How to Give a Basic Aromatherapy Massage
For the ultimate in relaxation, learn to give a basic aromatherapy massage routine on a friend or loved one. Its a loving and tender way to let that person know you care and gives them a peaceful stress-relieving experience.
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Things You'll Need
- Base or carrier oil
- Therapeutic-quality essential oils
- Bowl or glass container to mix massage oil
- Comfortable surface to perform massage
Instructions
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Mixing the Aromatherapy Massage Oil
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Select essential oils that are relaxing and generally safe for use on healthy adults for your aromatherapy massage blend such as lavender, chamomile or geranium essential oils. Be sure to let the person receiving the massage smell the oils first to make sure they appeal to the massage recipient.
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Pour about one cup of carrier, or base, oil into the glass bowl. Pure vegetable-based oils work best as nourishing carrier oils so consider using sweet almond, avocado, jojoba or other pure oils. Do not use mineral or baby oil as this will clog the pores of the skin.
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Put about 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into the carrier oil and mix it gently. Essential oils are highly concentrated so only a few drops are needed.
Giving the Aromatherapy Massage
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Once the massage recipient is comfortably settled on the table or bed and the massage oils have been mixed, you can begin the massage. Your friend or partner should be covered completely with the sheet but to work the back you'll uncover the back just to the waist line.
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Pour a little bit of the oil into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and apply it to the recipient's back with long, warming strokes.
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Using various massage strokes, continuing working the back until you've finished massaging the back completely. Be sure to make sure your friend or loved one is comfortable with the amount of pressure you are using. When you are finished, cover the back up with the sheet again.
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Uncover the back of the legs and the feet, with your friend still lying face down, and apply the aromatherapy massage oil gently. As with the back, massage the feet and legs according to the comfort level of your friend and recover them when you are finished.
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Have your friend turn over so they are face up and repeat these steps on the arms and hands, applying the aromatherapy oil as needed. Be sure to pay attention to the front of the shoulders and chest as well.
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End your aromatherapy massage with work on the neck and face as many people find this soothing. Do not apply too much aromatherapy massage oil directly on the face. Your hands will have enough oil on them to do the face massage comfortably.
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Tips & Warnings
Different essential oils have different effects, so if you want to do some research on selecting aromatherapy essential oils you can vary the massage experience.
Many licensed massage therapists will teach couples massage classes for general relaxation massage between friends and loved ones if you want additional ideas for giving a massage.
Pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions should check with their health care professionals about what, if any, essential oils can be used.
Use only the purest essential oils you can get as adulterated or synthetic fragrances are cheap and common.
Resources
- Photo Credit I M Birchall
