Which Aromatherapy Should I Use With My Massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a combination of the soothing motions of a relaxation or Swedish massage plus the pleasant aroma of natural essential oils
. Not only do aromatherapy massages relax every inch of your body but they help clear your mind and indulge your senses.
So what are essential oils exactly?
Basically essential oils are extracts from plant material, concentrated and bottled up. They are most commonly used to relieve stress and tension but can also aide in other health problems. This is why aromatherapy massage has become a popular and pleasant approach to natural healing.
Essential Oils come in a variety of different types including Sage, Geranium, Lemongrass, Myrrh, Boldo, Birch, Cinnamon, Lemon, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Tea Tree. All of these have different uses and aide in different health problems.
Furthermore, many of these essential oils can be combined to relieve many of your problems with one soothing application. Ask your aromatherapy masseuse for a complete list of essential oils, common uses and best combination methods for your next relaxing and soothing massage experience.
Four of the most common essential oils, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender and Jasmine, are described in detail below so you can choose which one is best for your massage session.
Combining peppermint oil with your massage will work wonders for your body. It can help with skin irritations, headaches, migraines, muscular and period cramps, colic, mental fatigue, nervousness, sinus irritations and faintness. The menthol aroma will refresh and tingle your senses. Try it with a reflexology massage to sooth your aching feet or with a relaxation massage to get rid of those annoying cramps.
Eucalyptus oil, which creates a balancing effect, can relieve the symptoms of several different ailments, from your aching head to your tired toes. It is most commonly used to relieve muscle aches and pain, poor circulation, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and anything else that causes pain to your limbs and joints. Combining eucalyptus oil with a deep tissue massage or a sport massage will heighten your pleasure and rid your pain.
Jasmine, another popular type of essential oil, is often considered an aphrodisiac; however, it can also aide in many ailments. Jasmine is most commonly used to combat against depression, nervousness, exhaustion and stress. It is suggested that jasmine produces optimism, confidence and euphoria. People also use jasmine for relieving the pains of childbirth and increasing the libido. Jasmine is a perfect addition to a pregnancy massage, a relaxation massage or a Swedish massage, all commonly used to aide in stress, anxiety and depression.
Lavender is an extremely versatile therapeutic essence with an almost fruity aroma. It is considered calming, up-lifting and therapeutic on those extra-stressful days. Lavender can be used to combat nervous systems disorders such as depression, headaches, hypertension and insomnia. However, it can also help with stress-related issues like vertigo, PMT and shock. Try lavender during an Indian Head massage to wipe away through tension headaches.
So no matter what youre suffering from, combine your relaxation massage with aromatherapy and breathe in the refreshing aromas of essential oil. Take the natural approach to feeling better.
by: Alexis Garnaut-Miller
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