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AROMATHERAPY & THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE |
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| MICHAEL A TEELING IIHHT |
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Aromatherapy is a deeply relaxing full body massage which involves the use of pure aromatic essential oils chosen specifically for each individual client after a full consultation. It is designed to treat the client physically, mentally and emotionally. Aromatherapy is adapted to the clients’ particular needs at the time rather than following a standard routine, and is guided by principles of personal awareness, sensitivity and quality of touch.
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Aromatherapy draws upon a long tradition of massage techniques and practices from western and eastern cultures. These include the Swedish massage techniques of thumb rolling and use of long strokes, Shiatsu (Japanese massage) that uses acupressure points, meridian stretches and deep tissue practices. It will also incorporate percussion techniques such as cupping and plucking.
The heart of the treatment is designed to be a healing and meditative experience. |
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| An Aroma-therapist is trained to assess which techniques are most appropriate for each client and uses the above practices in conjunction with a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. The speed and depth of the massage and choice of technique evokes different responses in the body, affecting the skin, the sensory nerve endings, the muscles, connective tissues, circulation of the blood and lymph and movement of the limbs and joints. |
The human body is like a ‘landscape’ reflecting a person’s beliefs about themselves and their experiences through life as well as their relationship to the world. Aromatherapy experienced at a deep level can help to release the personal history stored in the muscles and thus lead to deep changes in energy and self-perception. For this reason the massage therapist aims to be ‘in-touch’ with the client and to be professionally aware and sensitive to whatever the person is experiencing at that time. |
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| WHY CHOOSE AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE? |
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People come for massage for many different reasons and it helps in the treatment of the majority of ailments. The importance of a soothing massage, the scent of pure essential oils and a nurturing touch cannot be underestimated as a health benefit and as a way of improving the effectiveness of the immune system. The effect of odors on the emotions has been known for centuries but it is only in the past 30 years that people in the West have begun to recognize the healing potential of this deep inherent response to the combination of “ fragrance & touch”. |
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Touch also plays a role in our ability to cope and can help in raising people’s self-esteem. Massage can literally put you back inside your ‘skin’ and provide valuable time ‘out’ from outside pressures. It can quieten and calm the mind and is ideal for those who feel their body is taut and tense and have a mind which is anxious and restless. |
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| The benefits of regular massage include: |
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Reduction in stress |
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General relaxation and relaxation of particular taut muscles |
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Improved circulation |
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An opportunity to receive caring and non-intrusive touch |
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Easing of pain |
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| WHAT TO EXPECT |
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Aromatherapy Massage is a deeply relaxing and enjoyable experience. Firstly, the practitioner will, in the strictest confidence discuss with the client their health details and needs, they will then answer any queries.
A blend of oils will be then be mixed for the client’s specific use. The massage will take place in a warm room with a massage couch. Soothing music will be played throughout your treatment. Your dignity is respected at all times, pants are kept on and only the area being massaged is exposed, the rest of the body will be covered in warm towels.
The massage is gentle, flowing and firm, but if at any time you feel tenderness or discomfort please tell your therapist. If you feel uncomfortable having particular areas massaged, such as your feet or abdomen, please discuss this with the practitioner before the start of your treatment.
You will be recommended, if possible, to spend some “quiet time” after your massage and to drink plenty of water. |
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| THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE |
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This type of treatment is also an oil-based massage that is better known in the West. It is ideally suited to those who feel their body is tight, tense and taut – perhaps with a mind that is anxious, restless and unable to relax or switch off.
Because treatment utilises oil and balms directly onto the skin, this massage is excellent for working into the deeper muscles and structures to relieve pain that has built up over time. The oils have properties to stimulate circulation and activate the body’s own healing properties.
Your massage treatment will be specifically tailored to suit your needs. A full history is taken to ensure that you receive a treatment which energises or calms, relieves pain or mental stress, manipulates to stretch and restore muscle function, balancing mind, body and spirit to leave you feeling physically and mentally relaxed, even making breathing easier. |
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| THE TREATMENT |
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Massage can help in the treatment of many ailments. Whether for relaxation, or to maintain health, massage is an ideal treatment to keep muscles firm and toned and keep the body’s systems working to their optimum. It is not necessary to be unwell to have regular massage. Many cultures, throughout the world, use massage as an essential part of their health regime. Each massage is different, as treatment is adapted to suit the individual patient’s current needs. Oil massage would then relax and release specific muscles that have gone into spasm or become over-tense.
Conditions well treated by massage:
Musculo-skeletal disorders such as back and shoulder pain, stiff neck, joint sprains, inflammation of the joints, cervical spondylitis, disc problems and other muscular or joint pain and spasm.
Massage is very helpful in alleviating stress or tension induced headaches, insomnia and depression. |
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