A sense of smell is very important. You might not think so if you ever stood next to a dumpster or surprised a skunk, but it’s true. Use that sense of smell to relax your body with an aromatherapy massage.
What is aromath erapy all about? It is the use of healing herbs and essential oils to relax and heal the body. Massage in ancient times was used for healing purposes for those who were sick as a part of a holistic approach to health. Today it is used primarily for enjoyment but the health benefits still exist.
The primary reasons for an aromatherapy massage lie with your nose. A smell is a powerful sensation because it can remind you of good or bad memories. Certain oils are said to trigger different emotional states in an individual. Choosing oil that soothes or energizes will change your mood as the oil is massaged into your skin.
Essential oils used in aromatherapy come from fruit, flower, plant and herb extracts. They are then mixed with oil for application during a massage. As you relax and feel the heated oil, the smells from the extract oils are released. The heavenly scent will find your nostrils and do its work. Some skeptics don’t believe that you can induce feelings of emotion from natural oils but many don’t agree. After an aromatherapy massage, they feel better in body and mind.
For an aromatherapy massage you will be lying on a massage table. How much or how little clothing you want to wear is up to your discretion. The techniques used may be similar to a Swedish massage but with the oils as a common denominator.
Aromatherapy is excellent for a variety of conditions. People suffering from arthritis and stress-related problems can find relief through their sense of smell. When choosing an aromatherapist, be sure to ask about what will be done before it is done. Not all massage therapists are equal and you don’t want to find yourself being worked on by someone without the expertise to mix the oils that mix with your skin.
When you first visit, you will more than likely get a questionnaire about you and any health issues. Other than pregnancy or some other common ailment, massages like aromatherapy are an excellent choice for a first massage.
- Essential Oils
After an aromatherapy massage, continue to bask in the favorable mood the smells have put you in. People on the street may even notice that you smell good and are feeling fine.