Techniques of Massage

There are various techniques of massage but the ultimate end result is generally the same. Bodywork can fulfill a need often missing in our busy and fragmented lives. There is a basic human need for touch and now there is  plenty of evidence that massage is more than just a feel-good thing. It has therapeutic benefits as well. There's no specific massage technique that's a one size fits all.

Studies at the University of Miami Medical School's Touch Research Institute have shown that massage reduces anxiety and lowers the body's production of stress hormones. That response translates into a significant health benefit for people with sadism, severe burns, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, massage bolstered the immune systems of HIV-positive men, which may help ward off dangerous infections.

Massage therapy, the most familiar, is a favorite of stressed-out office workers, weekend athletes, and people who live with bad backs. But there are more than 100 other, lesser-known types of bodywork that can enhance your health and well-being. More doctors are referring patients to bodywork practitioners, and some insurance companies have even begun to pay for bodywork in hope of preventing costly hospital stays or surgery.

Here are some of the types of massages:

All of these and many more techniques require oils and aromatherapy products to enhance the process

 Physical Benefits of Massage's

• Provides greater flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance 
• Reduces healing period for injuries caused during sport or work 
• Improves posture through the reduction of improper muscle tension
• Strengthens the immune system   
• Reduces blood pressure 
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain 
• Enhances capillary functions and the health and nourishment of skin 
• Strained muscles and ligaments are loosen and gently stretched reducing pain and improving mobility
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing 
• Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids 
• Reduces muscle spasms

Consider adding Aromatherapy which is the ancient art and science of using the healing power of aromatic essential oils, distilled from organic plant sources. Due to the vast number of natural phytochemicals produced by the plants, essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit.

Essential oils can be sedative or stimulating. Many are antispasmodic, most are antibacterial

How can it help?

Chronic conditions that often respond well to this work include: stress, insomnia, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, hypertension, muscle spasm, joint stiffness, low energy and tiredness.

How does it work?

During the massage, the aromas are perceived by the nerve endings in the nose, and signals are passed to the limbic system in the brain. An important part of the limbic system governs the pituitary gland, which controls hormone release throughout the body. Additionally, the small molecules of essential oils are absorbed through the skin. They then dissolve in the natural body fats and fluids. This allows them to flow around the body, to relax or stimulate, detoxify and regenerate.

What happens in a session?

Most aromatherapists will have a holistic approach to client consultation. This provides the information necessary to select the appropriate essential oils for the maximum therapeutic benefit, and allows the aromatherapist to avoid any contraindicated oils. Pure, organic essential oils are blended into the massage oil, to create a unique mix for each client's individual needs. This blend will frequently vary with each visit, depending on how the client feels, and what the response has been each time. This Aromatherapy blend is usually used with traditional Swedish massage. Other techniques such as deep tissue work may also be used, depending on the aromatherapist's practice and the client's requirements.

Many aromatherapists may also make blends for the client to use at home, to supplement the work. These can be bath or massage oils, room fragrances or spritzers.

Professional Qualifications

In the US at this time, there is no state or federally recognized certification for aromatherapy. It is therefore important to find out what kind of training the aromatherapist has received. Aromatherapy is very widely used and accepted in Europe and the two professional associations based in Britain are the International Federation of Aromatherapists and the International Society of Professional Aromatherapists. These associations will only admit members who have undergone training at accredited schools.

For your Essential Oils

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