy and massage.
Aromatherapy massage is a must try for everybody and once you have tried it you would experience such a delight that you would immediately start looking forward to your next session. All your tensions, stress and worries will melt away in just one session.
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