| An aromatherapy massage combines the benefits | | | | backache or muscle tension might be related to |
| of massage therapy with the use of essential oils. | | | | stress at work or family worries. |
| They can have many different effects on the | | | | The therapist will be looking to treat you as a |
| mind, body and spirit, and make an aromatherapy | | | | 'whole' - mind, body and spirit. He or she will blend |
| massage an uplifting experience. | | | | oils to relax and calm, to ensure you get the best |
| Essential oils are an aromatic essence distilled | | | | from your aromatherapy massage. |
| from a single botanical source and are renowned | | | | A good therapist may also make suggestions for |
| for their sedative, stimulating and analgesic | | | | dealing with the issues that are contributing to |
| properties. They have many different therapeutic | | | | your symptoms. They may suggest alternative |
| uses. | | | | forms of treatment or help. |
| A few drops in the bath, for inhalation, or added | | | | Aromatherapy Massage - How does it work? |
| to creams and lotions can be very pleasant, but | | | | Armed with the information gathered from your |
| the most relaxing and therapeutic use is through | | | | consultation your therapist will select and blend |
| aromatherapy massage. | | | | essential oils that they feel best meet your |
| The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage | | | | individual need. |
| Massage, dates back around 4,000 years where | | | | The essential oil blend will be added to a 'carrier oil' |
| massage was used in traditional Chinese medicine | | | | and this will be used for your aromatherapy |
| where it was used as a healing therapy. | | | | massage. |
| The benefits of massage affect the body as a | | | | During the aromatherapy massage, much of the |
| whole and it particularly influences the activity of | | | | essential oils are inhaled and absorbed through the |
| the following areas of the body: | | | | mouth and nose stimulating the production of |
| Musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous | | | | relaxing, sedative euphoric or sedative |
| systems. | | | | neuro-chemicals, providing beneficial mental and |
| Massage is a 'hands-on' therapy and there are | | | | emotional effects. |
| many variations, ranging from a gentle stoking | | | | Aromatherapy Massage - Choosing a Therapist |
| and kneading of muscles to firmer, deeper, | | | | Massage is a very personable experience. It is |
| manual techniques. | | | | important that you choose a therapist whom you |
| Many studies have shown that massage therapy | | | | are comfortable with, as you will be expected to |
| is an excellent way of reducing stress. Many | | | | remove some of your clothing, but only as much |
| people from all walks of life enjoy regular | | | | as you feel comfortable with. |
| massages for this reason. | | | | Clear communication, understanding and consent |
| With the correct techniques and the right blend of | | | | are vital and you should feel confident to advise |
| essential oils, an aromatherapy massage can | | | | your therapist if any specific technique hurts, or |
| provided symptomatic relief to a variety of | | | | you feel discomfort at any time. |
| problems. | | | | An aromatherapy massage usually lasts about |
| Stress for example, can cause and exacerbate | | | | one hour, but can be shorter or longer on request. |
| many chronic problems including digestive | | | | After the session, your therapist may suggest a |
| problems, migraines, hypertension, back ache and | | | | blend of oils that you can continue to use at |
| muscle tension. | | | | home. |
| An Aromatherapy massage can be an effective | | | | The amount of sessions you have will depend on |
| way of inducing relaxation, combating stress and | | | | your personal circumstances. Many people |
| ensuring continuation of good health. | | | | recommend the use of aromatherapy massage |
| Aromatherapy Massage - What You Can Expect | | | | as a maintenance tool to be used as often as |
| On your first visit for an aromatherapy massage, | | | | possible. |
| you will be expected to provide your therapist | | | | Finding the right aromatherapist for you |
| with in-depth information into your current state | | | | You should take the time to find a therapist with |
| of health and wellbeing. | | | | the appropriate skills and training. If in doubt you |
| This is likely to take the form of an initial | | | | should ask to see any relevant certificates of |
| consultation. During this consultation, your therapist | | | | training. |
| will need to ascertain if you have any illnesses or | | | | There are various professional bodies that you |
| injuries that may affect the massage. | | | | can contact for details of aromatherapy massage |
| Your therapist may also want you to consider | | | | and a number of organizations will provide an |
| what factors in your life may be contributing to | | | | aromatherapy massage in the comfort of your |
| the symptoms you are experiencing. For example, | | | | own home. |