Aromatherapy massage is the fusion of aromatherapy and massage. Together these two ancient methods combine to treat the mind, body and soul.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. It is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing the body by the use of plants and their parts. The word aromatherapy is derived from two words aroma which means smell and therapy which stands for healing.
Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapy the roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts are used for the distillation of oils. Each essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. These oils can be blended together and this blend is called synergy. The synergy is more potent than the individual oils. Since these oils are so potent in their concentrated form they are mixed with simple oils called carrier oils like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil.
Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit. They can be sedative or stimulating, analgesic and antispasmodic and antibacterial. They enter through our olfactory system and affect the nervous system, thus improving mood and relaxing or energizing us. This helps is alleviating stress and speeds up healing.
There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically - in baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, massage.
Massage
Massage therapy is also an ancient form of alternative medicine. It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calms the mind, reducing the stress in the body. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and in the immune system.
Hippocrates said: "The Physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing . . . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid."
Depending on your need a synergy blend is created with the carrier oil. There are a lot of combinations that are specially made for specific diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, stress, sports injury, migraines, insomnia etc.
Basic Oils
There are a variety of essential oils that can be blended to create a perfect one for your needs, a few of them are
Lavender
• most basic of oils
• relaxation, calming, balancing
• antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, detoxifier
• use on burns
Rosemary
• stimulant for mental and physical body
• antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, adrenal stimulant
• muscular strains and sprains, headaches, fatigue, congestion, prevents scar tissue formation
Bergamot
• refreshing, uplifting,
• antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, expectorant, deodorizer
• can be slightly irritating to skin
Peppermint
• digestive aid, headaches, fatigue
• anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, vasoconstrictor
• cooling
Tea Tree
• antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic
• treatment of infections, ringworm, sunburn, acne, athlete's foot, gum disease
• caution when applying full strength
Geranium
• eases stress
• antidepressant, adrenal and hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative, antiseptic
• good for PMS and female disorders
Clary Sage
• antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic
• relieves PMS, soothing, relaxing
Geranium
• eases stress
• antidepressant, adrenal and hormone balancer, detoxifier, sedative, antiseptic
• good for PMS and female disorders
Aromatherapy is a potent alternative medical procedure. The perfect place to get an aromatherapy massage is in a spa from expertly trained masseuses.
Ashish Bhattacharya is an exponent of oriental and alternative medicine. Armed with a degree in East Asian Therapies from China, he has worked in an Luxury Spa resorts Mauritius, and is an expert in Relaxing Spa Therapies
Luxury Spa resorts Mauritius, Relaxing Spa Therapies
Aromatherapy Massages |
