WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY AND AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE OIL
Aromatherapy massage is a holistic therapy that treats the mind, body and soul. This holistic therapy incorporates the use of scented and diluted essential oils into a massage and by inhaling the oil through a diffuser. Apart from the body is benefiting with the direct contact with the essential oils, the oils are alleged to have specific healing properties when applied to the body and also upon inhaling the oils during the massage. It is believed that aromatherapy massage do provide emotional healing and relaxation without any sort of drugs. To summarise, the general benefits of massage that incorporates aromatherapy are mainly :-
💓 Eases depression/anxiety
💓 De-stress/boost energy level and mental alertness
💓 Relieves headaches/migraines
💓 Induces sleep
💓 Improves digestion
💓 Promotes calmness and relaxation
💓 Ease of pain from muscle/arthritis/body
💓 Improves recovery of soft tissue injuries
💓 Increases joint mobility and flexibility
💓 Strengthens immune system
💓 Improves skin tone
Now what is an Aromatherapy Massage Oil? In short, it is a blend of a vegetable oil or carrier oil with essential oil. Carrier oils are an excellent medium for dilution of essential oil and their viscosity allows essential oil to penetrate better and last longer on the skin, thus preserves and prolongs their beneficial effects by keeping it locked inside. Carrier oils for this purpose may include coconut, jojoba, sweet almond oil and any other carrier oils. In fact, there are various types of carrier oils which can be combined with essential oils to blend into massage oil.
You should only use carrier oils that are suitable for therapeutic aromatherapy purposes in a massage and creating the right blend of carrier oil to essential oil ensures that the healing benefits of the oils can be absorbed into the skin easily and safely. The carrier oil should control its concentration without altering its therapeutic properties when blended into massage oil.
Carrier oils contains natural fatty acids and therapeutic compounds, therefore they complement essential oils perfectly by providing their own healing benefits during massage therapy. Always make sure that true essential oils should be used in your blend and not fragrance oil. Each essential oil contains different therapeutic properties and the most sought after are calming, energizing, uplifting and healing. Once diluted with carrier oils, they are transported to the skin with their active ingredients still retained. The potent and healing essential oil molecules have profound effects on the mind and body which is the reason aroma-therapeutic massage oils blended with essential oils and carrier oils have shown positive results. If you are concerned about healing without drug usage, then try exploring the benefits of aromatherapy with essentials oils is the right route to recovery.
HOW AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE OIL BENEFITS ON HEALTH AND SKIN?
The benefits of massage are well documented. Massage offers relief for tired muscles, helps with flexibility and relaxes muscles for an improved range of motion. Massage also improves blood circulation, which aids in recovery of muscle soreness and help to improve circulation to promote healing. Massage can lead to increased endorphin level, a ‘feel good’ chemical in our body, which is one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy. Good massage will not only untangle the knots in your body but also relax your body by melting away all your stressors and worries.
As aromatherapy massage is massage therapy enhanced with essential oils, these oils are absorbed through the skin and through inhalation, hence creating beneficial changes in the mind and body by affecting the limbic system. However, there are several types of massage and massage oils that focus on different parts of the body or healing approaches.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Essential oils and therapeutic massage work well to reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort in your joints and muscles. When the tissues are stimulated and circulation is raised, you will begin to feel soothing of your aching muscles, relaxation and comfort to the affected areas. Massage uses pressure and touch to offer healing and relief by stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, sensory receptors and musculoskeletal systems to reduce or ease stress levels, muscular tension and pain. Some people even swear that massage is the only treatment for their back pain. Most doctors are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective supplementary treatment to reduce back pain. Essential oils such as Frankincense, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lavender are great for this purpose with their invigorating and cooling benefits. These oils are also proven to be effective for relieving headache or migraine problems.
Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression
Combining aromatherapy with massage can truly relax your senses, enhance the workings of your brain and helping to reduce anxiety and tension you may be experiencing. The healing touch of massage releases endorphins, the good hormones for stress reduction and this process also stimulates serotonin production, which leads to higher alertness and mental function. Lavender, Orange and other citrus oils may be used to boost the mood lifting effects.
A nice and relaxing massage is simply wonderful after a hard day’s work. Aromatherapy helps in relieving stress due to aromatic compounds of the essential oils involved. This element enables the essential oils to soothe the brain and lower anxiety levels in the body. This is even better when you add the calming properties of specific aromatic oils such as lavender, lemon or chamomile, the effect is enhanced even more especially lavender scent is well known as a calming effect by lowering the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the human brain.
Improves sleep quality
Aromatherapy massage promotes sleep by realigning the circadian rhythm which makes the body tired naturally and make you sleep. During a massage, we go into a deep state of relaxation, which can positively help us fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation has mentioned that massage can trigger serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces calm feelings and helps in sleep improvement. One of the reasons of not sleeping well could be caused by our daily stress and tension. A good massage can release this tension so that our muscles feel relaxed and ready to rest. Furthermore massage is relaxing, and when serotonin is produced during a massage, it then produces melatonin, which helps us to fall asleep better. Lavender essential oil is one of the best essential oil to induce sleep. The scent, as well as properties of lavender, will calm you down and relax your muscles to ensure sound sleep.
Boosts energy
Many people turn to stimulants like coffee, tea or cigarettes to boost their energy levels, all these cause adverse effects on our health. Aromatherapy is the most natural and safest remedy to boost energy. There are various essential oils which can increase blood circulation in the body thus stimulating the body and the mind and keeping energy levels high. One of the benefits of an aromatherapy massage is the manipulation and pressure of massage which assist in increasing blood flow to vital organs and muscles. Essential oils that aid in boosting energy and circulation include sandalwood, juniper berry, cypress, grapefruit, and frankincense.
Skin benefits
On top of the multiple health benefits of aromatherapy oil, they are also great at taking care of your skin. The main benefit of aromatherapy oils for skin is their anti-ageing and bacterial fighting properties. These properties together with their essential nutrients are just right to hydrate, revitalize and regenerate your skin and to help you to maintain and sustain a youthful complexion. Aside from the healing benefits of adding massage oil into your life, your skin will also enjoy the same benefits of softer and more supple skin texture.
POPULAR CARRIER OILS FOR MASSAGE OIL
A good massage oil is thought to help our hands glide smoothly over our skin during the process of massage. It is important that the oil can reach deep into the muscle tissue without much friction on the skin’s surface too. But do we need to consider that the oils we use have other beneficial properties? Yes, of course. Depending on the benefit or characteristic being sought will determine the choice of carrier oil. Other important points to consider are such as odor, some oils have distinct odor than the others and may change the aroma of essential oils when added. The absorption ability of some oils versus the others is also dependable on individual skin type. Lastly the shelf life of the oil must also be observed.
Carrier oils are the ‘base oils’ that are commonly used in aromatherapy for diluting essential oils before use. Carrier oils are typically derived from nuts and seeds, therefore they possess a wide range of therapeutic and healing benefits. Aside from helping to ‘carry’ essential oils into the body’s systems where they can start to take effect during the massage process, they can also lubricate the skin to enable smooth massaging steps to take place. As a known fact that carrier oils are rich in vitamins, minerals and fat-soluble essential fatty acids, they are also extremely beneficial for softening, nourishing and improving the condition of the skin.
Good massage oil provides all the therapeutic benefits to our skin and health ailments. There are plenty of oils to choose from, but not all measure up to our expectation. Some can make your skin feel greasy which you might not like while others go rancid quickly and take on an unpleasant smell. Knowing some of the differences between the oils can help you choose the best oil for the situation.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is filled with Vitamin E and K and Omega 3 and 6, all these are good properties for keeping skin hydrated and free from radical damage. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe painful joints, sprains and reduce pain and Inflammation of muscles. Olive oil also helps to relieve stiffness of neck, shoulder and back especially after sitting in front of the computer for too long. Olive oil body massage increases blood circulation that also helps in relieving arthritis pain.
Massaging slightly warm olive oil on stretch mark areas is quite effective that has been claimed to show results. Massage routine to include olive oil will help in maintaining and sustaining skin health and elasticity as this oil has the properties that help in moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E which helps to keep skin rejuvenated, healthy and youthful. It is also full of antioxidants, anti-aging and skin-healing properties which work well to prevent signs of aging. Coconut oil contains capric and lauric acid, which are the antimicrobial agents that helps prevent microbes from infecting the skin.
When used as massage oil, coconut oil penetrates the skin easily and our bodies easily absorb the goodness it has to offer. A massage with coconut oil helps to soothe and relax muscles within our body, making it a great choice if you are feeling tired or lethargic. Massaging coconut oil regularly on skin also helps reduce inflammation and wound infection and may also help with aches and pains. Blending essential oils with coconut oil can relieve stress, insomnia and even digestive upset. It may also help with cellulite and stretch marks. Its antibacterial properties can also help to treat a variety of skin infections and aid the skin in getting rid of harmful bacteria.
Coconut oil is readily absorbed and well tolerated. When compared with other oils, this oil will not stain clothing or bedding. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that do not become rancid and spoil when left on the skin for several hours. This makes it ideal for avoiding infections and perfect to be used for massage. Proven that coconut oil has a longer shelf life and it is less expensive than most other options. Because of the many benefits of this oil, it is a clear choice for most people.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is considered a good option for most people who do not like the greasy feel at all during massage. It is non-comedogenic and is commonly used in many skin care products. Jojoba does not feel oily and tends not to stain sheets or clothing. A well-absorbed and odorless oil, Jojoba is a preferred carrier oil for aromatherapy. Jojoba oil absorbs slowly into the skin, giving you longer massage workability. It has a longer shelf life and does not go rancid easily. However, Jojoba oil is more pricey than other massage oils.
Jojoba oil has healing properties which can effectively soothe away muscle aches and pains. It is not irritating to the skin, making this very suitable for people with sensitive skin. It has antibacterial properties that can help reduce redness and rashes therefore making this a good option for people prone to back acne.
Almond Oil
Compared with other oils, Sweet Almond is one of the most popular massage oils. It is non allergenic and a perfect base ingredient especially if you are using it as massage oil. It is a light oil with a pleasantly mild scent and is easily absorbed which does not call for frequent application. This oil allows smooth gliding massage motions and is well suited for whole body massage.
Sweet almond oil can help protect skin from damaging UV rays, and helps to prevent and repair stretch marks. It promotes relaxation and has mild pain-relieving benefits, making ideal for to massage over sore muscles. This oil is also rich in Linoleic acid, mono unsaturated fatty acids and providing wonderful regenerative properties, vitamins, minerals and proteins that help to soften, soothe, nourish and revitalise the skin. This natural, anti-ageing and deep moisturizing oil is very versatile and works for most skin types. Do avoid this oil if you have nut allergies.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed Oil is a great carrier oil, it is lightweight and non-comedogenic and can be mixed with different essential oils to get the best blend or be used on its own. Grapeseed is excellent for undiluted use or for creating a variety of therapeutic oils. The oil glides easily over the body and the natural properties leave the skin nourished and supple as well. An added benefit of using Grape Seed Oil is that the skin is not left with a greasy feeling afterwards.
Grapeseed oil is a popular soothing massage oil, whether on its own or blended with other oils, because of its light texture, easy absorption and intense moisturizing properties. Its subtle aroma does not overpower other additives blended with it for massage. This oil is not only fragrance-free, but also absorbs very well and helps to transfer the benefits of essential oils through the skin with ease.
Grapeseed oil leaves the skin feeling glossy and soft. It has many nutritional benefits for the skin, thanks to its high content of Vitamin E and linoleic acid. There is a distinct silky feeling after a Grapeseed oil massage which makes this oil worthwhile for using.
WHAT ARE THE POPULAR MASSAGE OIL FUNCTIONS?
Why we need a massage? Massages are much more than just relaxing and enjoyment. As a matter of fact, our natural instincts turn to them in moments of need especially when we are in pain. But not every massage has to be a treatment of a problem. Massage just feels good and it is not necessary that you only need a massage when you have a problem.
We all know that essential oils have various properties all instituting different effects. Tea Tree and lemon are uplifting, Chamomile and Lavender are calming, Eucalyptus and Rosemary are energizing and the list goes on. While being massaged, these essential oil molecules that we inhaled will affect the chemicals in our brain and bloodstream setting positive thoughts, feelings and mental state by affecting the limbic system which is linked to the emotions. When our body is under stress, it produces unhealthy levels of stress hormone called cortisol and this can contribute to various health issues. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease cortisol levels in the body enabling the body to enter a recovery mode. Aromatherapy massage is proven to trigger lasting feelings of relaxation, reduced stress levels, improved mood and alleviate depression.
We have heard of massaging to lose weight. Yes. Massage can make your weight loss journey a more positive endeavor. The most important factor contributing to the effectiveness of your weight loss efforts is metabolism. According to a study, full body massage increases blood circulation and flow and this could help release toxins and improve metabolism. Of course this must be done regularly. It is also a known fact that Grapefruit essential oil helps to break down body fat and increases metabolism. Massaging your stomach with Green Herbology Grapefruit massage oil may help reduce belly fat and waist circumference. Our Grapefruit massage oil improves digestion process and also helps to reduce appetite after a massage.
Having said all these, most people turn to massage when they are in aches or pain. May it be headache, migraine, joint pain, muscle strains or back pain, massage do decreases all these soreness to a certain extent. Massage keeps our muscles tuned up, eliminates the tension before it progresses into an injury and reduces the delayed onset of a more serious ailment. Aromatherapy massage encourages fluid and energy flow in our body therefore alleviates discomfort, pains, muscle spasms or tension and strained muscles.
Sleep problems are becoming a serious health issue as it can show both immediate and long-term ill effects. Inadequate of sleep can lead to stress, fatigue, tension and headache. Turning to sleeping pills as remedy should not even be the last resort due to the detrimental side effects these pills can cause. Aromatherapy Massage is a natural therapy that has been used to assist in relaxation and promote sleep. Massage increases the flow of energy and sedative essential oils are commonly used for this purpose.
The medicinal principles from essential oils will get to the blood circulation during massage and provide relief from stress and other physical and mental illnesses. Lavender has long been the essential oil for relaxation and sedation. It is one of the safest oils which help with calming the mind and promoting sleep through its unique properties.
In a nutshell, studies have proven that aromatherapy massage often report better sleep and reduction of muscle pain. Isn’t this a better investment than a massage equipment?
MASSAGE OILS VERSUS LOTIONS IN DAILY SKIN-CARE ROUTINE
Whether we should use massage oil instead of lotions in our daily skincare routine is very much debatable. To start off with, the biggest misconception about oils for the skin is our assumption that it is too oily and that we will end up feeling and looking greasy before we actually put it into use. If you spend more time to massage body oils into your skin, it will get absorbed easily without the greasy feeling. And another untrue fact is that it clogs our pores. Do bear in mind that hydration is crucial especially in colder and drier weather or rather very dependable on age factor. But we need to make choices, the right choice of course, should we be using body massage oils or lotions? Which is better? There is a purpose for both of these products. Use it when and what your skin needs.
Body massage oils provide tons of benefits that help to moisturize the skin deep inside. Oil absorbs easily into the skin, and is super ideal for repairing dry and rough skin. Dry skin is when you don’t have enough oil on your face; dehydrated skin is when you don’t have enough water in your skin. However, to avoid unwanted skin issues, it is important to understand the ingredients that both oil and cream support. Some massage oil can calm down redness and rashes especially those with anti-inflammatory properties. Light formulations are excellent for everyday use. Just keep in mind that a small amount goes a long way.
Lotions are a mixture of oil and water and typically work better for dry skin. Oils are best at locking in moisture due to their occlusive nature and they will work better when skin is wet. Immediately after a shower, oil is best used to seal in hydration. Lotions, on the other hand, are often better at penetrating skin because they are partly water-based, and can deliver ingredients that improve the ability of skin to maintain moisture.
As we get older, our skin and its functions start to deteriorate and longing more for water and perhaps oil, because they function differently. Do remember that when your skin is dehydrated, it means you need to repair it with water and not oil. Then again we need to understand that water evaporates. Therefore oil is essential and should be the last step in your skincare routine. Ultimately, using either one will provide the same moisturizing goodness to the skin and boils down to your skin type. But, if you want to go the extra mile, having both in your routine will give your skin all the goodness it deserves.
WHY AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE IS NOT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do check with your doctor if any kind of massage is safe for you. Generally, massage might not be advisable during pregnancy. The reason is being that many essential oils are unsafe for pregnant women because they are not healthy for the mother or baby. There are concerns that essential oils can cross over into the placenta and result in fetus harm. Moreover, certain massage techniques and trigger points in the body can cause contractions and premature labour. They might also cause certain issues such as blood pressure effects or uterine contractions. Though prenatal massage is specifically designed for pregnant women, pregnancy massage may still have some risks, therefore it is best to avoid during pregnancy.
WHAT IS OIL MASSAGE TECHNIQUE?
Although oil massage is best done by a masseuse, massaging yourself can also be very effective, though it may not be satisfying. Otherwise you can learn the techniques and massage your partner with massage oils. Such a way you can give and receive beneficial massages at home without any professional training. Here are simple methods that can guide you along the way.
First and foremost, set a soothing atmosphere. It is important to create a conducive environment for the purpose of deep relaxation. Try turning off overhead lights or closing the blinds. You might also want to burn some incense or play some soft music and ensure there is no distraction.
Apply the massage oil to the whole body. Let the oil be absorbed through the skin for a while, say about five minutes. Massage oil enables hands to be easily glided over skin and provide a smoother and more comfortable feel. Be sure to rub the oil between your hands to warm it before putting it on your partner’s skin.
Start massaging the back lightly by making a soft, light circular motion with your palms and fingers. You may need to focus on this area a little longer. You may use kneading technique to apply pressure on the larger muscles present on both sides of the spine. Applying friction to areas with adhesions, on the shoulders and lower back especially, is very effective in working more deeply and creating a relieving, enjoyable massage.
Next, knead the neck and shoulders with your thumbs gently, making sure to go deeply into the muscles. In sensitive areas such as the heart or stomach, use gentle pressure with soft motions of your finger, preferably circular motion. Stomach area should spend more time especially if dealing with bloated problem. This is the best time to debloat with your massage technique and massage oil. Massage the face, temple, forehead and face gently by using your fingers, making sure that the oil does not get into the eyes.
Next, gently massage the top of the scalp by applying soft pressure with your thumbs. Use the fingertips to massage the temples in slow circular motion. Do remember to use circular massage movements on the head, chest, abdomen and joints, and kneading movements in front of the legs, arms and back. Every time there are nerve endings, such as the palms and soles of the feet, use additional oil, and spend more time massaging these areas.
End the massage with some of the same long, light strokes you began with. Once you have finished, offer your partner and yourself a glass of water—hydrating after a massage helps flush any impurities that were released in the body. You may want to rest a while before taking a shower after a long massage. A hot shower immediately after the massage will increase blood flow. This could cause dizziness and on top of that showering immediately after a massage will wash off the healing oils used before they can really get absorbed into the skin cells.
We have a video link here capturing all the benefits of our Wintergreen Massage Oil. Please click to enjoy ……………….
A MASSAGE IS ALL THAT YOU NEED
A long and stressful day is inevitable in today’s busy lifestyle. When stress adds up, your body devitalizes and sends signals of tension headaches, body pains, extreme tiredness and even your face will show by displaying dehydrated skin, fine lines and unexpected spots. This is the time massage will come into action and provides you with all the comfort and health benefits you need. Massage oils come with different range and formulation, there are oils for soreness, pain, warmth and stress that will make your life easier and leave you feeling relaxed and relieved.
Aromatherapy massage is the right solution regardless of the severity of any ailments and injuries. Please remember that when you choose aromatherapy, you are avoiding potentially risky and harmful drugs which can ultimately lead to serious issues or probable fatalities. Aromatherapy is completely natural and only derived from natural ingredients.
Green Herbology has a collection of massage oils which you may want to try. All our oils are therapeutic grade and packed with natural ingredients. Our carrier oils are pure and natural vegetable oils, non comedogenic and safe to be used on all skin types. Our essential oils are also pure and authentic and are steam distilled to retain their aromatic and medicinal compounds. Both our carrier and essential oils do possess therapeutic properties in their own right.
Our massage oils are blended with different essential oils and carrier oils, specially formulated to cater for different types of ailments, pains, or discomfort that you may have. Not only this, our oils are also designed to boost various aspects of your mood. Whether you have joint pains, sore muscles, headaches, anxiety, depressed or even if you need relief for dry, itchy skin—we have the right massage oil that can definitely provide you with some serious relief and of course much benefits. Your body needs a massage to renew itself and reverse the effects of all the stressors or pains.
Please click on the link below to discover the remedy which will definitely fix all your health problems naturally.
Phew! To say I’m so relieved would be such an understatement especially after I read that we could apply coconut oil to alleviate any kind of muscle discomfort as well. I just had such a busy week at the office and my only mission this weekend is to rejuvenate my body. I suppose I should make a reservation with a massage parlor to ensure I get well-pampered.
hi dear. thank you 🙂