The Healing Art of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy was used by ancient cultures to enhance mood and promote healing. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils to embalm the dead and the ancient Greeks thought that certain essential oils could make them smarter. There are a few people in history who are credited for what we now know as aromatherapy massage.

A French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he burned himself in his lab one day. He plunged his burn into the closest container of liquid he could find. That liquid just happened to be lavender oil. He noticed that his burn seemed to heal more quickly than it normally would have and that there was no scarring. This discovery made him start looking into the healing properties of lavender oil.

Madame Marguerite Maury (1895-1968) established aromatherapy clinics throughout Europe. Because she wasn't a doctor, she had no authority to prescribe that essential oils be administered orally, so she developed a system of administering oils through massage. She created modern day aromatherapy massage.

Essential oils are made from distilling parts of plants. The bark, flowers or leaves of a fragrant plant are distilled to make a potent liquid. Essential oils are not usually oily at all. This liquid can be mixed with a carrier oil, like grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil, to make a fragrant oil that can be used for massage. Each oil has its own healing properties and is beneficial in treating specific ailments. Some of the most common essential oils are:

  • Clary Sage
  • Eucalyptus
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
  • Peppermint
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Rosemary
  • Tea Tree
  • Ylang Ylang

There are some essential oils that can aggravate certain conditions. For example, you shouldn't use clary sage or rosemary essential oils if you have high blood pressure, a seizure disorder or are pregnant. Before using essential oils be sure to do your research and find out what oils are safe to use with the health conditions you have. There are some oils like bitter almond and sassafras that are considered dangerous and aren't even used by most aromatherapy professionals.

When you get an aromatherapy massage the therapist will talk to you about your health concerns. The therapist will also try to get a feel for the types of fragrances you like. Based on the information you give, the therapist will blend a mixture of essential oils specially suited for you.

Aromatherapy massages are usually relaxing. The strokes used in aromatherapy massage are based on Swedish massage techniques. They're usually long, flowing strokes. At the end of your massage the therapist will give you the remainder of the massage oil to use at home.

Lovelyn Bettison is a licensed massage therapist who believes in a holistic approach to health. You can learn more about aromatherapy massage and essential oils at her website. You can also learn about many other types of massage and the conditions they can treat.

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Unique Form of Massage Therapy - Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is unique form of message therapy because it utilizes unique essential and aromatic oils during the therapy session. During any single session the therapist may choose one or more from a selection of over 90 aromatherapy essential oils. These essential oils have been used for centuries to promote psychological and physical benefits to the body.

Many of the bases used during the aroma therapy sessions include natural ingredients such as dried herbs, milk powders, hydrosols, sea salts, sugars, clays, and even mud baths. Using synthetic ingredients is generally frowned upon.

Aroma therapy techniques are widely practiced in both the United States and across Europe. Normally they are integrated right into other holistic treatments. In addition to the application of essential oil products, aromatherapy can also include candles, bath salts, massage oils, and even rubs which can all be used in your home.

Home treatment kits can be purchased or you can make your own. These usually include massage oils, essential oils, bath salts, lotion bases, candles, and diffusers. Most of the products come in very small bottles or jars and can be easily stored in a small sealed box. The bottles should all be labeled and it would be a great idea to purchase a book to go with your kit. If you are not familiar with a particular product you can always research it. Reference guides are kept near essential oil display shelves and can easily be found online. Most stores have tester bottles left out for customers to smell or try.

You do not need to use very much of the oils to achieve great results. Essential oils are extremely concentrated forms and they do need to be diluted before using them. You will only need to add between 2 to 10 drops of the oils to your application methods, massage oils, lotions, candles, diffusers, bath water, etc. You may even hold your head over a steaming bowl of water or create a tent effect with a towel. Simply inhale the fumes. Oils can also be added to baths, your favorite lotion, compresses, room diffusers, or diluted with light olive oil and misted onto or applied to the skin.

Aromatherapy is not designed to cure any type of illness it is only designed to alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation. It has been known to aid in the relief of minor problems. Before you try aroma therapy you should consult with your doctor.

If you do decide to utilize the services of a massage therapist, talk to the practitioner before you begin your session and discuss your medical history and any current conditions. This vital information will help hem select the best essential oils to be used in your treatments session.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use aromatherapy as a treatment. Many of the essential oils may be harmful to the fetal development or nursing baby and many more have unknown side effect to infants.

If you wish to learn more about aroma therapy, there are many websites which provide valuable information. If you would like a deeper understanding, simply purchase a reference guide and study materials or take some classes at your local adult Ed or community college. There are some online courses available.

Aromatherapy is thought to aid people psychologically and physically because the scents can alter brain chemistry to produce desired effects. These effects may bring therapeutic relief according to the oils used and the person's body and brain chemistry. One example is eucalyptus oil, which helps to alleviate congestion in some people. Lavender also aids others to relax and helps to detoxify.

The oils can be inhaled or applied to the skin. When they are applied to the skin they are instantly absorbed into the blood stream and become an aid in certain health and beauty applications.

If you take classes to learn more about aroma therapy you can expect them to be a little pricey. Single day classes which give a good basic overview can usually cost about $75 to $125. To become certified in aromatherapy you can expect initial introductory classes to start at about $500. These classes include books and tuition, but sometimes not the oils. These classes teach more about mixing oils and creating different products as well as applications for ailments.

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