How to use Essential Oils for Massage
Aromatherapy has various applications, with the most prevalent and well-liked being aromatherapy massage. However, you can also incorporate essential oils into your routine by using them in warm baths or through a diffuser (more on that later). To disperse the oils into the air, you can add a few drops to your bath or a bowl of hot water. This method is particularly beneficial for soothing coughs and colds in babies and young children, but it’s crucial to keep the hot water out of their reach.
Massage can be done individually, with a companion, or by visiting a masseur. Regardless of the approach you choose, the advantages are definitely worthwhile.
Using a Diffuser
This technique employs a heat supply to distribute the oil into the atmosphere. You have the option to utilize a distinct diffusing ring positioned on a light bulb (table lamp) where the oils are added. As they are heated, they evaporate and disperse throughout the room. Alternatively, you can adopt a similar setup using a special candle holder that includes a built-in bowl above it. These candle holders come in various styles to suit your preferences. By lighting a simple and secure tealight as the heat source, the oils in the bowl above gradually evaporate. Additionally, this method provides the added benefit of creating a soothing ambiance with candlelight.
Aromatherapy Massage
Massage can be done individually, with a companion, or by visiting a masseur. Regardless of the approach you choose, the advantages are definitely worthwhile. It can aid in the healing process of sports or muscle-related injuries, provide stress relief, assist in detoxification, or simply be enjoyed for pleasure!
There exist various massage techniques available, which can be selected based on the specific situation and desired outcome.
Head Massage
Put your aromatherapy oils on your fingertips and use the fingers to massage around the head. It is only the fingertips that are used to gently but firmly go around and over the head.
For Headaches
Start at the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Use the fingers in firm, but not hard effleurage strokes. Continue for as long as is necessary. It may also help to include the shoulder area.
The Neck
Using the whole of the hand, at the base of the neck place a hand each side of the vertebrae (never put pressure on the vertebrae), use small but firm circular movements, work from the base of the neck, and continue upwards to the base of the scalp and then down the sides of the neck. Work around the sides of the neck using gentle but firm movements.
The Shoulders
Use the thumbs and palms to massage with effleurage and petrissage actions, moving from the base of the neck outwards to the shoulder. You may also find it beneficial to take in the shoulder blade area by making large circular movements around the top of the shoulder to just under the shoulder blade.
The Arms
Using upwards strokes from the wrist to the armpit. Using petrissage on fatty and muscular areas as appropriate.
The Back
Starting from the lumbar region of the back, use effleurage strokes, put one hand either side of the vertebrae, using the whole hand, flat against the back stroke up towards the shoulder around and over the shoulder blade and slide down again the sides of the back. (Do not massage over the vertebrae). Repeat as often as is wished.
The Abdomen
Using effleurage strokes, use circular movements in a clockwise direction only.
The Legs
Always massage the legs upwards from the ankle to the thigh using effleurage strokes. Where appropriate use petrissage on the fatty or muscular areas. (Never over varicose areas)
The Reproductive area (Women)
Using effleurage strokes start at the lower back and slide over the hips, then slide each hand over the abdomen. Use the whole of the hand flat against the skin.
The Feet
Massage in an upwards direction from the toes to the ankle, if you are lucky enough to have someone do this for you, thumbs should be on the sole of the foot with the fingers on top, if you are doing your own feet you may find it easier to have your thumb on top with your fingers underneath.
