Massage techniques and aromatherapy

There are various techniques of massage that have been used since ancient times to heal the body and relieve stress. It can be very useful in this age of long commutes and busy lifestyles. It can also be used to treat various ailments such as sinusitis, headaches, insomnia and high blood pressure. Massage can be combined with acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy.

Types of massage

There are 4 basic techniques of massage:

drumming (percussion, tapotement
pressure (friction)
stroking (effleurage)
kneading (perissage)

Drumming

This is one of the common techniques of massage. It is done with the sides of the hand making quick, light chopping movements on the body. This technique is used on areas where there’s a lot of flesh e.g. the buttocks and shoulders.

Stroking

This is done in a slow, deliberate way using both hands together. For light pressure, the palms of the hand or the tips of the finger are used. For firmer pressure the knuckles or thumbs can be used.

Pressure

This is one of the less common techniques of massage. It is usually used for athletes and dancers who often damage their tendons and ligaments. This type of massage stimulates blood flow easing movement. Is should not be used where there is bruising or any other injury.

Kneading

This is also useful for athletes who may have an accumulation of toxins such as lactic acid in their muscles. A kneading action of grasping and squeezing the flesh is used. This stimulates blood flow to the region and helps in relaxation of muscles. Kneading is mainly used around the waist and stomach.

These techniques of massage can be used alone or in combination to achieve maximum effect.
The session can last from 20 minutes to 1 hour. It should be done on a firm comfortable table e.g. a massage table.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be used to enhance the effects of a massage. Your sense of smell is many times more powerful than your other senses. There are many different types of oils that are used to achieve different effects.

Essential oils which have a calming effect and reduce stress include:

lavender
chamomile
bergamot
sandalwood and
geranium.

Oils that are useful for menopause symptoms include the following:

heavy periods - cypress, geranium, rose
sleeplessness - neroli, lavender
depression - clary sage, rose
tiredness - basil
dry, flaky skin - avocado, wheatgerm
discomfort of the muscle and joints - juniper, lavender, rosemary
headaches - lavender, peppermint
premenstrual symptoms - lemon grass, ylang-ylang

When combined with one of these techniques of massage, the essential oil is diluted with a base oil such as soya or sweet almond oil. 20 drops of essential oil should be added to 100ml (3.3 fl oz) of base oil to achieve optimal effect.