Essential oils are the complex, concentrated, aromatic,
liquid vital essence of plants - powerful and naturally therapeutic substances
with a great variety of wonderful smells. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use
of these plant extracts.
For aromatherapy massage, I select 3 or 4 of the highest
quality essential oils. I consider any specific health issues you may have; how
you are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; which properties
and affects will be of particular benefit to you; and which oils will combine
to make a balanced, harmonious and synergistic blend in terms of smell and
effect. Once selected, the essential oils are blended together and added to a
carrier massage oil suited to your skin type.
During aromatherapy massage, this aromatherapy oil is
applied to the skin with slow deeply relaxing strokes, from where the essential
oils are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and carried around the body. A
full body massage covers legs and feet, abdomen, back and neck, top of chest
and shoulders, arms and hands, face and head. Gentle pressure techniques from
neuro-muscular and shiatsu massage are used to balance nerve supply, reflexes
and meridians. The nose also carries the essential oils through the olfactory
system to the limbic system and the brain where they effect your mind and mood,
and may continue to do so for several days after treatment.