Everyone knows a massage can be relaxing but do you really know the main benefits and effects it can have on your body? Here are just a few of the most common benefits:
Here are just a few of the most common benefits:
- Reduces Muscular aches and pains
- Improves Joint mobility and Flexibility
- Reduces and eliminates pain
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves lymphatic drainage
Research shows that massage can balance the Autonomic Nervous System which controls and coordinates all of the body’s automatic responses such as digestion, breathing, immune response and circulatory flow.
It is divided into two parts, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. Between them, they ensure that the body can function and remain balanced despite the many internal and external changes constantly affecting the body. Our Sympathetic nervous system energizes the body preparing us for action, while our Parasympathetic calms and normalises the body, restoring it to perfect equilibrium.
In a healthy person, both branches of this system will function with minimum effort to maintain body balance. If a person is subjected to stress, whether it is physical or emotional this system will have to work harder to maintain balance. Inevitably it is the sympathetic branch that tends to dominate, as the body’s most important needs during stressful times are for energy and adrenaline to keep functioning.
Through specialised massage technique we can help bring the body back into balance by stimulating both branches of the Autonomic Nervous System.
What is an Aromatherapy Massage?
Traditional Aromatherapy body massage uses essential oils along with specific techniques to help rebalance body, mind and spirit. It was pioneered in France by the biochemist Marguerite Maury and bought to England in the 1960’s.
Traditional Aromatherapy massage differs to traditional Swedish massage in that it works primarily through the pathways of the Autonomic Nervous System. The main way to achieve these effects is through carefully applied pressures over the spinal column, cranial and sacral areas.
Is an Essential oil just an oil that has a nice smell?
Many people believe that Aromatherapy oils are just to do with nice smells. This is somewhat correct, however there is much more to it than just that.
Aromatherapy oils works in 3 ways.
1. Absorption - When applied to the skin, essential oils penetrate through the hair follicle and directly into your blood stream due to their very small molecular structure. They will last in your bloodstream for up to 8 hours still having their effect.
2. Inhalation - Every essential oil that is inhaled can have an anti-bacterial effect on your respiratory system and slowly makes its way into your blood stream having its effect.
3. Sense of Smell - Essential oils can affect your mood depending on your emotional or physical state at the time. The sense of smell is the most primitive of all our senses and is linked to some of the oldest and deepest parts of the brain. This can help you choose the correct oil for yourself just through smelling it as your body knows what it needs.
How will I feel after an Aromatherapy Massage?
You may have different experiences after an Aromatherapy Associates massage, partly due to the oils chosen and depending on your emotional or physical state at the time. Here are some of the more frequently reported reactions:
- Deep relaxation
- Energy and Euphoria
- Enhanced sense of wellbeing
- Improved sleep
- Clarity of mind/ Focus
What to use when massaging?
Aromatherapy Associates body oils are made up of high quality bases that have a natural affinity with essential oils and benefits to the skin. We have a range of oils to suit every physical and emotional need.
How to use- Apply directly to the skin after showering/bathing.
Relax Body Oil - For general relaxation, to calm the mind and to aid sleep.
De-Stress Body Oil – For aching muscles and joint pain, minor injury, poor circulation and menstrual cramping.
Revive Body Oil – For an energy boost, for a sluggish digestion and fluid retention.
Inner Strength Body Oil – For those that need an emotional and physical uplift.
Support Supersensitive Body Oil – For irritated, allergic skin prone to rashes and redness. This can even be used on babies from 3 months onwards. (Suitable during pregnancy)
Renewing Rose Body Oil – For stretch marks and dry devitalised skin. (Suitable during pregnancy)
Nourishing Enrich Body Oil – For all skin types particularly very dry and dehydrated skin. (Suitable during pregnancy)
Where to go for a massage?
Many people assume that you must take an entire day out of your busy schedule to truly enjoy a massage but this is not always true.
There is often a wide variety of urban spas just a stone’s throw away from your place of work. A quick fix massage can uplift your mood and even give you energy for the rest of your working day.
Top Tips to ensure you get the best out of your massage
- Look for a brand that you know and trust.
- Ensure you speak to your therapist before the treatment. Tell them what your concerns are, what areas you want to be concentrated on and your preferred pressure.
- Turn your phone off along with any other distractions.
- Make yourself comfortable and don’t be afraid to speak up on anything that isn’t quite right for you. Extra support under ankles or knees? Room temperature? Is the music to your taste?
- Become mindful of your breathing.
- Relax your mind by focusing on the here and now.
This is your time – MAKE IT COUNT!
Discover Aromatherapy Associates at a wide range of locations across the UK.