Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy massage’

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Aromatherapy Massage Techniques

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative therapy that utilizes the therapeutic properties of essential oils. An essential oil is an aromatic essence which is obtained from a natural botanical source. Essential oils have different therapeutic effects on the body, mind, and soul. Some essential oils can be analgesic or antispasmodic in nature, yet others are antibacterial. They can act as a sedative or a stimulant and are beneficial aid in skin care and the healing of wounds.

There are many different methods in which these essential oils can be used as a form of therapy. These oils may be used in baths, saunas, foot baths, inhalations, compresses, creams, lotions, or in an aromatherapy massage.

What is aromatherapy massage? An aromatherapy massage is a form of massage therapy that combines the benefits of aromatherapy with those of massage to promote wellbeing and healing. This form of massage therapy utilizes the aromatherapy essential oils as massaging agents. The added medicinal powers of these oils greatly enhance the efficacy of the massage. It must be borne in mind that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin for massage purposes. This is because pure essential oils are extremely concentrated and may lead to burns and rashes. Instead, the essential oil should be mixed with base oils, also known as carrier oils.

Aromatherapy Massage Techniques. A full body massage is not necessary in order to benefit from the essential oils.  Blended essential oils may also be rubbed locally onto a specific area to alleviate muscular aches and pains, stiffness in the neck or congestion. You can also perform the massage on your own. Just ensure that you utilize gentle strokes leading towards the heart. This improves blood circulation.

Aromatherapy may also be used in conjunction with other traditional massage techniques to offer greater benefits. Some of the massage techniques that are compatible with aromatherapy are:

Swedish massage. This is the most widely practiced form of European massage. When combined with aromatherapy, it not only contributes to physical wellbeing but also helps to reduce emotional and stress.
Neuromuscular massage. Neuromuscular massage is the most commonly used form of massage therapy in conjunction with aromatherapy. Most aromatherapy massages are neuromuscular massages that are administered with essential oil blends. This massage therapy helps to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system.

Lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage, as the name suggests, helps to improve the flow of lymph. Lymphatic massage helps to detoxify the body and boosts the immune system. When combined with aromatherapy, it offers numerous additional be

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Back Pain Massage Therapy

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

If you are suffering from back pain, the first thing you need to do is get to the root of the problem. For this, it is advisable for you to visit a doctor who will be able to determine what the problem is with your back. Without knowing the root cause, keep in mind that anything you do will only tackle the symptoms and will totally ignore the root of the problem. In particular, if you want to adopt massage therapy for back pain, you will need to know what the pain exactly is and why it is bothering you so much. Because massage is a two way thing – while it can be almost magical in its curative properties, it can also cause further damage to such an extent that you may actually end up worsening your problem manifold. Sometimes, if administered wrongly, massages may also worsen your problem so much that they will become incurable. You do not want to get stuck with anything for life, so you are better off being very precise about this. There are a couple of massage techniques that can be used for your back. One is the shiatsu massage. This will need to be administered only by a qualified professional; otherwise it will be largely ineffective. Shiatsu massage mostly makes use of the fingers and hands to apply gentle, continuous and direct pressure to the place that is perceived to be the root of the problem. This will ensure that your body functions in a proper “flow” and the rhythms of the body are not disturbed, and thus your problem is cured.

The other kind of massage is the regular massage that uses more force and power than anything else. This can also be administered with the use of aromatherapy oils. In combination, it is also known as aromatherapy massage. This will work in two ways; the massage will apply the pressure, while the constant friction will allow the oils to seep deep into your body and then work their magic from within. Aromatherapy massages are also administered using a number of other helping factors such as heat treatments and cold packs. These determine the levels of penetration of the oils. Aromatherapy is also a science that is very precise in its instruction. Do not be fooled by people who pose to know it well. Try and find qualified aroma therapists instead, who will know exactly what they are doing and how to do i

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Back Massage Techniques

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Aromatherapy is one of the most widely practiced alternative health therapies because of its wide scope, both in terms of the benefits it offers and the universality of its application. Aromatherapy massages and the simple straightforward aromatherapy can be used for almost anyone irrespective of age, gender, physique or health status, and everyone stands to benefit from it. For those with health conditions it can be therapeutic, while healthy individuals can also enhance and maintain their health.

Aromatherapy massages are an important facet of aromatherapy and aromatherapy back massage is the most popular, as the spinal region is most often under stress and tension, contributing to a variety of problems, some minor, while others pose serious risks. As with any other aromatherapy massage, an aromatherapy back massage is administered by a qualified practitioner and with essential oils. The oils will be chosen after consultation, so as to best determine which ones are ideally suited for you.

Tips and Techniques

  • A good blended massage oil is central to a good aromatherapy massage, so make sure you are informed about essential oils. You can either purchase premade massage oils or create your own with essential and carrier oils. Before you attempt to make your own oil however make sure you research the subject thoroughly. There is a vast body of literature on the subject, both online and in print.
  • Start by gently applying oil over the lower back, and slowly work your way to the shoulders. Use both hands and apply gentle pressure on upward strokes, while the downward movement calls for a release of pressure.
  • Work on either side of the spinal tip or base, with your thumbs. Follow gentle circular motions and repeat this 5 or 6 times.
  • With your hands layered, one over the other, move up the spine and around the region of the shoulder blades. When doing this follow a figure of eight pattern.
  • You can then work on each shoulder blade individually and using circular motions.
  • Gently squeeze the area extending from the neck to the shoulders moving from the neck outwards. Do this slowly and gently around 4 or 5 times.
  • Use your thumbs to apply gentle pressure on the back of the neck, moving to the ears.
  • After this in a gentle sweeping motion run your hands down the spine or center of the back, right down to the tip. Then pull upwards at the sides.
  • Use backward and forward strokes along the sides and then the entire back to warm it up.
  • Use your thumb in circular motions just above the buttocks and out toward the hips.
  • Use gentle strokes moving up the spine with your hands following a sequence alternating the movements and gradually lightening the touch.
  • End the massage by bring one hand to rest at the tip of the spine and the other at the neck. Retain this posture for almost a minute before releasing.

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Aromatherapy Treatment

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

The term aromatherapy was coined by a French chemist several years ago, when he accidentally found out about the healing properties of lavender oil. This sparked his interest in the subject and he experimented with several other oils to find out about the healing qualities of various oils.

Aromatherapy can have a positive affect on the emotional, physical and mental state of the patient. Studies have shown that aromatherapy can bring relief to cancer patients; it improves the immunity, regulates neurohormonal imbalances and has a great impact on the psycho-emotional state. Aromatherapy is also prescribed along with other therapies or treatments to bring relief to patients.

Aromatherapy includes several types of concentrated oils that are derived from plants. Known as essential oils, these are used to treat mental and physical health problems. Aromatherapy is used to relieve stress, create a feeling of well being. It is even used to prevent ailments, and treat mental as well as physical health problems.

In aromatherapy treatment, various oils derived from plants and herbs are grouped together according to the physical and mental effect that they have on a person. The way that aromatherapy affects the mental and emotional state of a person is that it eliminates feelings of anger, depression, stress, fear and anxiety. The oils have a soothing effect on the nervous system, which can trigger of positive thoughts and a calm state of mind.

Aromatherapy is administered through massage, inhalation, baths and cosmetics. Studies have shown that aromatherapy massage can have a positive effect on patients. Aromatherapy practitioners choose the kind of oils they want to use, and the method of treatment according to the health problem that the patient is suffering from. Since every oil has special and specific healing powers, a therapist will be able to determine the exact dosage and fragrance.

When aromatherapy treatment is administered through massage, therapists dilute the essential oils with normal oils since essential oils are very strong and more is less in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy massage is one of the most effective ways of aromatherapy. Soothing oils with medicinal value are massages gently in the skin, kneading the stiff muscles and joints. This promotes blood circulation, loosens the muscles and stiff joints, promotes emotional and mental wellbeing, has several positive benefits for the body, and is a great way to enjoy the benefit of aromatherapy and massage.

Therapists also mix a few essential oils for treatment or use a single oil in isolation. Diluted essential oils are mixed in bath water, or mixed with lotions for soothing the body and t

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