Aromatherapy massage or Aromassage can be part of a healing process, or a way to apply essential oils to the right places using various methods of massage. It is neither complicated nor difficult. Anyone can do it, to their friends, their families and even to themselves. You can use aromatherapy massage on all parts of the body, below is a guide to massage techniqes and tips.
All massages should be carried out with the flow of the body, that is, towards the heart. When massaging children and invalids use gentle, comforting effieurage movements. After an aerobic work-out, petrissage movements are useful to release toxins and keep muscles supple.
Effleurage
Effleurage is possibly the most useful movement in Aromassage/Aromatherapy Massage. It is a series of gentle, soothing strokes, which enable the essential oils to penetrate the body, causing relaxation and calm throughout. Use your whole hands, not just your fingers, in strokes that can be either long or short, firm or gentle. Muscles will be relaxed and nerve-endings soothed, circulation increased, stress and tension relieved. Keep your hands relaxed but firm in this movement.
Petrissage
Petrissage is like gently kneading dough. Each movement should be slow and careful, never causing pain. These movements are often helpful on fatty areas, and on backs. They can relax the muscles, increase circulation, help lymphatic flow and aid the release of trapped toxins. Use slight pressure on your thumbs in this movement.
Head Massage
When using Aromassage on the scalp, put the oil on the fingertips and use the fingers, working all over the scalp.
For Migraine and Headaches
Massage around the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Continue massaging this area for a few moments. Use your fingers in firm effieurage strokes to apply the appropriate essential oils.
For the Neck
Use small, firm circular movements, working from the base of the neck, either side of the vertebrae, to the base of the scalp. Work to the sides of the neck and repeat the movements, this time very gently, and work down again. Repeat several times with the appropriate essential oils.
For the Shoulders
Aromassage into the muscles with effleurage and petrissage movements. Using your thumbs and palms, make firm strokes from the shoulder to the neck and back again.
For the Arms
Aromassage uptowards the armpit, using effleurage or petrissage, on the fatty or muscular areas only.
For the Back
Firm or gentle effleurage or petrissage can be used. Do not massage over the vertebrae. Start from the lumber region of the back, and with two hands stroke all way up to the shoulders. Slide the hands over the shoulders and return down the sides of the back. Repeat this movement as many times as you like. The longer the aromassage, the more relaxing it is.
For the Abdomen
Use circular movements only, in a clockwise direction. Effleurage is the best stroke to use for this aromatherapy massage.
For the Legs
Always aromassage legs upwards. Use effleurage alone or with petrissage on the fatty or muscular areas only (never over varicosed areas).
For Women's Reproductive Problems
Aromassage using effieurage movements. Begin at the lower back and slide over the hips. Now slide each hand separately over the abdomen, and repeat the whole process.
For the Feet
Aromassage from the toes to the heel, thumbs under the foot and with fingers on top. You will find this very soothing.
(2 Votes)
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
