Aromatherapy - A Perfect Massage Companion
Essential oils have been used for medicine and fragrance for thousands of years.
Aromatherapy is the art of utilizing essential oils and their properties and fragrance for therapeutic purposes. There are two types of essential oils – those used by the fragrance industry, and the therapeutic grade oils used for treatments.
Little do most know that there is a huge difference between these two types of oils in the way they are extracted from the plants, and the balance of chemical families within the oils that make them suitable for therapeutic use, or just for making soaps and perfumes smell nice. That difference shows up in cost and availability, and most certainly in their effectiveness when used for treatment.
Aromatherapy is the perfect companion for massage therapy, which is why I offer it with every massage I give. The use of essential oils is not just about how they smell.
Each oil has its own special balance of properties that make them suitable for a variety of uses – stress reduction, increase of circulation, relief of muscle tension, increased energy, relaxation, digestion aid, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, skin nourishing, hormone balancing, scar healing, and much more.
What oils should be used depends on the needs of the individual. All essential oils used for therapeutic purposes within my practice are the highest quality available on the market and their uses thoroughly researched.
The way the essential oils are administered is most often through inhalation and application to skin. Both methods are effective for absorbing the oils and their properties into the body to let them work their magic. Which ones are safe for which applications should always be thoroughly researched before any individual attempts aromatherapy for themselves.
The most common combination of aromatherapy I use for massage is lavender for relaxation and stress reduction, eucalyptus for helping to keep the sinuses clear, and peppermint to relieve tired, sore feet and revitalize. However, there are many more options that can be used to suit a client’s individual needs upon request. Standard aromatherapy treatments are included in the price of the massage. However, certain specialty treatments may incur additional charges. Please inquire about any particular treatments you may be interested in.
From the desk of Neelou Saleh Spirit of Lotus
