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Aromatherapy Massage with Essential Oils

Massaging with essential oils transforms the body and soul; it enhances a general well-being and a positive consciousness of the mind. Scents of essential oils have powerful properties that may awaken memories of long ago, remove anxiety, repose the restless mind, loosen tight muscles and offer many benefits that may render persons exposed to them healthier in body and soul.

A massage is beneficial in itself; aromatherapy essential oils heighten the experience of pleasure and relaxation. Essential oils originate from herbs and plants that grow in exotic countries in the Orient, Asia, and India, though some may be found in European tropical terrains. It may be useful to be acquainted with the names and uses of the most recognized essential oils. There are approximately 11-12 essential oils:

??Rosemary oil may be effective in increasing circulation in the extremities, open congested respiratory tracts, elevate and heighten awareness while soothing the mind and musculature, and clear up skin.

??Lavender oil is best known for repairing sunburn, skin infections and other skin related afflictions. Also, it may have healing powers in rheumatism, abdominal cramps, insomnia, inflammation and insomnia.

??Sandalwood is well known as a moisturizer and for its property for skin repair. It warms and calms agitation, and some have found it to be an aphrodisiac.

??Eucalyptus oil has been used by therapists for centuries throughout the world to open congested respiratory tracts and inflammation of the same. It has also been used for relaxing tight muscles and other aches and pains.

??Sweet Orange may soften the skin and relax stressed muscles. It may relieve constipation, poor circulation, and other stress related ailments.

??Patchouli oil has been around for long many years and has been used as the bases for perfumes man?s colognes in the past. It heals insect bites and some infections.

??Peppermint oil may heal asthma, colic, fevers, colds, cramps, vertigo, and migraine head-aches. Peppermint oil stimulates the depressed heart, eases apathy.

??Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, and Rose oils generate healing vapors that may clear the lungs, skin and some infections.

??Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and their usage must be with the knowledge and understanding as to when and where their applicable. Avoid using the following oils on pregnant women: Marjoram, Myrrh, Sage, Fennel, Jasmine, Juniper, Basil and Cedar-wood, and others indicated to be harmful to the embryo.

Oils are drawn from plants through most commonly known method of distillation and produce minute quantities that are potent and concentrated. For practical use these drops of potent oils are diluted by so-called ?carrier??or ?base??oils that also function to facilitate the absorption of the oils into the skin.

Benefit of Combining Massage Therapy with Aromatherapy

In the beginning aromatherapy oils were not applied with a massage. In the Egyptian culture approximately six thousand years prior to our time doctors recommended using aromatherapy oils to intensify the effect of the massage. Massage therapy incorporates reflexology and manipulation of the body; a good masseuse will know where and how to concentrate on particular pressure points that will release tension in selected areas such as the lower back, shoulders, etc. Essential oils will create an ambience that intensifies and heightens relaxation; the pleasurable scents brighten the mood.

It is arguable whether essential oils can be as effective without the massage therapy. Of course, essential oils have healing properties; Eucalyptus, for example, opens congestion in the chest and it is used globally by mothers of sick children for generations. However, should you apply the Eucalyptus oil with a massage on a miserable child whose every breath is painful you shall accomplish in a shorter period of time a greater comfort for a sick child.

It is without a doubt more advantageous to combine massage therapy with essential oils.

About the Author

Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources for Aromatherapy. Visit AromaOilEssentials to learn more about using essential oils during a massage and find the massage oil that's right for you.