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.