Massage With Essential Oils

Preparing For Massage:

An aromatherapy massage using essential oils is a therapeutic treatment for both mind and body which works mainly on the nervous system. Aromatherapy is both holistic and practical in that it helps to protect the body’s life-saving immune system and energize or stabilize emotions. It is often called the ‘sensual science’ because it combines the powers of touch with the sense of smell. More effectively than any other massage, aromatherapy can either relax or stimulate the body and mind. The highly potent essential oils penetrate the body via the skin and are also inhaled as the massage progresses.

Setting Up:
Any massage is relaxing but you can enhance the experience by following a few simple steps to help create the right mood. An aromatherapist uses a massage bench, but at home you can work on a cushioned floor or a futon (Japanese mattress). An ordinary bed is not really firm enough. Prepare the floor or surface with a large cotton sheet covered with a bath towel. You should also have to hand a pillow, a large wrap around towel for the body, and a warm blanket or even a hot-water bottle by the feet.

Relaxing Your Partner:
Additional touches help to establish a calming atmosphere. You could fragrance the room with a burner, using a relaxing oil, and switch on some background music: play instrumental tracks, as voices can distract any train of thought. The room temperature should be warm. Once the oils are gently massaged in, the whole body responds by slowing down and, although the skin may feel warm to touch, the body feels colder. It is important to keep your partner comfortable, so offer to cover part that are not being worked on if you think your partner may be getting cold. Being at ease with one another is an important part of any treatment.
Tip: Choose a room which feels like a comfortable retreat: draw the curtains, switch on the heater and dim the lights. In aromatherapy, it is important to be able to switch off from everyday noises and that means the television, the telephone, or traffic zooming by, so close the window and shut off the rest of the world.