9 things you should know about aromatherapy massage
1.What is an Aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a type of Swedish massage. It focuses on relaxation and mindfulness. Its benefits are achieved by the combination of manual therapy and essential oils (each fragrance is chosen according to your needs).
2.What are the benefits of aromatherapy massage?
The main benefits of the Aromatherapy massage are:
- reduces stress, anxiety and depression
- relieves muscle tension
- pain relief
- reduces inflammation
- headaches relief
Moreover, it can help to deal with the pain of many conditions such as:
- fibromyalgia, a condition that causes increased sensitivity to pain all over the body.
- arthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- chronic lower back pain
- insomnia (sleep disorder)
- and more.
3.How is aromatherapy massage performed?
As with other types of massage, the pressure during the treatment may vary from light to strong. Each treatment is different because it is tailored according to your needs. For example, tense areas may need a little more pressure or time to release them. But if you are struggling with relaxing or sleeping; light pressure is best for you. In addition, pressure will be as light or strong as you prefer.
4.What are essential oils?
They are types of oils that have captured the essence, properties and benefits of extract they are made of. There are different types of different essential oils. They are made of different types of extracts (plants, fruits, flowers, roots, etc.). After the extraction procedure, the essential oils are mixed with normal oils and made ready for use. Many conventional therapies (Ayurveda and others) use them because of their healing and cleansing properties.
5.How essential oils interact with the body?
In Aromatherapy, the most common ways of interaction are through the skin and inhalation. A therapist may be using an oil while applying a treatment and have another container of oil open for the scent.
6.What happens during an Aromatherapy massage session?
Your therapist will ask you about your needs and expectations and medical history to determine the appropriate essential oil for you. Then, the massage will be performed using light or deep pressure (according to your needs). As a result, you will feel relaxed, pain will be relieved and with the sensation of general wellbeing.
7.What are the benefits of each oil?
There are several types of oils and benefits, but there are some of the most common ones:
- Lavender to relax and reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
- Chamomile to relax.
- Sandalwood to focus and calm down nerves.
- Tea Tree to fight infections and boost the immune system.
- Lemon to relieve headaches, improve digestion and mood.
- Jasmine to help with libido, childbirth and depression.
- Wintergreen to help alleviate joint related pains and aches.
- Marjoram and Balsam Fir oil to try and improve muscle tone.
- Eucalyptus and pine oils are great decongestants.
- Rosemary and orange oils are great energizers.
8.How often should I have an aromatherapy massage?
It depends on what you need because each case is different, so sometimes it is recommended weekly, but this varies from person to person.
9. Are there any risk factors?
First of all, you need to let your massage therapist know if you have any allergy and smell preferences.
Some people may have symptoms of an allergic reaction to essential oils, for example rash, hive, redness, swelling or itchiness.
Is aromatherapy safe for pregnant women?
Although a pregnancy massage in itself is considered safe and good for the general well being of the future mom. You should ask your GP before booking an aromatherapy massage appointment, in order to avoid essential oils that can transfer over into the placenta and be harmful for the fetus.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, pregnant women should avoid the following essential oils:
- aniseed
- basil
- birch
- parsley
- pennyroyal
- sage
- tarragon
- wintergreen
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
