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Aromatherapy Massage

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for certain benefits. Examples of essential oils include lavender, orange, bergamot, and eucalyptus. These "aromas" are all plant-based derivatives from herbs, tree extracts, and flowers. Aromatherapy's overall purpose is to improve your physical and mental well-being. 

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Aromatherapy Massage Risks

There are generally few risks associated with an aromatherapy massage. One consideration is possible sensitivity to the essential oils used during your session. I usually dilute the oil with your massage lotion before applying it to the skin. 

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Possible Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction to Essential Oils may Include:

  • Rash

  • Hives

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Itchiness

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Is Aromatherapy Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

If you're looking for an aromatherapy massage while pregnant, speak to your doctor about which oils may be safe ahead of time. 

 

You should generally avoid the following essential oils if you're pregnant:

  • aniseed

  • basil

  • birch

  • parsley

  • pennyroyal

  • sage

  • tarragon

  • wintergreen

 

A Prenatal Massage itself is generally considered safe. Don't get a massage if you have calf pain or a history of blood clots. 

Relaxing Back Massage

Tips for Aromatherapy Massage

When signing up for an aromatherapy massage, consider the following tips to make the most of this or any massage session:

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  • Choose an essential oil based on your needs. 

  • Decide whether you want the oil diffused or applied directly to your skin during your massage. 

  • Don't go to your massage on a full stomach.

  • Do drink water before and immediately after your massage, and consider having a snack.

  • Take a warm shower after your massage. This helps remove any oils left on your skin.

 

I am your first source for questions about an aromatherapy massage experience. I can recommend specific essential oils and discuss what products and techniques I would use based on your needs.

 

Some essential oils can irritate asthma and other breathing problems. When applied to the skin, essential oils from citrus fruits can make the skin more vulnerable to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure after grapefruit, orange, or other citrus oil are used on your skin. 

 

Also, feel free to speak up during your massage. If something feels wrong, let me know. You can also ask me to apply more oils and use more or less pressure at any point.

 

Remember that this is a quiet space, so I will not want to interrupt your experience with questions — it's up to you to speak up if you need me to alter your masssage in any way.

 

Aromatherapy massage combines two therapeutic practices to create extraordinary results. Aromatherapy is an ancient approach that provides several health and emotional benefits.

 

Essential oils such as lavender, orange blossom, and peppermint offer unique sensory effects. Massage uses pressure and contact to heal and relieve stress by stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.

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Excellent Benefits of an Aromatherapy Massage

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Decreased Anxiety

Combining aromatherapy with massage can genuinely relax your senses, helping to reduce any anxiety and tension you may be experiencing. The massage's healing touch releases endorphins, hormones known as "feel-good chemicals" because they have natural pain relief and stress reduction properties.

 

Headache Relief

Many seek an aromatherapy massage to relieve their headaches or migraines. Chronic headaches take a toll on the body and spirit, and massage therapy, combined with oils like peppermint or ylang ylang can help.

 

Improved Circulation

One of the benefits of an aromatherapy massage is the manipulation and pressure of massage can assist in increasing blood flow to vital organs and muscles. Some essential oils could boost circulation, including sandalwood, juniper berry, cypress, grapefruit, and frankincense.

Enhanced Mental Well-Being

The combination of massage therapy and aromatherapy doesn't just work together to increase circulation in your body; they also enhance the workings of your brain. This happens because the circulation effect stimulates the olfactory nerves within the brain that aromatherapy massage provides. This process stimulates serotonin production, leading to higher alertness and mental function.

 

Reduced Pain and Inflammation

Essential oils and therapeutic massage work well to reduce pain in your joints and muscles, inflammation contributing to your discomfort. When your tissue is stimulated and circulation increases, you'll begin to feel the soothing of your aching muscles. Peppermint is an excellent oil for this purpose because it's both cooling and invigorating.

 

Heightened Relaxation

A nice massage is simply relaxation, and the effect is enhanced even more when you add the calming properties of specific aromatic oils such as lavender and chamomile. The power of touch can provide much-needed relaxation during stressful times.

 

Bottom Line

An aromatherapy massage could enhance your experience, ultimately enhancing your self-care routine. 

Undoubtedly, it helps some people to feel better, often by temporarily decreasing sensations of pain or mood symptoms. Aromatherapy might help you feel even better when associated with massage therapy principles.

 

Aromatherapy massage combines two therapeutic practices to create extraordinary results. Aromatherapy is an ancient approach that provides several health and emotional benefits. Essential oils such as lavender, orange blossom, and peppermint offer unique sensory effects. Massage uses pressure and contact to heal and relieve stress by stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems.

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