This is in continuation to the previous articles:
AROMA THERAPY (Part-I), AROMA THERAPY (Part-II), AROMA THERAPY (Part-III) ,AROMA THERAPY (Part-IV)

MENTAL PREPARATION

As you prepare the room, light the candle burner and add the oils to clear any negative energy that might be in the area. Take a deep breath, relax for a few minutes and concentrate on your breathing. As you breathe in, visualise taking in heaps of clean oxygenated air. As you breathe out, visualise your muscles relaxing as you expel the carbon dioxide with all your stuff of the day. Visualise it leaving your body and being dispelled by the burning light of the candle. Visualise putting any pressing problems you have into a drawer and closing it, leaving your mind relaxed and present in the moment for the massage.

GUIDELINES WHEN USING ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils are highly concentrated. It is important to follow the dosages recommended. More is not better. On the contrary, it can have an adverse effect. The difference in the effect between one drop and two drops can be substantial.

GENERAL CAUTIONS

Do not take internally

Keep out of reach of children

Avoid using essential oils near eyes and other sensitive areas

Always read the precautions on the bottle before using

Use only 100% pure essential oils

Keep oils away from any naked flame

Store oils well sealed in a cool, dark place

Never use neat

SPECIAL CAUTIONS

 Avoid the following essential oils during pregnancy: basil, cedar aurantiumwood, clary sage, clove bud, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, matioram, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.

Do not use essential oils on newborn babies.

Some oils can cause photo-sensitization of the skin, increasing the risk of sunburn. These include bergamot, ginger, lemon, lemon verbena, lime, mandarin and orange.

The following oils should not be used on sensitive skins: basil, fennel, lemongrass, lemon, lemon verbena, Melissa, orange, peppermint, thyme.

Avoid sage, thyme, cypress and rosemary oil if there is any possibility of high blood pressure, epilepsy or kidney disease.

If having to drive a long matioram or ylang they can cause drowsiness.

If prone to epilepsy do not use fennel, rosemary or sage.

BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

The purpose of aromatherapy massage is to aid the penetration of essential oils into the body and to treat problem areas. Massage can be stimulating or relaxing depending on the oils used and the technique applied.

It is an effective way to relieve stress, anxiety and tension. Aromatherapy massage combines the balancing properties of the essential oils with the relaxing benefits of touch.

As the oils are absorbed into the skin and the muscles relax, the therapeutic benefits manifest. Psychologically, massage promotes a wonderful feeling of lightness and wellbeing. Massage is a valuable gift to give a friend -it not only soothes the mind and body but it has numerous other benefits. A good aromatherapy massage will:

Increase metabolism

Speed up the healing process

Enhance the removal of toxins

Increase muscle and joint mobility

Improve skin tone

Aid relaxation by calming the nervous system

Improve circulation of blood and lymph

Relieve mental and physical tiredness

Reduce aches, pains, spasms and stiffness

Improve digestion.

I believe aromatherapy works in a holistic way addressing the mind, body and soul. The main benefits come from the pleasant fragrances, which have a positive psychological effect.

Distance after a massage, do not use clary sage.