Lavender Aromatherapy
Lavender Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy plays a bigger role in your life than you might actually think. Think about how much you enjoy your favorite body lotions, soaps, candles and fragrances. How do they make you feel? Do you breathe them in and give a big sigh because it makes you feel better? The soothing scents of lavender mixed with a warm hint of vanilla can soothe the savage beast. All those scents that you like come together to create different moods.
The use of aromatherapy has had a long and glorious history with mankind. The actual word was not coined until the 1920’s by a French chemist, but there have always been essential oils used for a variety of purposes. We now see these oils being used in body lotions, soaps, candles and even when indulging in a spa massage. The goal of the masseuse is to find a scent that achieves its purpose. Take, for example, a therapist using lavender to soothe and calm someone who is under a lot of stress.
Our sense of smell drives us and influences our behavior. Think about a freshly baked pumpkin pie. Now, if that image was reinforced by the smell of a pumpkin pie, then it will probably make you hungry for a slice. Our sense of smell plays a huge part in everything we do. Aromatherapy is about using pleasing scents to change your behavior and mood. If you think about it, then consider your reaction to a foul smell.
Scientists and the medical profession are now embracing the fact that an aromatherapist can work wonders on a person’s psychological well-being. If the body is relaxed and free of tension, then the mind will follow. Perhaps these discoveries will help influence mental health professionals when dealing with individuals who are Bipolar or suffer from depression.
Aromatherapy is here to stay. Each time we breathe in and smell something that changes our mood or changes the body’s response to certain stimuli, we are embracing the concept. Considering how long the practice has been used and how long mankind has responded to these scents, it is fairly certain that there will be continued use for a variety of treatments. Perhaps one day medical science will be able to reproduce those calming effects that lavender and vanilla have on the human body.
Guide to Massages
Have you ever worked really hard out in your yard and felt stiff the next day? The stiffness is from your muscles. It happens if the area was not properly warmed up before physical exertion. You probably already know about the healing work of a body massage. The massage therapist works the muscles to allow them to relax. When the muscles relax, the pain and stiffness evaporates. Massages have long been given to help the body recover. There are different types though.
Once you go into your appointment you will be asked to undress and the masseuse will drape cloth over your body to cover strategic areas. He or she will then ask you what type of essential oil you would like used during your session. When choosing from the different massage oils, you should pick one that you like regardless of what the recommended uses are. Next on the agenda is for the masseuse to inform you about the types of massages you can have, such as a sports massage, a therapeutic massage, or maybe a Swedish massage.
There are a few massage techniques that seem to be more popular than others. These massage techniques are: Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, Stone massage, and a sports massage. Each technique employs different hand pressure, working the muscle differently and may use different types of hand movements. The first three types can be found in most spas and resorts, whereas the sports massage is generally used by physical therapists and massage therapists working with athletes who have strained their muscles during their sport or have become injured.
A stone massage is very interesting in that hot rocks, not hot enough to burn the skin, are placed in different areas along your body. The heat and pressure from the stones seep into the muscles causing them to relax. This type, combined with other techniques, can give you a total bodywork massage that will leave you very relaxed and ready to tackle any other challenges that may come your way.
Massages and the essential oils used during the session can sometimes have a side effect. During a massage, toxins are released from the tense muscles. As well, sometimes the massage can do more harm than good if you are not use to a certain pressure and massage technique. You need to be aware of both issues and of the potential problems. Do not have the therapist press too hard during the massage. Drink plenty of water afterwards to help flush the toxins from your system. If you follow these two steps, then you can help head off any unwanted side effects.
