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What Is Aromatherapy Massage?
Essential oils have been used since ancient civilizations like Egypt, Rome, and Greece for a wide range of relaxation purposes. It is known for promoting healing, cosmetics, and perfumes, which has led to the development of aromatherapy massage today. In aromatherapy massage for skin, the oils are applied directly or diffused to inhale during the massage.
Want to learn about what a whole body aromatherapy massage is?
Aromatherapy massage is not an independent massage; it is a therapeutic addition implemented into different massage types.
In this massage therapy, the essential oils are chosen according to your requirements. It helps in reducing anxiety, increasing energy levels, alleviating muscle pain, and enhancing immune support.
Whether you opt for a Swedish massage for relaxation or a deep tissue massage for tension relief, aromatherapy enhances both.
Aromatherapy massages apply Swedish massage methods and integrate lotions and essential oils. These oils are derived from botanical extracts and are generally used for aromatherapy.
In this massage, you will either breathe in these essential oils or let your skin absorb them. Using either of these approaches, you will experience practical therapeutic effects - such as relaxation or relief from pain.
What is Thai aromatherapy massage?
Thai aromatherapy massage is a therapeutic technique. It combines the stretching and pressure point methods of traditional Thai massage with aromatherapy and essential oils.
The technique seeks to harmonize the body's energy by enhancing blood flow and alleviating muscle tightness. It includes profound relaxation via the inhalation and surface application of essential oils such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, orange, and bergamot.
How Does Aromatherapy Massage Work?
Aromatherapy massage, a full-body treatment, uses essential oils to activate the body’s physiological and psychological systems. These oils may provoke chemical reactions, influence neurotransmitters, and adopt a comprehensive perspective on wellness.
The massage enables the oils to penetrate the skin layers and enter the bloodstream. It delivers therapeutic advantages across the body for healing and relaxation.
It promotes muscle relaxation, alleviates pain, reduces stress, and improves mood. The aromatherapy massage addresses physical and emotional dimensions simultaneously.
The oils affect feelings by engaging the limbic system, improving sensory awareness, and triggering different reactions. In the end, aromatherapy massage encourages health and balance within.
Functioning of Aromatherapy Massage – At a Glance
Mechanism of Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage interacts with the body’s physiological and psychological systems. It is achieved through a combination of skin absorption and inhaling essential oils.
When used on the skin during massage, essential oils activate chemical reactions in the body.
These responses affect bodily functions, resulting in relaxation, decreased stress, and alleviated pain.
Breathing in aromatic compounds directly affects the limbic system. It deals with your emotions and memories.
Essential oils utilized in aromatherapy massage influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. They promote wellness and tranquility, engaging with these neurotransmitters.
This alteration of neurotransmitters enhances the overall therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy massage. It provides a comprehensive method for improving emotional and physical well-being through the synergistic effects of touch and fragrance.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
This holistic practice blends the power of essential oils and soothing touch. It delivers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional advantages.
From easing muscle tension to reducing stress and enhancing mood, aromatherapy massage offers a comprehensive approach to wellness.
Here, the benefits of aromatherapy massage include –
Aromatherapy massages promote relaxation of your body and mind. The blend of massage and aromatherapy gives an entirely serene experience.
When you feel stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol changes how your body reacts to pain, making it feel more severe.
An increase in cortisol leads to -
Aromatherapy massages lower the secretion of stress hormones into the bloodstream, which results in enhanced relaxation.
Are you having a tiring week and feeling weak? We understand that the attention spans of individuals are short, and it becomes challenging to maintain focus over an extended period.
Aromatherapy massage is used to improve your focus. It enhances mental clarity as your limbic system responds better to natural scents.
Influencing the limbic system, a part of the brain linked to emotions, encourages transformations in your mind and body.
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Pain Relief and Reduces Inflammation
This massage is a secure and natural method for alleviating pain. Any discomfort arising from a chronic headache or a persistent health issue is exhausting and stressful.
While dealing with existing pain, you should consider choosing aromatherapy. This type of massage helps reduce body aches and decrease inflammation. A skilled massage therapist employs manual techniques.
They help eliminate muscle tension and soothe painful muscles and joints. The essential oils used in the massage offer a cooling effect to alleviate pain or inflammation.
If you face problems while sleeping, it tends to affect your overall health. When it is time to rest, essential oils assist individuals with minor sleep issues.
Massage enhances sleep quality, while aromatherapy oils improve the experience. By engaging with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA and serotonin, you can help create a more favorable sleep state for the body.
Full body massage therapy improves your emotional well-being and physical health.
This occurs as the brain responds immediately to a therapist's touch. When you apply pressure to your skin, your brain produces those "happy" hormones. They are Serotonin, Dopamine, and Endorphins. It instantly elevates your mind.
Risks of Aromatherapy Massage
Generally, aromatherapy massage involves minimal risks. You must be aware of the potential sensitivity that the essential oils may create during the session.
The full body aromatherapy massage therapist must mix the oil with a lotion or carrier oil before using it on the skin.
If you have doubts about a specific oil, you should ask the therapist to diffuse it in the space rather than directly using it.
Signs of an allergic reaction to essential oils include:
Another factor to consider is that there is no regulation regarding the use of essential oils and their products in aromatherapy massage.
What To Expect From Aromatherapy Massage?
Before the session, your therapist will inquire about your needs. They will ask whether you are looking for stress relief, emotional stability, enhanced focus, or muscle recovery. From this, they will choose a suitable essential oil combination, ideal for your condition.
During the massage, the oil will be applied to the skin and absorbed naturally through the air.
You will appreciate your selected massage type, be it relaxing or therapeutic. You will gain all the additional advantages of fragrant plant extracts to enhance the experience.
Specific individuals might even feel a wave of emotional relief or increased relaxation. Some individuals experience improved clarity, grounding, or more restful sleep after the session.
Generally, a professional aromatherapy massage lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. As compared to other types of massage, aromatherapy prioritizes the therapeutic advantages of the oils. The massage begins at the head, allowing the client to breathe in the beautiful scent of blended oil.
Aromatherapy massages are gentle on the body, giving prolonged and soft strokes that penetrate the muscle tissue layers.
Various techniques such as kneading, soft pinching, skin stretching, gliding, friction, and acupressure can be utilized during the session.
Aromatherapy Massage Techniques
Aromatherapy massage is not limited to using fragrant oils. It is a blend of specialized techniques designed to maximize both relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
By combining gentle strokes, targeted pressure, and the healing properties of essential oils, practitioners create a unique experience.
The technique used depends on the therapist's skill and the client's physical condition.
Commonly used aromatherapy massage techniques in this massage are –
Here we will explore the signature techniques in detail that define aromatherapy massage -
Reflexology
Reflexology focuses on manipulating the feet, as particular points correspond to various body systems or organs.
For instance, a specific area on the bottom of the foot is linked to the bladder. Thus, applying pressure with thumbs or fingers will influence bladder operation.
Stroking/Gliding or “Effleurage”
Effleurage serves as the primary stroke that softly warms the muscles. It prepares the soft tissue for more thorough treatment. It enhances blood flow and eases tight muscles. The therapist performs this action with alternating flat hands, moving gently over the skin. It is done in a slow, fanning, or circular manner while maintaining consistent pressure.
Kneading Or “Petrissage Massage”
This method can be executed deeply on particular muscle groups where the tissue can be easily held, like the thighs.
The therapist employs alternating hands to squeeze and release the tissue between fingers and thumbs. A petrissage massage promotes circulation and loosens muscle tightness.
Fanning
This technique is applied to the back, chest, limbs, and arms to reduce muscle tension. It is done through stretching and manipulation. The therapist forms a three-stroke fan shape from one point and performs an outward stroking motion.
Friction Or “Frottage”
The professional therapist uses firm and focused pressure to alleviate tension in the muscles near the spine and shoulders. At a single fixed point on the back, the therapist employs their thumbs to exert consistent pressure on both sides of the spine.
Percussion Or “Tapotement”
The therapist uses firm, focused pressure to alleviate tension in the muscles near the spine and shoulders.
Percussion includes techniques like cupping, hacking, plucking, pounding, pummeling, and tapping. The variations in the methods arise from the areas of the therapist's hands used to tap the patient softly.
Pounding
This resembles the Hacking movement regarding the use of the same pinky finger sides of the hands. The therapist’s hands are gently clenched into fists, and the lightly clenched finger of each hand touches the patient.
Both hands strike the patient’s body alternately, with the movement originating from the wrists instead of the elbows.
Feathering
Initially, the therapist moves their hands upward along the patient’s arm. Then, they glide the fingertips back down against the skin with an incredibly feather-light touch.
It is hardly sensed by the person getting the massage. This stroke should be firm enough to avoid tickling.
Types of Massage Paired with Aromatherapy
Combining massage techniques with aromatherapy provides a comprehensive strategy for relaxation and well-being. It enables you to enjoy a distinctive mix of physical, mental, and emotional advantages.
Essential oils can be incorporated into any massage for aromatherapy benefits. They are often paired with Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massage.
Swedish Massage with Aromatherapy
Swedish massage is a highly favored and commonly employed massage technique. It incorporates various soft, flowing movements to relieve body tension and dissolve muscle knots.
Deep Tissue Massage with Aromatherapy
Deep tissue massage is a technique employed to address significant muscle tension or musculoskeletal issues. It includes injuries or strains like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow.
Aromatherapy enhances deep tissue massage, boosting its therapeutic benefits to alleviate pain, calm sore muscles, and encourage muscle relaxation.
The essential oils ideal for deep tissue massage include chamomile, marjoram, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, and ginger.
Hot Stone Massage with Aromatherapy
Hot stone massage includes the proper arrangement of heated lava stones on the body to enhance blood flow. This massage method helps in reducing pain and muscle tension while promoting well-being.
Aromatherapy can be incorporated into a hot stone massage to elevate the sensory experience. It is done through a personalized combination of essential oils. It helps in muscle tension release, alleviating nervous fatigue, and fostering a positive atmosphere.
Some of the essential oils enhance hot stone massage, offering a soothing and revitalizing effect on the senses. These include ylang-ylang, chamomile, palmarosa, lavender, and eucalyptus.
Which Oils Are Used in Aromatherapy Massages?
Not all oils have the same function. Therefore, it is essential to obtain the appropriate oil from the plant to satisfy your needs.
Is aromatherapy massage safe during pregnancy?
Generally, a prenatal massage is regarded as safe. It is customized to reduce strain, pain, and swelling. These symptoms are mostly experienced during pregnancy. Avoid getting a massage if you experience calf pain or have a history of blood clots.
If you want an aromatherapy massage during pregnancy, you must consult with a doctor in advance about which oils might be safe. Some essential oils may penetrate the placenta and cause harm to the fetus.
As per the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, you must avoid these essential oils during pregnancy –
You may use caution when considering aromatherapy massage for young children.
What is the difference between a Swedish massage and aromatherapy?
The difference between aromatherapy and Swedish massage is very minimal. Swedish massage focuses on physical benefits, such as relieving muscle tension and increasing flexibility. It also involves improving circulation through specific strokes and pressure, using essential oils.
On the other hand, aromatherapy massage uses essential oils in addition to gentle massage strokes. It enhances mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Using aromatherapy in Swedish massage enhances the experience by alleviating muscle tension and boosting circulation. It also addresses emotional issues to foster relaxation.
The most favored essential oils combined with Swedish massage are sweet orange, geranium, lavender, patchouli, cedarwood, and rosemary.
Experience Aromatherapy Delights with On The Side Day Spa!
Aromatherapy massage has been popular throughout the ages as a traditional practice. It is popular for its soothing, healing, and revitalizing benefits.
The healing sensation of massage, combined with the fragrant benefits of essential oils. It offers a sensory experience that helps in reducing stress and discomfort. Now, enhance your mood and gain profound relaxation.
If you are still curious about aromatherapy massage, book your session with On The Side Day Spa. When you schedule an appointment with our skilled massage therapist, you will enjoy the numerous benefits of aromatherapy massage.
Reach out to us and cleanse, energize and rejuvenate with essential oils.
What happens at an aromatherapy massage?
During an aromatherapy massage, a therapist uses Swedish massage methods to apply a diluted mixture of essential oils. These are extracted from plants and are applied to your skin, enhancing both physical and emotional wellness.
What is the difference between a regular massage and an aromatherapy massage?
Swedish massage does not use essential oils to enhance the massage experience. At the same time, aromatherapy oil massage does utilize them. Another distinction is that the methods used in the two massage styles differ. Various techniques are employed in aromatherapy oil massage, including kneading, tapping, and rolling.
Is aromatherapy a full-body massage?
Aromatherapy massage can be tailored to address your unique needs and issues. You can opt for a full-body massage or concentrate on the back, shoulders, or face.
Are aromatherapy massages worth it?
Aromatherapy massage can be a valuable part of your self-care practices. It offers many advantages and assists with issues like anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and ongoing pain. Additional benefits of aromatherapy massages include enhanced relaxation and mood, as well as decreased pain and inflammation.
