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Article Series: Aromatherapy
Teach Me Some
Aromatherapy Benefits
Aromatherapy
Massage Basics
Aromatherapy is the use of scented essential
oils that are distilled from plant materials. These materials
can include the leaves, bark, berries, fruit or flowers. These
essential oils are then used to promote improved health plus
physical and mental well-being. They can be used in a variety
of ways from inhalation to bathing. One of the most popular
uses is through massage.
Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. It is
believed that Hippocrates himself used scented massage. Much
later, in the 1930s Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist,
came up with the word aromatherapy to explain the use of essential
oils in therapy. He became inspired by their use after burning
his hand and using lavender oil to treat it. It was a treatment
that left him with no scars. During the Second World War essential
oils were used as antiseptics. But it was years later still
that Madame Marguerite Maury began to promote their use in
massage therapy.
In
aromatherapy massage the essential oils are used to alleviate
discomfort, quell pain or merely to relax. Based on what the
purpose of the massage is the therapist will decide what essential
oils to use. Then by mixing them together in what is referred
to as carrier oils, a scentless base, they will use up to five
oils to get the desired result.
The first thing the therapist will do is to ask you why you
are there. This is usually done in a short interview, though
it can take up to thirty minutes, where it will be determined
what you are hoping to achieve through your session. You will
be asked if you have come because of particular problems, sleeping
issues for example or headaches. You will also be questioned
about your health and diet. With your answers the massage therapist
will ascertain your needs and then prepare the right combination
of essential oils to prepare you for a body massage. At this
point the therapist will leave you alone to disrobe. You will
then lie down on a table, usually padded for your comfort,
and then cover yourself with a sheet or blanket that is there
to offer you both warm and privacy. Once you are ready the
therapist will return to begin your massage.
There are several massage techniques that can be used during
the approximately sixty minute session. The therapist will
usually use Swedish massage. This is a soft tissue massage.
Then there is shiatsu, which uses the thumbs for deep pressure
massage to reach deep down to the ligaments, nerves and tendons.
As well, there is effleurage massage, which is gentler, slower,
and more rhythmic. These are all put together, so the client
does not notice the changes. They just lie there and relax
under the trained hand of the therapist.
During the session the therapist will use the mix of oils
to give the client relief from various concerns. The oils will
definitely be affective on any skin conditions that may be
a problem. But they will also be inhaled while the client is
relaxing during the massage and this will stimulate other reactions.
The oils can be soothing or stimulating based on the desired
results of the session.
Many studies have proven that the relaxing effects of massage
can be very beneficial. They can ease stress and with the increased
blood flow, and therefore oxygen flow, the body and so the
mind feels better.
Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from aromatherapy
massage. Already used in Eastern and African cultures, infant
massage is not only health promoting but can also help the
bond between parent and child. With the right combination of
essential oils a parent can learn to use massage to alleviate
colic or constipation. You can also help baby sleep better;
longer and deeper sleep will help make a healthier happier
infant. Massage also develops baby’s sense of non-verbal communication.
Studies have shown that infants who receive regular aromatherapy
massage sessions from their parents cry less, develop faster,
and have better weight gains often with superior motor and
intellectual skills.
The advantages of aromatherapy massage to one’s health and
well-being definitely make it an alternative worth exploring!
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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