AROMA MASSAGE DO’S & DONT’S
In basic terms, massage is a way of stroking the body, with variations in the length and depth of strokes. However, you should always direct firm strokes towards the heart, which will benefit circulation.
Long-flowing massage strokes with little pressure on the body is soothing and relaxing. This type of movement is called effleurage. It is done with the whole hand using gentle, even force and is often used to start and finish a massage.
Patting or tapping the skin with your fingers quickly and slowly is stimulating and helps to increase blood flow. This is called tapotement. It is usually done on small areas such as the forehead, cheeks and neck.
Petrissage involves squeezing and releasing a muscle or part of a muscle group. An excellent example of this kind of movement is kneading dough. It is mainly done with both hands, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. Petrissage helps strengthen muscle fibre, remove waste products and ease fatigue.
There’s another type of massage movement called friction which creates just that it involves rubbing the hands backwards and forwards across an area and is very warming and stimulating to the tissues. Rubbing our hands quickly together on a freezing winter day is an excellent example of how friction can work.
A professional aromatherapist uses mainly effleurage and works on pressure points with some frictions and petrissage. Still, there is no reason why you can’t vary the movement if you decide to try giving a simple massage. You don’t need to be an expert to provide a soothing massage to family or friends. You’ll probably be in demand once you’ve learned a few basic movements,
DO’S AND DONT’S
Massage is a gentle healing art suitable for babies and older people. However, there are certain times or conditions when it should be avoided (for example, when the person has just eaten a heavy meal). Often, this means leaving out a body area but use your common sense and leave well done if unsure.
DO NOT MASSAGE
• Any infected area
• A person who is feverish or has a raised temperature.
• Over an area where varicose veins are present
• Over any unusual swelling or inflammation
• Bruised or broken skin
BEFORE MASSAGING DO
• Check with the person about to be massaged whether any of the above apply.
• Make sure the room is warm enough
• Warm your hands before massaging-cold hands are a real shock. Not a good way to begin!