How to Give an Aromatherapy Back Massage
Giving Therapeutic Massages using Essential Oils
Apr 5, 2009
There are few things quite as relaxing as having an aromatherapy back massage. The combination of the essential oils and the gentle massage gives a deep feeling of contentment and well being. Although it is costly to experience a massage from a qualified aromatherapist, it is possible to give a general back massage to a friend with some essential oils that will put you on their Christmas card list for years to come.
Choosing Essential Oils
Aromatherapists are trained practitioners who fully understand all the qualities of the oils that they have at their disposal. It is not possible to impart all their knowledge here, but what we can do is let you know about some of the more popular ones and give some tips on general massage techniques.
- Lavender: a wonderful all round oil which is relaxing but refreshing
- Peppermint: helps improve the immune system and good for colds
- Sandalwood: relaxing and calming, de-stressing
- Chamomile: helps with insomnia, relaxing.
- Bergamot: uplifting, helps the nervous system and helps alleviate depression
- Geranium: great for hormonal problems, tension and stress
Giving Therapeutic Massages using Essential Oils
- Make sure that the recipient of the massage is made comfortable, lying on their front. Ensure that they are warm enough and can relax completely. Also position yourself in such a way that you are easily able to massage their back without placing undue strain on your own.
- Mix the essential oils in a carrier oil. Olive oil is fine for this. Use about six drops of essential oil for 30ml carrier oil. It is not recommended to use a blend of more than three oils.
- Start by massaging with long strokes from the bottom of the back up to the shoulders with your hands flat. It is good to do this with one stroke on either side so that you never leave contact with the body. This is important throughout the massage. Continue for a few minutes.
- Now you can concentrate on specific areas such as the shoulders. You can knead this area gently as if you were kneading bread. This loosens and relaxes the muscles. You may also use your knuckles in a circular motion but make sure that you do not work too deeply and cause discomfort.
- After each particular area, and also if your hands are getting tired, you can return to the long strokes up the whole of the back. Remember to never loose contact with the body.
- As you move down the back you can continue with the gentle kneading action but do not use a deep knuckle action over the kidney area and be gentle around the rib cage if your massage recipient does not have much of a covering of fat. This can be uncomfortable. Only work very gently over the spine.
- This knuckle action is, however, good in the area around the top of the buttocks. Many people suffer with a lot of tension and it may feel tender in this area so do not be too brutal.
- Make sure that the whole of the back is included. Do not forget the side areas as the muscles here can become very tight.
- An aromatherapy massage is usually a fairly light massage compared to a Swedish or sports injury treatment, so do not be karate chopping or beating your patient. Spend a lot of time gently working the oils into the body in a relaxing way.
The firm, massaging strokes and kneading may not seem like much to you when you are doing it, but it is wonderful on the receiving end. Switch places with the recipient of your massage and find out for yourself!
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