Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is a type of alternative therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds for providing a positive effect on a person’s mind, mood and health. Aromatherapy can be applied in a variety of ways: aerial diffusion (by simply burning the oil, or through aerosol sprays), direct inhalation, and topical applications (general massage, baths, and therapeutic skin care). Out of these methods of application, massaging is believed to be one of the most effective ways to relieve physical ailments and emotional stresses.

Aromatherapy massages can be targeted towards various issues, and have been found to be beneficial for:

· Pain relief

· Muscle relaxation

· Improvement in blood circulation

· Control of blood pressure

· Toxin removal

· Cellulite prevention

· Skin smoothening

· Hair treatment

· Relief from digestive problems

· Overall strengthening of the immune system

· Stress relief

· General revitalization of the mind and body

Aromatherapy massage may be quite similar to the Swedish massage therapy, and typically takes about 60 minutes. The essential oils are gently rubbed onto the body, and allowed to diffuse through the skin.

A very interesting study on aromatherapy massage was performed using 2% lavender oil for massaging. Concentration of the essential oils linalool and linalyl acetate – the main constituents of lavender oil – was tracked at various time points in the blood stream of a person undergoing aromatherapy massage. Within five minutes of massaging, the constituents could be detected in the blood. Maximum concentration was reached after 20 minutes, and after ninety minutes, was found to be eliminated from the blood stream. This study has been published in the book “The Fragrant Mind” by Valerie Ann Worwood. This study shows the effectiveness of massaging in the diffusion of the essential oils into the blood stream.

It is advised that after an aroma therapy massage, good amounts of water should be consumed to facilitate toxin release. Some cases have been identified when aromatherapy massages are better avoided:

· High-risk pregnancies

· Fever

· Acute infections

· Wounded areas of the body

· Persons with a heart condition

· Recently operated patients

· Cancer patients

A general rule is that if you have any kind of health condition, better consult your physician before going for any kind of massage, and more particularly, aromatherapy.

Indulge yourself in one of the best kinds of massages – aromatherapy, and feel for yourself the positive effects of the very potent and effective essential oils.

What is a Reiki Massage?

Reiki is a spiritual technique for relaxation and healing. Reiki is based on the idea of a “life force energy” that flows through us and keeps us alive. If one’s life force energy is low then the person is more likely to get sick, and if the life force energy is high, the person is healthy and happy.

Reiki is a therapy that makes use of the seven major Chakras, or energy centres, of the human body. These Chakras are the primary channels through which energy flows in our body. Proper flow of energy is essential for our well-being – be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. Experiencing an ailment, stress or sickness indicates that one or more of the chakras may be blocked. Reiki massage healers believe that they have the knowledge to unblock the chakras and restore the energy flow in the body, thereby healing the suffering person.

A Reiki massage healer does not make use of any medicine or chemicals, but only blowing, touching and tapping techniques. Many persons who’ve undergone Reiki healing report that the treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance flowing through and around them. The beneficial effects reported include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being.

For a Reiki massage, one needs to lie down in a comfortable spot and relax. The healer then performs certain hand positions that are directed towards the head, neck, body, limbs as well as the feet. The average time for a session is between 60-90 minutes. Reiki practitioners assert that for Reiki therapy to have lasting results, the client must also take responsibility of the treatment, and play an active part in it. It must include an active commitment to improve oneself in order for it to be a complete system of healing.

Special kinds of massage tables designed specifically for Reiki Massage are available. These massage tables are designed with the intention that the Reiki practitioner will be spending more time sitting during the therapy, than a regular massage therapist would. Reiki tables therefore have table braces and areas for placing legs comfortably. Also, Reiki massage tables do not have adjustable headrests, since Reiki massages do not involve massaging the client’s head the way regular massages do.

Reiki massage has helped many in dealing with their daily stress and negativity that drains the energy out of the body. Reiki massage has helped people regain their grounding and begin to feel at complete ease with the world around them. Reiki practices are about a hundred years old and more and more people are getting to realize the true benefits of this spiritual system of healing. I would urge you to try experiencing the benefits of Reiki massage yourself, and regain control over your life and happiness. After all, who doesn’t want to lead a happy and energetic life, full of love and positivity?