Massage With Essential Oils
Choosing The Essential Oil:
Aromatherapists never start a massage immediately. In order to provide the most effective treatment, the therapist has to ascertain the state of mind and body of the individual, and establish whether there are any specific problems to attend to. Is the problem physical? Is it a combination of both? To help them to treat a wide variety of complaints, aromatherapists have many oils at their fingertips, but they never mix or use them until they have worked out a prescription for the receiver’s individual needs. Mixing the oils is a trained art, yet there are simple recipes you can use at home to deal with specific problems from muscular aches and pains to headaches and stress. With potent essential oils, it is far better to use less, rather than more, so if in doubt, start the massage technique with a base oil like sweet almond and add two or three drops of just one essential oil. Lavender, rosemary and geranium are good all-purpose oils, or use chamomile for particularly sensitive skin.
Applying The Essential Oils:
Keep the oil in an easy dispenser or bowl so you don’t have to worry about lids during the massage. But keep the oil covered in some way as essential oils will quickly evaporate.
- Always warm your hands before applying oils.
- Some therapists recommend warming the oil in your hands before applying it to the body as a courtesy to the recipient. Others advise against this on the grounds that it hastens evaporation of the essential oil and that the oil takes on your own energy rather than your partner’s.
- If the part of the body you’re working on is particularly hairy or the skin is very dry you will need to apply more oil.
- Keep your touch light and sensitive. Remember that your hands are the main channel of communication.
