Aromatherapy in Massage and How it Helps Your Body

While most forms of massage are relaxing, an aromatherapy massage can take relaxation to another level. Aromatherapy essential oils are mixed into the standard massage lotions used during a session to provoke a specific response. The sense of smell is more powerful than many people realize. The scents of the oils travel into the limbic system in the brain and trigger certain emotional, hormonal and nervous system reactions. This can decrease stress, promote a feeling of elation, improve memory, aid digestion and reinforce the immune system.

The effect the aromatherapy massage oil has on a person depends on what sort of scent is used. Eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oils are good for those who have been suffering from a cold or flu, especially one that has symptoms of decongestion. For an energy boost, basil, lemon, rose and clary oil will improve mood and concentration. Lavender, chamomile and geranium are known for their relaxing properties. Those interested in participating in an erotic massage should invest in jasmine, ylang ylang and sandalwood oil as they are aphrodisiacs. Rose petals can also be incorporated into an erotic massage both for their scent and the stimulation their texture can provide.

Anyone considering aromatherapy massage should make certain that they are not allergic to any of the essential oils that may be used. A good way to test this is to put a small dot of the oil mixture on the inside of the wrist and let set for five minutes. Wipe off and check for a reaction. Those with fragrance allergies will obviously want to avoid this type of massage. The client should also let the massage therapist know if they have any abrasions or cuts that need to be avoided. This is good practice for any sort of massage but it will be regrettable and sore if some of that oil makes it into an open wound.

Most day spas offer aromatherapy massage but it may need to be requested when the appointment is booked. Higher end spas may prep their client for the experience by having them dress in a plush robe and sip on a glass of wine or champagne. The massage room will often be decorated with candles and filled with relaxing music. The scent of the oils will not be overpowering and needn't be washed off before going back out in public. The strength of scent is similar to a mild fragrant body lotion. If more than one type of oil is used, the massage therapist will chose a combination whose scents work together, rather than against, each other. To further expand the aromatherapy experience, the client may be invited to sit in a steam room following the massage to release more of the scent into the air and soak the oil deeper into the skin.

If the client has any specific ailments they'd like treated with the aromatherapy massage, they should let their massage therapist know that before the session begins. While the oils are not a replacement for serious medical attention, they can have a tremendous effect on ridding headaches, improving moods and lifting the fog often caused by stressful living.


What is Aromatherapy Massage?

How do you beat the blues and stress? Just the thought of overhauling your emotions so you will feel better again seems like a huge task. You can choose to entertain yourself with movies in DVD's, go out to bars, or take that vacation you have been promising yourself. And yet, the thought of expending your energy doing them just make you feel even more lethargic. So, is there a way to relax without changing the scene and just be comfortable staying in place? It might surprise you but there is. Aromatherapy is a natural stress buster and it works wonders to mind and body. And relaxation can come to you even without much effort.

The distinctiveness of aromatherapy from other types of massage therapy relies on the application of aromatic oils. These aromatic oils, also known as essential oils, primarily come from botanical properties. Aromatherapy, also called clinical aromatherapy and medical aromatherapy, is based on the belief that the sensations originating from our nostrils go directly to a particular part of the brain known as the limbic system which is related to emotion and memory. These aromatic oils are powerful stimuli which stir the limbic system and create positive feelings. Thus, aromatherapy is used by some professionals in treating emotion-related conditions. Aside from this, it is also used to treat infectious diseases and known to be effective in pain management.

How is aromatherapy done? Basically it is any method which makes use of pleasant scents. Just sitting comfortably in your chair and inhaling scented candles or fragrant-filled potpourri is relaxing. This mode of application is known as aerial diffusion. You can also try direct inhalation or topical application. What is even more interesting about aromatherapy is you can make your own oil. Want yours to be for relaxing, or for healing? Get your recipe and concoct your own formula of aromatherapy.

This is an article written by Cristi Enache. Read more on aromatherapy massage or discover the wonders of foot massage

How to Find a Job As a Sports Massage Therapist

Finding a Job as a sports massage therapist is usually a very competitive market to try to get into. To get into this field requires that you take the time to plain your job search and know exactly what you want. It is also about doing what you need to do to make it happen and not giving up.

More research is showing that massage can help the performance of professional and amateur athletes. Professional basketball, football and baseball teams are hiring massage therapists. Most jobs in the massage field are subcontractor positions which basically means you have your own business as a sports massage therapist.

You work will involve working with athletes in every stage of training and competition. You will have to have an in depth understanding of how exercise and muscles work to create strength and speed. You will start as a regular massage therapist and will have to go to basic massage school. There are a few schools that will offer extra training in sports massage skills to prepare you for your career. Having extra knowledge of training and things like stretching will also be helpful. You will also study and learn about each sport and what the needs are for people who compete in such activities. You will have to learn about when and how to use the right techniques or you could actually cause the athlete to do worse or even worse get hurt.

You can also work with other athletes who are amateurs and even just weekend participants. High school and college teams as well as Olympic athletes or Masters level athletes can benefit from massage.

To find out how to find or create your own sports massage job visit my website for more information.

Julie Onofrio a licensed massage practitioner in Seattle WA for 20 years and author of the "Massage Therapy Career Guide: The truth about becoming a massage therapist " and "How to Find a Job in Massage". She is also an expert in website development and makes part of her living writing online. http://www.massage-career-guides.com