Types of Massage Movement

There are three different types of movement, which are used in Aromatherapy massage:

• Effleurage movements are slow, gentle stroking movements with the hands of the therapist in full contact with the body of the client. They generally move towards the heart and their main purpose is to relax surface muscles, stimulate the surface circulation, to maintain continuity and to link between other movements. These movements are used frequently in Aromatherapy massage.
• Petrissage movements are firmer movements, which are used after the surface muscles have been warmed up. They can include kneading or wringing movements with one or both hands, or circular pressure movements with the pads of the fingers or thumbs. Their main purpose is to stimulate deeper circulation and to relax larger and deeper muscles. Petrissage movements are also used frequently in Aromatherapy massage.
• Tapotement movements are percussive movements using the edges of the hand or the cupped or fisted hand. They are done lightly but firmly and are used only after the deep muscles are well relaxed. They release muscular tension, improve muscle tone and flexibility and stimulate deep circulation. They are not so commonly used in Aromatherapy massage.

Before an Aromatherapic Massage: If you want to enjoy the full benefits of massage, there are some things, which you should try to do or to avoid doing before, during and after treatment.

Before Massage Treatment You Should

• Have a cool shower or wash. Do not soak in a hot bath
• Don’t use an underarm deodorant or body spray.
• Don’t have a large meal.
• Don’t have massage if you have flu or fever or any serious medical condition. If in doubt check with your aromatherapist or doctor. Wait until you are over the worst and then let aromatherapy treatment help your system back into balance.
• Don’t drink alcohol.
• If you are having treatment in your own home, try to ensure that the place you have set aside is warm, free from distracting noises or interruptions and that the lighting is not too harsh or too dim.

During Massage You Should

• Tell your therapist how you feel about the levels of lighting, temperature and sound in the room. These can all be adjusted until you are completely comfortable.
• Tell your therapist if the massage movements are too light or too heavy or too fast or slow. Everybody is different and your comments are the only way the therapist can know what suits yours best.
• You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. For many people, silence or perhaps some soothing music is the best setting, in which to relax. Others feel that silence is too heavy and ‘ talking is more relaxing for them.
• Remember, if you do like to talk, when your aromatherapist is massaging your body, his or, her full concentration will be on the movements first and the conversation second.

After the Massage

• If possible, you should lie still for a few moments before getting off the table. You may well have fallen asleep or nearly asleep during the massage and, just as you would at home, you should give yourself time to adjust to the idea of getting back on your feet.
• Drink a glass of water immediately after the treatment and drink plenty of water or herbal tea for the rest of the day. This will aid your kidneys in eliminating toxins from your body.
• Keep yourself warm. Your blood circulation has been stimulated and that takes heat to the surface of your body just as if you have been exercising.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking so as to give your body a chance to detoxify thoroughly.
• Eat a light meal. Avoid heavy or over-processed food for the rest of the day.
• Avoid exposing your skin to strong sunlight or sun bed lamps, while you have oils on it. Some citrus oils can cause an allergic skin reaction to strong sunlight.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

• Aromatherapy massage helps in improving circulation, toning the skin and relaxing muscles.
• Massage is a good way to maintain your “youth”.
• With a partner, massage is a great way to explore and feel close.
• We all have responses to certain scents. Aromatherapy evokes positive feelings and emotions.
• Aromatherapy goes hand in hand with the belief that state of mind can also help with physical problems.