What is Aromatherapy Massage?
Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils to activate your sense of smell and increase your sense of well-being. The blend of oils are massaged into your skin by the aromatherapist to give a smooth and flowing massage, designed to instil a sense of relaxation and calm. Every session is tailored towards you, your health and your mood at the time, so every massage is unique.
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The essential oils used in aromatherapy are powerful and are extracted from plants, shrubs, flowers, bark, peel, resin, grasses, fruits, roots, trees, petals, stems or seeds. Only a small amount of essential oil is needed, and is blended with a larger amount of another carrier oil (such as grapeseed or almond oil) and used on the skin.
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The most frequently used essential oils include camomile, lavender, rosemary and tea-tree.
What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage?
Aromatherapy works on the basis that the smell of the essential oils triggers the limbic system - the part of the brain that seems to be linked with emotion. This is why it can affect how you feel, and help you relax. Massage helps your skin to absorb warmed essential oils; these oils improve the effectiveness of the massage in treating specific physical problems.
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Aromatherapy is used in a number of ways, including:
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relieving stress and anxiety
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helping you to sleep better; whether you have problems getting to sleep (insomnia) or staying asleep
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helping you relax
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relieving tiredness or aching muscles
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improving flexibility
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soothing chronic pain
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improving skin tone
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aiding concentration
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calming bad temper.
Aromatherapy massage can have short-term benefits on psychological well-being and a positive effect in reducing anxiety.
What to Expect from an Aromatherapy Massage Treatment
To start with, your therapist will ask you questions about your medical history, general health, diet, sleep patterns and lifestyle. This will help them decide which essential oils are most appropriate for you. You will be given time to undress privately and lie down on the massage table, where you may cover yourself with towels. All of our rooms are private, warm and relaxing so you should always feel comfortable.
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After carefully choosing your essential oils, the therapist will blend them with what is called a 'carrier' oil such as grapeseed or almond. Depending on the treatment you are having, the therapist will massage the oil into your back and shoulders or entire body.
Our therapists often play relaxing music during an aromatherapy massage. Combined with the wonderful smells of the essential oils and the deeply relaxing massage techniques you will soon drift off into a wonderfully relaxed state. Very often at the end of an aromatherapy massage our clients feel as though they have melted into the comfortable massage table and simply don't want to move. That is fine with us, it is best to take a little while to come round, drink a glass of filtered water and enjoy your new relaxed state.
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An aromatherapy massage usually lasts for about an hour, although with your initial consultation it may take slightly longer. If you really want to spoil yourself, 90 minute treatments are available.
Before You Go
Before you go, feel free to check with me what you should wear. If the thought of removing all your clothes makes you blush, don't worry: your therapist will be an artist of professional draping techniques. The oils and lotions used in massage can stain fabrics, so it's a good idea to opt for something old if you're wearing your own clothes.
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As with all treatments, inform your therapist of any medical conditions you may have and tell them if you are -- or just think you might be -- pregnant.
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It's best to avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the hours leading up to your massage.
