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Aromatherapy: The Basics of Aromatherapy Massages
Aromatherapy is the use of scented essential oils that are distilled from plant materials. These materials can include the leaves, bark, berries, fruit or flowers. These essential oils are then used to promote improved health plus physical and mental well-being. They can be used in a variety of ways from inhalation to bathing. One of the most popular uses is through massage.
Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years. It is believed that Hippocrates himself used scented massage. Much later, in the 1930s Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, came up with the word aromatherapy to explain the use of essential oils in therapy. He became inspired by their use after burning his hand and using lavender oil to treat it. It was a treatment that left him with no scars. During the Second World War essential oils were used as antiseptics. But it was years later still that Madame Marguerite Maury began to promote their use in massage therapy.
In aromatherapy massage the essential oils are used to alleviate discomfort, quell pain or merely to relax. Based on what the purpose of the massage is the therapist will decide what essential oils to use. Then by mixing them together in what is referred to as carrier oils, a scentless base, they will use up to five oils to get the desired result.
The first thing the therapist will do is to ask you why you are there. This is usually done in a short interview, though it can take up to thirty minutes, where it will be determined what you are hoping to achieve through your session. You will be asked if you have come because of particular problems, sleeping issues for example or headaches. You will also be questioned about your health and diet. With your answers the massage therapist will ascertain your needs and then prepare the right combination of essential oils to prepare you for a body massage. At this point the therapist will leave you alone to disrobe. You will then lie down on a table, usually padded for your comfort, and then cover yourself with a sheet or blanket that is there to offer you both warm and privacy. Once you are ready the therapist will return to begin your massage.
There are several massage techniques that can be used during the approximately sixty minute session. The therapist will usually use Swedish massage. This is a soft tissue massage. Then there is shiatsu, which uses the thumbs for deep pressure massage to reach deep down to the ligaments, nerves and tendons. As well, there is effleurage massage, which is gentler, slower, and more rhythmic. These are all put together, so the client does not notice the changes. They just lie there and relax under the trained hand of the therapist.
During the session the therapist will use the mix of oils to give the client relief from various concerns. The oils will definitely be affective on any skin conditions that may be a problem. But they will also be inhaled while the client is relaxing during the massage and this will stimulate other reactions. The oils can be soothing or stimulating based on the desired results of the session.
Many studies have proven that the relaxing effects of massage can be very beneficial. They can ease stress and with the increased blood flow, and therefore oxygen flow, the body and so the mind feels better.
Adults are not the only ones who can benefit from aromatherapy massage. Already used in Eastern and African cultures, infant massage is not only health promoting but can also help the bond between parent and child. With the right combination of essential oils a parent can learn to use massage to alleviate colic or constipation. You can also help baby sleep better; longer and deeper sleep will help make a healthier happier infant. Massage also develops baby’s sense of non-verbal communication. Studies have shown that infants who receive regular aromatherapy massage sessions from their parents cry less, develop faster, and have better weight gains often with superior motor and intellectual skills.
The advantages of aromatherapy massage to one’s health and well-being definitely make it an alternative worth exploring!
Health News:
MSN
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Aromatherapy is no cure for what ails you - Skin and beauty- msnbc.com
One of the most rigorous studies of aromatherapy showed no significant change in heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones or immune function after sniffing two top scents.
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets- msnbc.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance?
Delivering aromatherapy via the Web - Gadgets - MSNBC.com
People play games, go shopping and meet dates on the Internet. So why not use the Web to download the perfect mood-enhancing fragrance? ... Selling smells via the Internet Japanese ...
Healing herbs: Nature?s medicine (and perfume!) - GreenDAY - MSNBC ...
The pure essences of plants or herbs, essential oils are the backbone of aromatherapy, a healing modality that relies on the power of scent to promote healing.
Rest easy! 5 tips for a better night's sleep - Family and health ...
Aromatherapy Bath and Body Works is head and shoulders above everyone. I have looked into their quality specifications, their products, and what they are trying to do, and I really ...
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aromatherapy - Google News
aromatherapy - Google News
Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ... - Best ...
Best Syndication
Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal ...
Best Syndication, CA - Aug 18, 2008
You could go to a store and buy an aromatherapy bath product, or you could make your own at home. Herbal and aromatic baths are an ancient tradition, ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business - Arizona Daily Star
Aromatherapy a sweet business
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - Aug 16, 2008
By Jennifer Sterba Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the ...
How to look fabulous when you fly - Mirror.co.uk
How to look fabulous when you fly
Mirror.co.uk, UK - 22 hours ago
Overcome jet-lag by rubbing the Tisser and Aromatherapy Travel Ease Roller ball, £4.50, from Waitrose, on your wrists. The aroma of its organic essential ...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ... - PR.c...
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by ...
PR.com (press release), NY - Aug 18, 2008
This unique Dry Personal AromaTherapy System can often bring relief in seconds from a single puff! ?While Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in ...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses - Chiropract...
Study: Aromatherapy massage with music reduces anxiety in nurses
Chiropractic Economics, FL - Aug 13, 2008
A study published in the September issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing says aromatherapy massage with music can help reduce anxiety levels in emergency ...
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Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Major Relief for Migraines and Other Common Ailments Introduced by New York C...
New York College of Health Professions, a premier undergraduate and graduate College of Holistic Health, has developed and released a proprietary line of personal AromaTherapy products that has had a remarkable effect on many patients suffering from Migraine Headaches and other common ailments. [PR.com - August 18, 2008]
Beautorium Keeps Getting Greener and Greener (PR.com)
From anti-aging to pregnancy and baby, from body care to hair care, from aromatherapy to makeup, Beautorium is a luxury of ?green? solutions for modern skin care and beauty needs. The beauty doesn?t stop there. Get ready for three more cult beauty brands to join the mix: Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics, John Masters Organics and Weleda. Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics Hailing all the way from ...
Aromatherapy a sweet business (Arizona Daily Star)
Sonia Rodriguez didn't let a debilitating illness keep her from opening her own store and sharing her passion for aromatherapy with the community.
Want to Relax? Try Pure Lavender Essential Oil (Carteret County News-Times)
(ARA) - It seems that lavender, or the scent of it, is everywhere - candles, hand lotions, shampoo, bath gel, air freshener, even laundry detergent. It's the most widely used and best-selling essential oil. Why is lavender so popular?
Dogs get special treatment, training at Brother of the Wolf (Courier-Post)
Training canine companions may be a vocation for some, but it's an art form for Dawn Watson.
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