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What is Aromatherapy Massage?
Aromatherapy massage is used for several purposes, such as pain relief, mood enhancement, and relaxation. These are a few more of the fundamental advantages of massage treatment. These advantages are believed to be enhanced by adding essential oils.Aromatherapy is typically offered as an additional service and incorporated into standard massage sessions. During your massage session, the massage therapist may choose to diffuse an essential oil into the air around the room, or they may choose to add a few drops of oil to massage lotion and then apply it straight to your skin.
The origin of Aromatherapy massage
At the very least, there is evidence that people were using essential oils on their bodies as far back as the year 2000 B.C. There is evidence in the Bible of people using medicinal plants and the essential oils that come from those plants for both the treatment of illness and for religious purposes. In ancient Egypt, essential oils were extracted through a process called infusion, and the Egyptians employed these oils in their cosmetics. This is the first indication of the widespread application of aromatic oils. Kyphi was a blend of sixteen different aromatic ingredients that was employed as a perfume by the Greeks and Romans in later centuries. It is considered to be one of the most well-known Egyptian aromatic formulations. Around the year 425 B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus was the first person to write down the steps involved in the distillation of turpentine. In addition, the Green army’s soldiers went into battle with medicinal essential oils like myrrh, which they used to cure wounds if they were injured. Hippocrates, a Greek physician, penned numerous works on a wide variety of plants used in medicine.
Avicenna, an Arab physician, is credited with inventing the chilled coil, which was a development of a more rudimentary form of distillation. He utilised this method in order to obtain pure oils and aromatic waters. People in Europe in the 13th century resorted to using fragrant oils as a means of protection against the plague. While Renee Gattefosse conducted research on the therapeutic use of essential oils, Dr. Jean Valnet made use of essential oils to treat serious burns and battlefield injuries when there were no other medical resources available. Gattefosse is credited with coining the term “aromatherapy,” but it was Marguerite Maury who first brought the practice to the United Kingdom in the late 1950s. She brought Gattefosse’s research to a more applicable conclusion by including massage and the application of essential oils into her practice. She developed specialised massage techniques as well as the “individual prescription,” which is a more holistic approach in which essences are chosen according to the physical and emotional needs of the client. She also pioneered the use of aromatherapy in massage wellness therapy.
The benefits of Aromatherapy massage for full body
Aromatherapy massage for full body is a holistic therapy that combines the benefits of massage and essential oils. It aims to provide not only a full-body massage, but also emotional healing and relaxation. Some of the general advantages of aromatherapy massage for full body are:
- It can reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting a positive mood.
- It can increase calmness and relaxation by inducing a state of deep rest and enhancing the quality of sleep.
- It can decrease muscle tension and pain by improving blood circulation and easing inflammation.
- It can reduce the symptoms of depression by stimulating the production of serotonin and endorphins, the natural mood enhancers.
- It can ease the pain from various conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic lower back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, arthritis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, polymyalgia rheumatica, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, premenstrual syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis by targeting specific acupressure points and using anti-inflammatory and analgesic oils.
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Which massage techniques are compatible with Aromatherapy?
The first move that should be performed on the body during a massage is called effleurage, and it should be repeated several times throughout the session. It consists of long, slow strokes that evolve from being light to being forceful in pressure. These movements will assist in enveloping the body in oil, warming the muscles, and promoting relaxation. Employ both hands concurrently, keeping them alongside one another, flat, and with the fingers loosely together.
Petrissage is a form of kneading that is performed in order to exercise the muscles. It should never be done on bone; only on fleshy and muscular parts of the body is appropriate for this procedure. It is similar to kneading dough since it involves raising, stretching, or squeezing of the muscles with the hands or fingertips in a gentle, rhythmic manner. This is a more advanced exercise that relieves tension in the muscles and improves circulation.
A hard, rubbing technique known as friction, which is used to push deeper into contracted, tense, and knotted muscles. It should never be used until after the area has been warmed up with effleurage (and possibly some petrissage as well). Either in a circular motion or in a motion that alternates between forward and backward, the fingers and thumbs are used. The transfer should begin lightly, and the pressure should be raised gradually, to prevent any pain or resistance from occurring. It is not a good idea to do friction for an extended period of time or on muscles that have recently been wounded, inflammatory areas, or scar tissue.
The massage session comes to a wonderful and relaxing close with the feathering technique. Using only the lightest possible pressure, the fingertips are used to very lightly stroke in a gradual rhythmic pattern, for example down the sides of the spine.
The best essential oils for Aromatherapy Massage for full body
It is stated that each essential oil possesses its own unique set of advantages. There are certain aromas, like jasmine or lavender oil, that might help you relax and feel more at ease. Others, like eucalyptus or lemon, will give you a little of a zing that will wake you up a little bit. If you let your massage therapist know what you want to get out of the session, they will be able to recommend a scent to you that will help you achieve your goals.
Your massage therapist will help you select an essential oil that is suitable for your needs, regardless of what those needs may be. It is usual practice to employ jasmine oil in the treatment of depressive symptoms and inflammatory conditions.It has been suggested that the sedative properties of lavender oil could help improve sleep quality as well as symptoms of despair and anxiety. People who suffer from headaches may get relief from the pain by using peppermint oil. Bergamot has been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. There is some evidence that chamomile, eucalyptus, and rosemary can all lessen inflammation.Besides the popular essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and bergamot, there are some other common selections for aromatherapy massage for full body that offer various benefits. For example, wintergreen and tea tree have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help with pain and infections. Eucalyptus and geranium are known for their respiratory and skin benefits, as they can clear congestion and balance oil production. Cedarwood and tarragon have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Cypress and juniper are diuretic and detoxifying oils that can stimulate circulation and flush out toxins. Pine and orange have a refreshing and uplifting aroma that can boost energy and mood. Lemon is a versatile oil that can cleanse, purify, and invigorate the body and mind.
You probably don’t want to buy an essential oil that will energise you if your goal is to unwind and chill out. Or, if you’ve been a bit of a couch potato as of late, you might want to steer clear of scents that soothe you and go for something that will perk you up instead, like a fragrance that will give you some spring in your step.Take some time to truly tune into your physical and mental state before beginning an aromatherapy massage for full body session. This will help you get the most out of the experience. Talk to the person who is giving you the massage about your ideas. Pay attention to any parts of your body that may be hurting or uncomfortable, and don’t forget to provide your therapist with a detailed account of how things are going in your life. Do you find it difficult to fall asleep? Have you recently experienced any traumatic events? Are you going through a particularly stressful time or going through a period of anxiety? Your massage therapist will be able to better assist you if you provide them with all of these specifics.
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Aromatherapy Massage or Deep Tissue Massage – Which is good for you?
Injuries to the musculoskeletal system, such as sprains and strains, can be alleviated by a technique called deep tissue massage. When massaging the damaged area of the body, deep strokes and continuous pressure are applied to the area in order to reach the deeper tissues. After an injury or sprain, scar tissue can form in our bodies, which can continue to be highly uncomfortable for a long time after the initial incidence. During a deep tissue massage, the scar tissue is worked on and broken down in order to release the built-up tension. This allows for the massage to be effective. Even if your body has not yet begun to build scar tissue, receiving a deep tissue massage can still improve blood circulation, which in turn assists the body in healing more quickly and reducing inflammation.
What happens in a deep tissue massage?
The first thing the therapist will do is question you about the issue at hand. If you do, the therapist will ask you to undress yourself to the extent that you are at ease and then have you lie on your back or stomach depending on whatever position is most comfortable for you. However, in order for the therapist to work on the damaged region, it is necessary for that region to be exposed. The therapist will then begin the session by warming up with strokes that are lighter. After getting you warmed up, the therapist will next begin stroking or kneading you while applying great pressure in order to break down the internal scar tissues.
Things to keep in mind
Women who are pregnant, patients who are currently undergoing treatment, those who take blood-thinning medications, or those who have blood abnormalities should not have a deep tissue massage.
Deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage for full body both provide psychological and physiological advantages, but they do so in different ways and with different goals in mind. Deep tissue massages typically only focus on the body, and even then, only on a certain portion of the body, in contrast to aromatherapy massages for full body, which are much lighter, which work on the entire body, and which help to refresh the mind.Therefore, the next time someone asks you which of the two options you would prefer, make sure that you are aware of your requirements before responding positively to any of the options, but make sure that you do respond positively!
Aromatherapy Massage’s Technique
Reflexology
Although the hands and ears can also be massaged as part of the practice of reflexology, the primary focus of the wellness therapy is on the manipulation of the foot, on which particular points connect to other body systems or organs. For instance, the function of the bladder can be altered by pressing on a particular place on the bottom of the foot, which corresponds to the bladder and can be done with either the thumbs or fingers.
Stroking/Gliding or Effleurage
Effleurage is the primary or primary stroke that is used to gradually warm up the muscles and prepare the soft tissue for further in-depth work. In addition to this, it helps to improve circulation and relaxes stiff muscles. This movement is performed by the therapist by alternating palms that are flat and sliding smoothly over the skin in a gradual fanning or circular motion while maintaining constant pressure.
Kneading or “Petrissage Massage”
This method can be carried out on specific muscular groups, such as the thighs, either superficially or profoundly, depending on how easily the tissue can be gripped. During a milking type of stroke, the therapist switches hands and squeezes and releases the flesh between their fingers and thumbs in alternating motions. Petrissage is a deep massage technique that helps to improve circulation and relaxes stiff muscles.
Fanning
This is a motion that is used on the back, chest, legs, and arms to stretch and manipulate the muscles so that tension is released from them. An outward stroking motion is performed by the therapist, making it appear as though the flesh is being combed with the backs of the fingers using the nails. This shape is created by the therapist by drawing three strokes outward from a single spot.
Friction or “Frottage”
Deep, direct pressure is applied by the therapist to the muscles surrounding the client’s spine and shoulders in order to relieve tension in those areas. The therapist will start from one fixed spot on the back and will use his or her thumbs to apply constant pressure on either side of the spine or in little circles.
Pounding
It is comparable to the Hacking movement in that the same pinky finger sides of the hands are utilised; however, in the case of Pounding, the therapist’s hands are only loosely squeezed into fists, and the lightly clenched pinky finger of each hand makes contact with the patient. This movement is similar to Hacking in that it is similar to Hacking in terms of the same pinky finger sides of the hands being used. Alternating blows are delivered to the body of the patient with both hands, and the movement is initiated from the wrists rather than the elbows each time.
Feathering
To begin, the therapist slowly climbs the patient’s limb with their hands in a gliding motion. After that, they lightly brush the tips of their fingers against the client’s skin, using a touch that is so light and feathery that it is hardly felt by the person receiving the massage. This stroke should be rather strong, but it should not tickle the recipient.
Do you know that you can do the aromatherapy massage on your own?
Since a lot of tension is stored in the scalp, working on the scalp is an excellent place to start when giving yourself a stress-relieving massage at home. Spread your fingers out on your scalp as if you were going to be washing your hair, and make slow circles all over the area of your head, making sure not to overlook the area at the base of your skull. As you continue to practice the method, you will notice that the tension in your scalp begins to reduce, which will result in your scalp becoming more movable. At first, it may feel strenuous or even a little painful.Your attention should now be focused on your neck and shoulders. Put a tiny amount of your massage oil into the palm of one hand, then place the other hand on top of the first hand and rub the palms of both hands together. This will get the oils ready to use at a warmer temperature. Put some on your neck and the tops of your shoulders and rub it in gently. Make gentle circular movements up the sides of the neck using your index fingers together, starting from the top of the upper shoulders and working your way up to the base of the skull. Pay close attention to any knots or tightness that you feel in the soft tissue, and continue until you reach the base of the skull. As you continue to massage, you will feel more and more of the tension leaving your body. Take a short break for a couple of minutes, and while keeping your chin tucked in and your chest lifted, rotate your head in a tight circle to stretch out the muscle. After that, using the same method, massage the area once again for a few minutes.
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After that, continue on to the area of the upper shoulder. After you have applied some massage oil to the affected region, create a fist with both of your hands. After that, bring your right hand up to your chest and cross your left arm over your right shoulder. Then, using your knuckles, make circular movements all the way along the upper section of your back, reaching as far as you can. After a few minutes, release your knuckle, and then using the underside of your thumb, apply a moderate pressure to the area while stroking the shoulder in a motion that starts at the base of the neck and goes all the way up to the top of the arm. Carry through the identical motions on the opposite side, this time placing your left hand on the region of your right shoulder.A helpful hint: if you are tight between your shoulder blades and find it difficult to reach that area, you may acquire a tiny, soft ball like a tennis ball or even a golf ball would do (even harder), position the ball between your shoulder blades, and then use the floor to roll over the ball, which you have placed between your shoulder blades. This will help loosen up the area between your shoulder blades. If you would rather not move about, you can even employ this method while leaning against a wall.
When working on the feet and legs, the best position to be in is one in which you are lying down. Relax on your back, add some of your massage oil, and while lifting one leg at a time, massage the entire leg in gently with the whole surface of your palm, moving slowly and rhythmically from the foot towards the groin area. Repeat this process for the other leg. Perform the same motions on the other leg. You could find that using essential oils like lavender and roman chamomile helps to alleviate aches and pains and boosts circulation when you use them.If you suffer from period pains, massaging the area around your belly can be an effective technique to help relieve the cramping and pain associated with your period. This will help to alleviate the discomfort and cramping that you are experiencing. To be of assistance at this time, choose oils consisting of Sweet Marjoram, Geranium, and Lavender.
