Ringer - Aromatherapy Massage from Head to Toe

Few people these days will argue against the therapeutic benefits of regular massage. Regular massage helps premature newborns leave hospitals faster. It can help smokers cut back on their cravings for cigarettes. Massage has even helped sufferers of anorexia improve their image of themselves. Even if we do not suffer from a disease or condition, we know that massage is rejuvenating. The actual scientific reason why massage is beneficial may be unclear, but we do know with certainty that massage helps reduce stress, it allows us to sleep better, and quite simply it just feels good to have every part of our body rubbed and stimulated.

The physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing.

Hippocrates

You can really get the most out of your massage (and your time) by taking your massage to the next level with aromatherapy. By infusing your massage oils with therapeutic herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients, the massage becomes even more cleansing and healing. The recipes and formulas in this bulletin draw on the wisdom of natural healers from many different cultures dating back hundreds, even thousands, of years. They are good for the body, but most importantly they help soothe and relax you.

An essential oil is the life force or the soul of the plant. Each precious, aromatic, highly volatile, concentrated drop of an essential oil contains hundreds of powerful chemical constituents that act on our bodies either physiologically or psychologically. The therapeutic and mood-enhancing qualities of essential oils are undeniable and extensive studies have borne this out.

Essential oils are natural ingredients for massage oils. When we inhale the gaseous vapor they release into the air and apply them to the body externally, essential oil molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream. This is an essential oils single most important property: The molecules are small enough to penetrate the skin, reaching the dermis layer and interacting with sensory nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, and the sebaceous and sweat glands. Essential oils have a proven ability to promote elimination of waste matter and dead cells while increasing regeneration of cells.

Many massage oil recipes call for an essential oil of your choice. Choose fragrances that you find pleasing and calming. A scent may have different effects on different people, depending on past associations and life experiences, but lavender and chamomile are the fragrances most often chosen for relaxation. Bergamot, frankincense, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang are also relaxing. Patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense are earthy; the others are more flowery. To find the essential oils that will best suit you, visit a store that carries them and use tester bottles to sample various scents.

There are a variety of massage practices, but they may not all be styles that you enjoy. Some people appreciate a gentle massage; others prefer a deeper, more vigorous massage. And most of us give someone the type of massage we like to receive. Dont hesitate to tell your masseuse what you like, and to remind her as often as you need to. Its important that you receive the kind of massage you will enjoy most.

There are many different techniques and styles of massage. For more information, look for a mini-course on massage at your local adult education center. Its worth exploring all the options.

Preparation is essential in creating a quality massage experience. Select a place of solitude where you wont be interrupted. For a full-body, a massage table adjusted for your height is ideal, but cushioning a long table or even using a bed or sofa can also be effective. Set up the table so that you can get around all sides, if possible. Make up the table or bed with both a bottom and a top sheet.

Another important factor is warmth. Warmth helps the muscles relax and is essential to a good massage. When lying in the prone position, the body tends to lose heat. Oil on the skin results in it becoming easily chilled. Make sure the room is warm when you start; bring in a space heater if necessary. Also use blankets as needed. Select music that is soothing and pleasing to your client, whether that be yourself, your partner, or a friend.

There are many different types of massage and therapeutic touch, and plenty of good books on the subject. Here is a simple explanation of a few beginning strokes you can do at home that are quite beneficial.

Effleurage

This is a gliding stroke over the surface of the skin, usually done with oil or a massage cream. Massage normally starts with light effleurage to gently connect with the person, soothing her nervous system. Gradually, deeper strokes with more pressure may be applied to increase the circulation of blood and lymph.

Petrissage

This kneading movement lifts, presses, and rolls muscle tissue away from the bone to increase circulation of blood and lymph and to detoxify the muscles.

Petrissage is a kneading movement that lifts muscle tissue away from the bone.

Begin with Gentle Strokes

While some sports massage therapists might argue for deep and penetrating massage, rubbing, or scrubbing, it is always best to start out gently. A light massage can be quite helpful. It also gives you a chance to identify sensitive areas and pressure preferences, whether you are applying the massage to yourself or to someone else. Use gentle and loving touch! It makes a big difference. And do ask to be told if you are hurting your client.

Benefits Experienced by:

The giver. Giving a friend or loved one a massage is very soothing and calming for you, too, and can actually cause your blood pressure to decrease. Its a very caring, nurturing, and bonding experience to share with another person.

The receiver. Obviously, this is really the best position to be in. Massage will help reduce your stress, boost circulation, and relieve blood stagnation in different parts of your body. In addition, it will dramatically relax your body, soothe your muscles, undo knots and tension, and soften your skin if a massage cream or oil is applied.

The self-massager. Though not as fulfilling or as extensive as getting a massage from another person, self-massage enables you to care for yourself on a regular basis, to de-stress, and to pamper yourself as you see fit.

Compression

Compression is direct pressure to the body and affects muscular, nervous, and energy systems. This technique is done with the thumbs, the whole hand, and even the elbows.

Rocking

Rocking is a smooth, rhythmic motion that soothes the nervous system. Gently shaking the limbs or rocking parts of the torso encourages the receiver to let go of tension.