Natural Beauty Tips – Basics of Aromatherapy Massage

What is an Aromatherapy Massage?

In basic terms aromatherapy massage is a way of stroking the body, with variations in the length and depth of strokes. However, you should always direct firm strokes techniques towards the heart, as this will be beneficial to the circulation.

Long flowing massage strokes with little pressure on the body are the most soothing and relaxing. This type of movements is called effleurage. It is done with the whole hand using gentle, even pressure and is often used to start and finish a massage.

Patting or tapping the skin with your fingers quickly and slowly is stimulating and helps to increase blood flow. This is called tapotement. It is usually done on small areas such as the forehead, cheeks and neck.

Petrissage involves squeezing and releasing a muscle or part of a muscle group. A good example of this kind of movement is kneading dought. It is mostly done with both hands, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. Petrissage helps strengthen muscle fibre, remove waste products and ease fatigue.

There’s another type of massage movement called friction which creates just that. It involves rubbing the hands backwards and forwards across an area and is very warming and stimulating to the tissues. Rubbing our hands quickly together on a freezing winter day is a good example of how friction can work.

A professional aromatherapist uses mainly effleurage and works on pressure points with some frictions and petrissage, but there is no reason why you can’t vary the movements if you decide you would like to try giving a simple massage.

You don’t need to be an expert to give a soothing massage to family or friends. Once you’ve learned a few basic movements you’ll probably be in demand.

DONT’s Before aromatherapy massaging:

Massage is a gentle healing art suitable for everyone from babies to the very elderly. However, there are certain times or conditions when it should be avoided (for example, when the person has just eaten a heavy meal). Often, this just means leaving out a body area but use common sense and if unsure leave well alone.

Do Not Massage:

1. Any infected area.
2. A person who is feverish or has a raised temperature.
3. Over an area where varicose veins are present.
4. Over any unusual swelling or information
5. Bruised or broken skin.

DO’s Before aromatherapy massaging:

1. Check with the person about to be massaged whether any of the above apply.
2. Make sure the room is warm enough.
3. Warm Your hands before massaging-cold hands are a real shock. Not a good way to begin .