Taking a break and unwinding and relaxing is not always an option for everyone. So, when given a chance, we should grab it and reward ourselves with the most satisfying way to relieve stress. One satisfying and worthwhile way to free yourself from stress is through an aromatherapy massage.
Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of full-body aromatherapy massage.
Understanding aromatherapy massage
An aromatherapy massage is a form of massage that uses essential oils to achieve physical and psychological benefits.
An aromatherapy massage is said to offer many benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving circulation, and relieving pain.
During an aromatherapy massage session, the client is usually lying on a massage table. The therapist will use light to moderate pressure and will focus on specific areas of the body. The therapist uses essential oils during the massage to help relax the client.
There are various ways in which essential oils are used in aromatherapy massage. Essential oils can be diffused during the session or applied to the skin after being diluted in carrier oil.
Benefits of full body aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy refers to the practice of using essential oils in order to obtain relaxation, ease muscle tension, and relieve aches, pains and discomforts. It is most often applied through inhalation, topical application, or massage.
An aromatherapy massage is the most common method of treating muscle pains, headaches and bodily discomforts. It also is one of the reasons why people are using essential.
Here are the three most common health benefits of aromatherapy massage:
1. It helps to provide relaxation.
It is the most common reason why people want to get a good massage. The massage therapy’s soothing effect combined with the relaxing aroma of essential oils helps to relieve stress, promote feelings of calmness and promote well-being.
For instance, lavender therapy is proven to help patients in reducing stress and anxiety.
There are many essential oils that can provide a relaxing effect when used as a massage oil, but one of the best is the combination of 20 drops of lavender, 20 drops of chamomile and 20 drops of ylang-ylang added to 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil.
If you want to try something new other than the above example, popular essential oils that aromatherapy practitioners use for massage include chamomile, lavender, orange blossom, rose, sandalwood, vanilla, and ylang-ylang.
2. It helps to relieve pain.
Aside from the relaxing effects of aromatherapy, this practice also works to alleviate chronic pain, ease tense muscles and provide relief from spasms, aches, and cramps.
The most popular essential oils that are used as aromatherapy painkillers include lavender and clary sage. Both of these oils contain properties that help to provide relief from pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate cramps and spasms. Lavender is also known to lower high blood pressure.
You can create a homemade massage oil by adding 20 drops of lavender or clary sage oil to 1/2 cup of grapeseed oil.
3. It can help to recharge your energy.
Feeling low on energy lately? Perhaps, you may need to schedule your next aromatherapy session to feel energized.
Massage therapy is not only about relieving pain or relaxing; it is also a mind stimulator. Some essential oils are also known to contain energizing properties that help to restore energy.
The essential oils that contain rejuvenating properties include peppermint, jasmine, orange blossoms, grapefruit, and lemon, according to the U.S. Arthritis Foundation. You can use them as a massage oil to get a boost of energy and a good mood.
These essential oils work well when you use them to massage your temples. You can produce the massage oil by simply mixing a few drops of any of these oils with a teaspoon of grapeseed oil.
These are some of the health benefits of aromatherapy massage. You can try them out to obtain relaxation, calmness, and relief from muscle pains and headaches.
How often should you have an aromatherapy massage?
Are you interested in experiencing the benefits of aromatherapy massage? Are you concerned that you may not have time for another session or wondering if it should be done consistently to make its benefits last longer?
Well, you don’t have to worry about it since you can do it whenever and anytime you want. Aromatherapy massage should only be done regularly if you want to experience the best results. But if you just want to relax from time to time, once a week is sufficient. On the other hand, if you are using it for therapeutic purposes, two to three times a week is recommended.
Don’t force yourself to attend sessions consistently. Keep in mind that aromatherapy massage is intended to relax your body and mind. So do not worry about not having enough time to have another session.
What is the Best Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Massage?
There are many different essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy massage. Some of the best essential oils for this type of massage include lavender, chamomile, and geranium. These essential oils are known for their calming and relaxing properties.
Now how are you going to choose your favorite essential oil? Choosing the perfect one for you is very simple.
There are a lot of essential oils on the market. So you do not have to feel anxious that you may not find the right one for you.
Always keep in mind that essential oils are meant to relax, ease pain and energize you. With that in mind, you should pick which essential oil can cater to your goal.
Once you have a clear picture of your goal for getting an aromatherapy massage, you may also want to look into the other health benefits of essential oils.
Popular Types of Aromatherapy Massage You Should Try
Found the right essential oil for you? If you already did, then it’s time for you to learn more about the most popular types of aromatherapy massage.
There are many different types of aromatherapy massage, each with its own benefits. So make sure to choose one that will provide the best experience for you!
Swedish massage
Tired from work or from school? Try this classic massage to ease the muscle tension brought on by sitting in front of a computer for hours.
This type of massage therapy is one of the most popular types of aromatherapy massage, as it is known to be very relaxing and calming. It is often used to help reduce stress and anxiety and promote overall well-being.
Swedish massage is ideal for people who suffer from back, shoulder, and neck pain. In addition to kneading, long strokes, and passive joint movements, essential oils are used to help better increase circulation and loosen muscles.
Deep tissue massage
Athletes or anyone who loves doing sports are the ones that are more susceptible to injuries. And a great way to help alleviate the pain is through, deep tissue massage.
Just like Swedish massage, this massage is another popular type of aromatherapy massage, which is known to be helpful in relieving muscle tension and pain. This type of massage is often used to help improve circulation and increase flexibility.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage therapy melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Each massage therapy session promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body.
Aside from essential oils for body and mind relaxation, this practice utilizes heat-retaining basalt stones. Stones like these are used during kneading and making long strong strokes in the body to release tension and pain.
Moreover, studies have also found the benefit of this practice in stress reduction and easing anxiety symptoms. A hot stone massage is also helpful in improving the sleep quality of a person.
Sports massage
Sports massage is a type of massage that is designed to help athletes prepare for and recover from sporting events. It can help to improve flexibility, and range of motion, and reduce pain and inflammation.
This practice resembles deep tissue massage in some ways, but it’s actually designed to help athletes before and after training. It not only reduces the risk of injuries but also reduces the amount of muscle tension that is generated during high-intensity activities.
Live a stress-free life
Stress is part of our everyday lives. Anywhere and to anyone, it can happen. In spite of this, we shouldn’t let it dictate the way we live.
Treating yourself with an aromatherapy massage relaxes, relieves pain and energizes your body. There is also a variety of massage therapy that can ease pain and muscle tension in your body.
Spend your days in the most relaxing and energized way possible. Check out our mind boosters blog posts to learn more about how you can achieve this.
