Aromatherapy Massage - An Ideal Alternative Medicine
Aromatherapy massage is a specific kind of therapy including the application of different fragrant essential oils to a massage therapist. This treatment is believed to have many health benefits like improving blood flow and the regulation of breathing. The massage also involves alternating between hard and soft pressure while the use of a certain blend of essential oils also involves bringing about comfort and peace. There are basically two types of massage therapy, the first one being the traditional massage treatment. Standard massage is the type of massage which is derived from ancient Chinese medicines and philosophies. It is usually accompanied by the use of certain herbs and oils also.
Aromatherapy massage is different from this sort of massage in the sense that it does not contain the use of any herbal products. Aromatherapy therapist usually applies warm bath salts on the client's body or massages the client's muscles using their hands. They then use specific scented oils and rub them into the muscles in order to relax and alleviate aches and pains. For example, if a client suffers from chronic back pain, a therapist may apply to hot oil using aromatherapy to the specific area affected by back pain. Later, they may perform Swedish massage on precisely the same spot by applying refreshing and gentle strokes into the back and by applying various pressure points.
It's been demonstrated that regular massage treatment provides a good deal of benefits like improvement in flexibility, reduction of tension, enhancement of energy and mental stability. However, not all people have the ability to spend a lot of time in the massage parlor. There are people that are physically challenged and those who don't have the luxury of time to be able to see a massage center on a regular basis. By means of a massage table, all these folks have the ability to enjoy an authentic massage without having to worry about having painful strokes in their body. This enables them to get a relaxing massage with no risk of injury. In fact, there is truly a risk of getting injuries during a massage therapy session if a wrong stroke is executed or if the wrong pressure is applied on the muscle.
Massage therapists that are using essential oils have also found out that they have a lot of healing properties that makes it very effective in restoring health and comfort. They can offer a deep healing and a comforting effect for the client. With the combination of massage and essential oils, one is able to achieve the best results possible.
Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender is one of the most common essential oils which is used by massage therapists all around the world. It is one of the most popular options for aromatherapy due to its calming effect and its natural seduction and allure. It's been proven to be quite effective in regards to invigoration as well as relaxation. Pure lavender essential oil can be used on the skin to relieve stress in addition to invigoration. Another benefit of using lavender on the skin is its ability to help alleviate skin irritation.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint has the ability to relax both the mind and the body. Additionally it is known as Mentha Sylvestris or Origanum vulgare. This has been used for several years by the early people and is still being used by massage therapists. When inserted on massage table, it works wonders by making the customer feel relaxed and calm. It has a soothing effect which makes the individual takes his time while going down on the table. The nice thing about peppermint oil is that it does not make the person feel sleepy, instead it helps him to be more alert and awake.
Other popular essential oils include lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, basil, chamomile, marjoram and Rosemary. All these essential oils are known for their terrific relaxing, refreshing, energizing and astringent effects. Their combination onto the skin can provide deep penetration into the skin and release the stress. Their use on the body surface results in a rejuvenating and moisturizing effect on the skin. They also function as analgesic and anti inflammatory properties.
In aromatherapy massage, the therapist may also use essential oils like lavender, rose, chamomile, ginger, nutmeg, peppermint and almond. These are combined with massage therapy on a massage table to provide a holistic approach to treating various aches and pains and calming anxiety. Anxiety is a common problem that affects most of us at some point or another. Aromatherapy massage is an ideal way to overcome anxiety and alleviate tension. They are frequently used as a complementary treatment to help patients suffering from chronic pain, post traumatic stress disorder, and cancer.