| One aromatherapy technique consists of | | | | aromatherapy massage. These essential oils are |
| massaging essential oils into the skin. You will reap | | | | extracted from plants and are very effective |
| tremendous therapeutic benefits from this kind of | | | | when used in conjuction with carrier oils or |
| massage -- and you are in for a real treat if you | | | | hydrosols. |
| have never had a massage. | | | | Some essential oils used in an aromatherapy |
| These aromatherapy massages are absolutely | | | | massage are too strong to be applied undiluted |
| great. I highly recommend it to anyone: treat | | | | and could cause irritation if not mixed with other |
| yourself to an aromatherapy massage. Being | | | | substances. Also, the expense of some essential |
| relaxed and rejuvenated after an aromatherapy | | | | oils makes it too costly to use in the undiluted |
| massage, you will feel like a new person! | | | | form, so they are mixed with carrier oils. |
| Here are some tips to help you get the most out | | | | The benefits derived are the main reason some |
| of your aromatherapy message session: | | | | oils are used rather than other oils. |
| Massaging areas of your body yourself is not | | | | For soothing sore muscles, use peppermint. |
| going to give you the relaxing experience that | | | | Lavender is excellent for relaxing. |
| you would get from letting someone else give | | | | For an aromatherapy massage, good carrier oils |
| you the massage. | | | | are: apricot kernel, sweet almond, and grapeseed. |
| Massaging areas of your own body -- such as | | | | To massage the entire body you will need one to |
| your feet and temples -- will give you some | | | | two ounces of carrier oil, as a general rule. Mineral |
| benefit if you are not able to get a professional | | | | oil is not recommended for use in aromatherapy |
| massage, but to get the full benefits let the | | | | massage. |
| professional do it for you. Sure, you can enlist the | | | | To give an aromatherapy massage [ you will |
| help of a close friend or family member, but the | | | | want to first warm the oil, so just pour a small |
| professionals know better what they are doing. | | | | amount into your hand and hold it a few seconds. |
| The environment and the professional you choose | | | | Use long strokes and mix in large and small |
| are both important to achieve maximum benefits. | | | | circular motions while rubbing the oil into the skin. |
| The area should be quiet, with natural noises like | | | | You will want to vary the speed and motion of |
| bubbling brooks, waves on the beach, a gentle | | | | the aromatherapy massage for maximum effect. |
| rain or similar soothing sounds, along with a | | | | If you experience a drag while administering the |
| darkened environment to have the best | | | | massage, you need to apply more oil. |
| experience. And pre-recorded sounds work just | | | | Some Aromatherapy Massage Oil Recipes for |
| fine. | | | | Relaxation: |
| Lying on a firm, comfortable surface provides the | | | | When using Lavender essential oils – Mix 4 |
| best benefits. Be sure you are warm. You want | | | | drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil; |
| to be partially covered with a soft luxurious towel. | | | | When using Petitgrain essential oils – Mix 1 |
| You can opt to not have anything covering you if | | | | drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil; |
| you are comfortable with that, but be sure to | | | | When using Frankincense essential oils – Mix |
| have a towel handy in any case. A massage will | | | | 1 drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil. |
| naturally cause a relaxed state and lower your | | | | Ok, are you convinced? Are you ready to get |
| metabolic rate, thus lowering your body | | | | your first aromatherapy massage? I hope that |
| temperature. | | | | you can enjoy that special experience for |
| Generally, essential oils are used for your | | | | yourself. |