Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage usually refers to the massage treatment or therapy that employs essential oils. The principle behind aromatherapy message is that our nostrils are attached to the limbic system of the brain, which controls our emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. When essential oils are applied on the body, during aromatherapy massages, the oil molecules get transported to the limbic system via inhalation. This, in turn, affects the heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion and immune system, of the person, thereby bringing healing.

Healing Properties

Each essential oil used in aromatherapy massage has its own therapeutic properties and is absorbed by the skin on application. This helps provide relief from a number of conditions, such as stress, excessive fatigue, etc and are also known to help improve the emotional makeup of a person. The healing properties of some of the most popular aromatherapy massage oils are:

Calming - Chamomile Oil, Lavender Oil and Geranium Oil
Uplifting - Ylang Ylang Oil, Clary Sage Oil, Rose Oil and Neroli Oil
Energizing - Rosemary Oil
Cleansing - Rosemary Oil
Decongesting - Eucalyptus Oil, Pine Oil and Tea Tree Oil

Aromatherapy Massage Treatment

During an aromatherapy massage session, the therapist selects one or more essential oils, according to the need of the person receiving the treatment, and mixes it well with a massage oil or lotion. While the massage is being given to the seeker, the subtle aroma of the essential oils fills the air around him, which plays a vital role in the treatment. After the session, the therapist may suggest a blend that can be used at home, in between massage treatments.

Precautions

Aromatherapy massage is not recommended in the following cases:

For people suffering from infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
For people who have just had surgery
For people who have just undergone chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by the doctor
For people prone to blood clots (there are chances of the blood clots being dislodged)
For people with heart problem, unless allowed by the doctor
For pregnant women, unless allowed by the doctor (to be done only by massage therapists certified in pregnancy massage)

Additional Tips

Aromatherapy massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures. It might cause harm.
You should not eat a heavy meal just before you are due for an aromatherapy massage session.
It is always advisable to relax a bit, on your own, for a few minutes before undergoing aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massage has proved to be especially beneficial in case of stress and stress-related conditions (such as insomnia), headache, digestive disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and back pain.
Aromatherapy essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used individually. Rather, you need to dilute them a bit, with carried oils, before using them for massage purposes.

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