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Aromatherapy and Massage - Deep Tissue Massage

September 27th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Aromatherapy is often combined with massage for greater relaxation and healing benefits. A massage with essential oils can eliminate stress completely. It’s a luxurious way to feel on top of the world.

Let’s look at deep tissue massage; it’s not widely available, but it’s worth finding a practitioner, especially if you suffer from chronic stress, or a physical condition like a sports injury.

Swedish massage and similar techniques seek to stimulate the surface and relax muscles that are readily accessible. Deep tissue massage tries to go further, to get down to layers where trigger points (muscle knots, localized pain areas) and other problems may reside.

There are a number of specific techniques utilized to accomplish that aim. Classic movements like effleurage (a gliding, long-stroke movement using the flat surface of the hand) move along muscles. Deep tissue massage instead moves across the muscle fibers, but still using slow strokes, in this case deeper. The goal here is to lengthen the muscle fibers, stretch them out to restore natural balance.

But in order to lengthen, the therapist looks for fibers which are already shortened. That can happen from chronic tension, which for many occurs in the neck and shoulders. Frequent computer users and that encompasses a wide group today are particularly prone to this. They may also experience low back tightness as a result of improper posture, a non-ergonomic chair or work-related stress.

Deep tissue massage techniques focus on just such areas. To do so, the therapist employs sharper tools (finger tips, elbows, knuckles) over a smaller area, producing higher pressure. As a result, it’s vital to obtain regular, prompted client feedback. Don’t simply wait for them to jump. Some will actually request more pressure, others will need a lighter touch. For some, the technique simply isn’t appropriate.

The goal is to realign deep layers of muscle and connective tissue that have tensed, formed knots or have trapped fluids. Deep tissue techniques are designed to undo these knots and improve blood flow which helps remove toxins and replenish nutrients more efficiently.

One cause of those conditions is injury. As a result of trauma, a muscle can tense up against itself, as an attempt to protect against further harm. Adhesions sometimes result, hindering circulation, creating pain and limiting movement. Undoing that tension can help create a more healthful condition.

Using direct, deep pressure across the fascia (a thick, fibrous connective tissue covering muscles and joints) can help produce the desired state. After fascia work, it’s possible for a patient to experience some discomfort. It’s important to perform follow up to ensure that no actual injury has occurred from the therapy.

Classic massage therapy is used to relax the client, but deep tissue massage work is more focused on treating chronic pain, limited mobility, muscle spasms and the like. The therapist has a responsibility to exercise due care to improve the condition, not worsen it.

Though, like many massage techniques, theories underlying it can be dubious, there is valid research that gives the technique support. Deep tissue massage has been widely reported to help relieve fibromyalgia pain and is a common accompaniment to treatments for osteoarthritis.

Those who experience these conditions, though, should definitely seek the advice of a physician who may recommend deep tissue massage as part of an overall treatment program.

Essential Massage Oil Products - a wide choice

August 25th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

There’s a wide range of massage oil products on the market. You can choose from essential oil blends, fragrance blends, and lotions.

Essential oil massage products

Essential oils massage products include essential oils blended in a vegetable oil. For example, you might find grapefruit, basil and rosemary blended in a “wake up” blend, designed to make you feel alive and invigorated. A “relax” blend could include essential oils like lavender and marjoram.

Look for the word “pure” on the massage product, denoting real essential oils, and not fragrance oils. You should also check that the carrier oil is a pure vegetable oil like almond or apricot kernel oil, rather than mineral oil.

Fragrance blend massage products

Although these products are cheaper than pure essential oil massage products, they’re not recommended. The fragrance oils are made from chemicals, rather than from flowers, leaves, and roots.

Essential Massage Oil Lotions

You can create your own massage lotions. Just mix five drops of your choice of essential oils into a lotion, and use it as a massage.

Aromatherapy Massage: massage for yourself or for others

August 4th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

There’s nothing as relaxing as an aromatherapy massage. Giving yourself a gentle massage can relieve stress - it’s also a great pain reliever for conditions like arthritis and headaches.

Giving your partner or a friend a massage is a great gift.

Aromatherapy massage basics

Massaging essential oils into the skin gives tremendous therapeutic benefits. After a massage session, you’ll feel amazingly relaxed and rejuvenated. Here are some tips on getting the most out of your aromatherapy massage.

You’ll reap the maximum benefit if you have someone else give you a massage. You can massage some areas of your body yourself, such as your feet and your temples, but what you really need to focus on while getting a massage is relaxing. You’ll never be able to fully relax if you’re doing the work, no matter how minimal.

While you can enlist the help of just about anybody, you’ll be better off if your massage is performed by a professional.

The person you choose for your massage is just as important as the aromatherapy massage environment. It should be somewhat darkened and very quiet. The only noises you should hear are natural ones such as bubbling brooks, crashing waves, a gentle rain or other similarly soothing sounds. If you can’t listen to the real thing, don’t worry. Pre-recorded sounds work just fine.

You’ll be most comfortable and reap the most benefits if you’re lying on a firm but comfortable surface. You’ll also be more relaxed if you’re warm so be sure you’re partially covered with a soft, luxurious towel. If you’re okay not being covered, then have a towel nearby in case you care to use it later on. A relaxed state will cause the body’s metabolism rate to slow, which will cause the body temperature to lower.

Essential oils are best and are generally what’s used for massage. Essential oils are extracted from plant material and they’re most effective when they’re diluted with carrier oils or hydrosols. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils and they can be too strong for some skin when used alone. Plus essential oils can be expensive so economically it makes sense to mix them with carrier oils.

The essential oils you choose depend on the benefits you desire. Lavender is excellent for relaxing while peppermint is good for soothing sore muscles. Good carrier oils to use for massage include apricot kernel, sweet almond and grapeseed.   

As a general rule, you’ll need 1 to two ounces of carrier oil to massage the entire body. The only carrier oil that is not recommended for use in massage is mineral oil.

If you’re the one who are giving a massage pour a small amount of oil into your hands first to allow them to warm slightly. Rub into skin using a combination of long strokes, and large and small circular motions. Continually vary both the speed and the motion of the massage. When hand movements begin to ‘drag’ it’s time to use more oil.

Massage oil recipes for relaxation:

Lavender essential oil for relaxation: Mix 4 drops for every tablespoon of carrier oil
Petitgrain essential oil for relaxation: Mix 1 drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil
Frankincense essential oil for relaxation and meditation: Mix 1 drop for every tablespoon of carrier oil

Oil blend for relaxation massage

Make up a bottle of “relaxation oil”; you can use this at any time you feel stressed. Try a “mini massage” when you come home from work, for example: just massage a teaspoon of the relaxation blend across your chest and upper arms and legs.

Relaxation blend: to 50 mls of carrier oil (grapeseed, almond, or another vegetable oil) add 20 drops of oil.

You can use: lavender, petitgrain, patchouli, German Chamomile, marjoram, or clary sage. Just use whatever oils you have on hand. Marjoram and German Chamomile are sedative, so only use these of you’re feeling very stressed or anxious.

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