Are you in need of some relaxation and tension release after a stressful day? Are you a fan of aromatherapy or want to give it a try? An aromatherapy massage may be just what you’re looking for.
What is an aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is actually Swedish massage therapy using oils or lotions that contain essential oils. The idea is that the essential oils, believed to have healing properties, are inhaled during the massage to promote relaxation or to address specific needs.
Aromatherapy massages are thought to benefit conditions that include headaches, insomnia, back pain, premenstrual symptoms, and even certain digestive disorders.
Essential oils for aromatherapy massages
You likely know by now from reading our aromatherapy blogs and doing your own research that all essential oils have their own properties and benefits that make them great for different uses.
If you’re looking for essential oils known for their calming properties, try chamomile essential oil, lavender essential oil, or geranium essential oil. If you need to feel uplifted, you might try ylang-ylang essential oil, clary sage essential oil, rose essential oil, or neroli essential oil. To feel energized, give rosemary essential oil a try. Or, if you’re feel congested, eucalyptus essential oil, pine essential oil, and tea tree essential oil may help you during your aromatherapy massage.
How to give an aromatherapy massage
To start you’ll want to choose the appropriate essential oil for your needs. Apply the essential oil to your hands before performing the massage, or place a small amount on the area of the body that will be massaged. Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to know the basic massage techniques. Find them below.
Effleurage
Effleurage refer to the sliding or gliding Swedish massage techniques used over different areas of the body to help break up knots and tension. These long, sweeping strokes alternate between firm and light pressure and can be performed using your fingertips or the palm of your hand.
Petrissage
Petrissage is the kneading of the muscles and is used for deeper massage penetration. Use your thumbs and knuckles to knead the muscles and to squeeze them in preparation for the following massage techniques.
Tapotement or rhythmic tapping
Tapotement is the rhythmic tapping that uses the sides of your cupped hands. This technique helps loosen and relax muscles that will be energized as a result of this massage.
Friction
Using friction in a massage creates heat that will result in relaxation of the muscles. To perform this technique, you will need to rub the palms of your hands together vigorously before rubbing them onto the person being massaged. You can also use friction as a warm up for the muscles before a deeper massage.
Vibration or shaking
Vibration of shaking helps loosen up the muscles by using a back and forth action of the heel of your hands, the sides of your hands, or your fingertips over the skin of the person being massaged. This technique literally shakes and loosens up the muscles to cause relaxation.
Skinny & Co. products for aromatherapy massage
Depending on what you’re trying to achieve with your massage, you have quite a few options when it comes to Skinny & Co. aromatherapy products. (Head to our blog to learn the benefits of each of our core essential oil blends.)
Regardless of the scent and its purpose, we’d recommend utilizing Skinny & Co. Whipped Body Butters during your massage, though Essential Oil Rollers would also work nicely.