Massage is a wonderful tool for relaxing muscles and connective tissue. Many people enjoy them for relaxing but also for their health benefits. Adding aromatherapy to the massage takes it to a new level. Here are a few things you need to know before scheduling an aromatherapy massage.
[adinserter block=”1″]Why Seek Aromatherapy Massages?
With aromatherapy massage, essential oils are added to the massage oil or lotion to provide a powerful healing experience. These essential oils are inhaled through the air but they can also be absorbed by your skin.
If you suffer from a stressful lifestyle or have a lot of muscle or joint pain an aromatherapy massage can be very beneficial. You may also reap rewards if you have problems with headaches, insomnia, PMS, digestive problems, and even allergies and congestion.
Aromatherapy Massage Benefits
The benefits you experience with an aromatherapy massage depend on the types of essential oils used for your massage. Usually you have the option to choose the oils that are best for you.
For example, if you’re looking for an energizing massage you might want to choose rosemary or citrus oils. For calming, lavender, chamomile, and geranium oils are good choices.
For allergies and congestion, you can experience benefits using eucalyptus and tea tree oils. And if you’re looking to improve your mood oils such as rose, clary sage, neroli and ylang-ylang are great choices.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
When you book an aromatherapy massage, you can expect it to be much like any other massage. Typically aromatherapy is used along with Swedish massage techniques. Before your massage begins you’ll consult with the therapist to discuss your needs and the therapist will select the appropriate aromatherapy scents.
She may blend her own oils or use massage lotions or oils that are already blended. Those will be used during your massage and you’ll begin to smell the aroma during your massage.
Before beginning your massage, verify that the oils used are actually essential oils and not perfumes. Perfumes smell nice, but they are synthetic and produced in a lab. They won’t have any therapeutic benefit. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that have medicinal properties.
It’s important that you go to a licensed massage therapist that is educated in the use of essential oils. While they are generally safe, precautions need to be taken to make sure you don’t have allergies or use too much essential oil at one time.
If you’re pregnant you should also make sure that you get clearance from your doctor before having a massage.
[adinserter block=”2″]After Your Appointment
Your therapist may recommend that you continue using some of the same blends at home after your massage. You may be able to purchase them from the massage therapist or use the ones you have at home.
When you get home you will also need to drink plenty of water to help your body rid itself of toxins that were released during the massage. You will also enjoy resting and relaxing after a massage.
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