Back, Legs & Feet: How To Give A Deep Stress Relief Back Massage

We all know how soothing massage therapy [...]]]> Aromatherapy massage oils are derived from a blend of essential oils combined with what is called a carrier oil. Olive oil is an example of a carrier oil that you most likely already have in your kitchen.

Back, Legs & Feet:
How To Give A Deep Stress Relief Back Massage

We all know how soothing massage therapy can be. Just the massage alone, in most cases, is enough to calm and relax us. When aromatherapy is incorporated into the massage, it doubles the effect. As the essential oils are absorbed into your skin, they find their way into your blood stream and begin to soothe and heal. Aromatherapy massage oils can be used for a variety of purposes. The most common uses for an aromatherapy massage are:

• Relaxation

• Sexual stimulation

• Pain relief

• Mild anxiety

Never use essential oils directly on the skin. Essential oils are very concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil when being used in massage therapy. There are exceptions, such as lavender and vanilla, but as a rule of thumb, dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using directly on the skin.

That caveat aside, you can easily make your own massage oil at home and begin incorporating aromatherapy into your daily life.

You will want to make sure that the essential oil that is used is 100 percent pure. There are a variety of different outlets where you can purchase pure essential oils. Some essential oils are very inexpensive, such as lavender, while others, such as sandalwood, can be costly. By reading the list of essential oils contained in the blog, you can learn which oils can do what.

Storing massage oil should be done in dark colored bottles with a seal. Most places that sell aromatherapy products online, such as essential oils, also sell bottles and other supplies. It is important for you to store the aromatherapy massage oil in a dark glass in a cool, dark place as the oil can lose its effectiveness if exposed to light.

Blend your essential oils together first. You can do this in a separate container, or the same bottle you will use to store the massage oil. For best results, the EO blend should be made several days ahead so it can “marry.” For more information about blending essential oils, please refer to my basic blending guide.

In addition to the essential oils, you will also need a carrier oil. Because the essential oils are so highly concentrated, you only need about eight drops of the oils to one ounce of the carrier oil. Popular choices for carrier oils include:

• Apricot kernel oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Sesame oil

Once you have added the EO blend to the carrier oil, seal the bottle and roll it around in your hands gently to mix the oils thoroughly. You should make sure that you do this before each and every use. Do not shake the bottle vigorously, but gently roll it to mix the oils.

You can pour a little bit of the oil into a bowl and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds prior to use. You must make sure that it is not too hot before applying the blend to the skin. Massage oils feel better on the skin when used warm.

Prior to using aromatherapy massage oils, do a test patch on the skin. Some people have very sensitive skin that can have an allergic reaction to the oils. Make sure you test it out prior to putting it all over your body or that of someone else to make sure it does not cause an allergic reaction.

The massage oil can be used on the torso, arms and legs as well as the head and neck area. Avoid the eyes, ears, mouth and genital areas as well as any areas of inflammation or broken skin. The oils will begin to work upon being absorbed into the skin and entering the blood stream.

While you may think of massage as something that you need to have done by another person, or do to another person, you can also treat yourself with aromatherapy massage oils. For example, you can rub your temples with a lavender massage oil to ease a headache. You can also rub your feet and hands with massage oil.

There are various types of massage techniques that you can learn, although true massage therapy is a healing art all unto itself. For an amateur, however, earning to rub certain areas of the body is not difficult. The back is a primary source of tension and an aromatherapy back rub can do wonders to relieve stress. As the cells that promote healing within our immune system are found in our upper digestive system, rubbing the front torso with healing aromatherapy oil can also be beneficial. For a sensual massage, you will want to rub the legs, buttocks and chest area.

Following are three popular recipes that are commonly used for relaxation, sexual stimulation and pain relief:

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Relaxation

1 ounce of carrier oil
5 drops of lavender essential oil
3 drops of sandalwood essential oil

You can also substitute Rose Oil for Sandalwood Oil in the above recipe.  For relaxation, make sure that you also set the mood. Light some candles and play some soothing music. Massage your partner with warmed massage oils, beginning at the base of the neck and working your way down his or her back. Rub shoulders and muscles throughout the back and allow the magic of the healing oils to go to work.

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Sexual Stimulation

1 ounce of carrier oil
6 drops of jasmine essential oil
2 drops of bergamot essential oil

Jasmine is a safe and effective way to promote confidence and stimulation. For a loving treat, use an aromatherapy massage on your partner to help him or her relax and enjoy lovemaking. Speak soothingly and lovingly to your partner as you use this tried and true blend.

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Pain Relief

1 ounce carrier oil
4 drops chamomile essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil

A deep tissue massage, or a Swedish massage, is one way to alleviate pain that is caused by physical activity. You can use this recipe blend to sooth aching feet by rubbing firmly with your thumbs into the soles of your feet as well as the heel.

This aromatherapy massage treatment can also be used on the body and is especially good at relieving joint pain for arthritis sufferers. There are many other uses for aromatherapy massage. Once you become familiar with the concept of aromatherapy and the different uses for essential oils, you can make your own blends and treat a variety of minor ailments such as:

• Insomnia

• Menstrual cramps

• Bruises

• Mild depression

• Stress

• Memory improvement

• Anger relief

IF you would like to learn how to make your own unique aromatherapy blends, please refer to the aromatherapy article entitled, Creating your own essential oil formulas.

Aromatherapy massage is one of the most effective alternative healing methods used today. Although it has been used for centuries, the demand for massage therapy has doubled in the past decade. It looks as if many people have discovered the benefits of healing through aromatherapy massage treatment and are on their way to feeling good naturally.