Aromatherapy Oils and Massage

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils to improve health and wellbeing, is nothing new. Ancient Egyptians already used essential oils both as a medicine and as part of complex cosmetic products and makeup. One of the most popular ways of enjoying the benefits of aromatherapy is, without a doubt, massage.

The first thing to know about aromatherapy oils for skin is that a little goes a long way. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin, as you risk causing irritation or even an allergic reaction. Also, some oils such as cinnamon oil are contraindicated for skin use as they are powerful irritants, so you should never use them as part of an aromatherapy massage blend. Knowing where to legitimately source aromatherapy oils will help you make sure you are using the real thing, instead of some chemically produced fragrance oil with a similar scent.

Carrier oils are vegetable oils used to both dilute and stabilize massage oils, making them safe to be used on skin. They also have additional properties, which enhance the effect of the essential oils used. For example, avocado carrier oil is a rich moisturizer with anti-ageing properties, which makes it perfect on massage blends for tired or aging skin. You could combine it with rose essential oil to increase the anti-aging benefits and help the person receiving the massage relax.

You do not need to be an expert to give a massage, as there are many sources of recipes for aromatherapy oils, but it is important to make sure that both you and the person receiving the massage are not allergic to any of the blend components, including the carrier oil. If you want to increase the effects of an aromatherapy massage it is important to set up the right environment. Using the right kind of music can go a long way towards making the recipient feel relaxed and enjoy the experience.

Essential oils for skin can be used to enhance the massage experience and provide health benefits, and in some cases they can even improve some skin and neuromuscular conditions and increase the effectiveness of some traditional treatments. The best oils for skin are those extracted from plants grown organically and not blended with artificial substances that can prove harmful to the skin.

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