Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain and regulate mood. It is an holistic approach to massage and concentrates on relaxing strokes. Essential oils are selected and used for their therapeutic effect, and not necessarily the fragrance. Fragrances in perfumes and many room fresheners and scented candles are often made from chemicals, and lack the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers.
Instructions
1. Select the essential oil to be used based on a general guideline. For muscle pain use basil, chamomile, rosemary or peppermint. For nausea use clove, ginger, or peppermint. For migraines use chamomile, rosemary, peppermint or lavender. For anxiety use chamomile, jasmine, lavender or sandalwood. For digestive issues use coriander, ginger, lemon, lemongrass or peppermint. For insomnia use chamomile, lavender, or clary sage. For jet lag use basil geranium, grapefruit, or peppermint. And finally, for menopause use chamomile, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender or sandalwood.
2. Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil. Several oils can be used simultaneously. Essential oils are extremely powerful and very concentrated. They should never be applied full strength to the skin. The most popular carrier oils are almond, aloe vera, apricot kernel, avocado, calendula, evening primrose, grape seed, hazelnut, jojoba, macadamia, rosehip, sesame, walnut and wheatgerm oil. Both carrier and essential oils can be purchased at health food stores and online. As a general rule, about 20 to 30 ml of carrier oil is needed to perform a full body massage. A healthy person between the ages of 12 and 65 should have 10 drops of essential oil added per 20 ml.
3. Massage naked body parts with the oil mixture in slow, gentle but firm strokes. There are many techniques used by a professional masseuse, but if you are not professionally trained in massage, use a generally soothing stroke delivered by the palm of your hand using wide strokes. A common relaxation technique is called feathering. Using the finger tips on the back of the hand, lightly stroke the skin in an upward motion.
4. During the massage, much of the essential oils will be inhaled and some absorption is likely through the nose and mouth. There are differing opinions about how much of the oils can penetrate the skin directly, and what their effect on the body might be. Aromatherapy massage can be performed as often as desired, perhaps once a week in the beginning and monthly there after.
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