There are a huge variety of massage oils that have different properties and qualities. These oils are the most important part of the massage therapy and contain all the good values required for healing any pain. Of course the massage techniques are equally important and if you do not have a good masseur none of the body massage oils will be as effective. But then again there are some oils that you could also use on a daily basis all by yourself to maintain a good skin and healthy body.

Choosing the right massage oil

Before choosing a massage oil the few factors that you should remember are;

• Know the exact purpose for choosing the oil. If you are looking for oil that will help you to treat cold and cough then you should choose eucalyptus oil, where as if you are looking for something that will give you a glowing skin then you should use almond oil. So the reason for the massage will determine the choice of the massage oil.
• Make sure that the oil is not too thick. The essential oil that you choose should be well diluted with carrier oil so that you have the right concentration for a massage.
• Check for any allergy or skin irritation that you might have before applying any oil on your body. If you are trying something new and are not aware of how it will react with your body then apply it on a small area and see if you have any reactions. If it is safe you could use it for a full body massage.

There are broadly two types of oils, essential oils and carrier oils.

Essential oils

Essential oils are concentrated and highly aromatic oils. They are plant extracts and natural oils that are used for various purposes massage being one of them. Here are a few popular essential oils.

Eucalyptus oil

This is one of the most effective essential oils. It has a great healing property that effectively cures any respiratory diseases and cuts and wounds.  This oil will also help you to stay warm on the winters and cool during the summer.

Lavender oil
It has a great fragrance that lifts the mood and helps to fight anxiety or depression. This oil will also help to lighten scars and sooth the skin.

Apart from these oils rosemary, peppermint, sandalwood etc are also very popular essential oils.

Carrier oils
Carrier oils are used along with essential oils to dilute the concentration and the heavy fragrance of the essential oils. Here are a few carrier oils.

Almond oil
Almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils. This oil is very good for skin it helps to retain moisture and provides a healthy glow.

Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a great carrier oil because it has healing properties of its own. People suffering from a back pain could use this oil and it is also good for people with sensitive skin.

Apart from these there are other body massage oils that are used as carrier oils, like coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, sesame oil etc.

What is shiatsu massage?

Shiatsu is a type of massage therapy that originated from Japan. The word “shiatsu” is a translation of the word “finger pressure”. It has all the qualities of the traditional Japanese manual therapies and gradually with time it has incorporated all the modern western technologies in it as well. Shiatsu massage therapy has techniques like acupuncture and anma massage that are traditional forms of therapy from Japan. This therapy was developed in Japan in the early 1900s and ever since it has grown in popularity all over the world.

What is the theory behind this massage?

The theory behind this traditional massage form of Japan is about the energy and its effect on the human body. According to them the human body is made up of energy called Qi. This energy is responsible for the smooth functioning of all our body parts. The free flow of the energy through the meridians [pathway of the energy in human body] keeps the body in good health. For any reason if there is a blockage or obstacle in the meridian then the constant flow of the energy is restricted. This is the root cause of the physical pain that we go through. The shiatsu massage concentrates on the vital points on the meridian so that the path gets clear for the energy to stream freely throughout the body and relieve any pain.

What is the process of this massage?

Just as the name suggests shiatsu involves a lot of finger pressure. Apart from the fingers, thumbs, hands, knees, palms, elbow and even knee is used to apply pressure on the vital points of the meridian to release any blockage. When you go for a session of this massage the therapist identifies the current situation of your Qi and designs the entire therapy accordingly. This therapy involves different massage techniques like kneading, tapping, stretching, pressure and soothing to unblock the points. This massage is designed to reinstate the lost balance of energy in human body.

What are the benefits of this shiatsu massage?

Here are some of the benefits that you will get from this traditional form of massage.

• Shiatsu will improve your blood circulation
• With an improved blood circulation you will feel relief from regular body pain
• This massage will provide relief from headache
• Effective for any kind of sprain or other such injuries
• Energizes people suffering from fatigue or weakness
• People suffering from arthritis will also get a lot of relief from their pain and there will also be an overall improvement in their health
• Reduces anxiety and depression by calming your senses
• Reduces stress and tension
• Improves your overall health
• Good for women who have irregular menstrual circle and menstrual pain
• Effective for people with bowel problems
• Releases stiff neck and shoulder pains
• Makes your overall movements quicker and flexible
• Effectively eliminates the pain of sinus and migraine

Apart from all these, Shiatsu massage therapy will also help you to fight insomnia so that you could sleep well at night and start the day on a fresh and energetic note.

There are hundreds of different styles and techniques of massage therapy. And, Aroma therapy is known to be the most soothing among them. Here, the masseur makes use of some oils known as essential oils. These are taken directly from plants and are known to be effective for numerous health issues. The most important among the health benefits of aromatherapy massage is relief from stress and an emotional boost. Every kind of oil features a unique health benefit. For instance, while eucalyptus makes you feel fresh and alert, the oils like lavender makes you fall asleep. But, to be able to get the most from an aromatherapy massage session, you should be well prepared to receive the treatment. Following are the things you need so that you are able to enjoy the health benefits this treatment offers.

Things you should do before the session

Take care to ensure that you do the following before going for an aromatherapy massage session.

1. Refrain from a hefty meal. You should also avoid consuming alcohol or any drink containing caffeine.
2. Make sure that you arrive a few minutes earlier for the session. Doing this would help you get settled before the treatment. Trying to rush to be on time may create trouble both for yourself and for the therapist. You may need more time to feel settled for the session.
3. You are always advised to enjoy a warm bath before having the massage. Warm water loosens the muscles increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
4. Take care to give your body enough time to relax after an aromatherapy massage session.
5. Know that aromatherapy is a form of treatment where the masseur may need to be personal with the patient. Take all measures to ensure that you are able to feel at home with the therapist. You should also share all your concerns with the masseur. If anything goes wrong, you can conclude the session at your own discretion. However, the best option is to sort out the trouble with your choice massage therapist.

Giving an aromatherapy session

Aromatherapy massage is the most sensuous experience a person can have. For this reason, this has become an all-time favorite of people who wish to give a massage to their partners at home. The massage can be done for any purpose, as a therapy or just to make the other person feel a bit pampered. Whatever is your purpose, you can try the following procedure to begin with.

1. Select the scent to be used
Know that every type of oil used for aromatherapy massage has its own purpose. It implies that the scent you select would determine the effect your partner experiences at the end of the session. Do not forget to ask your partner if he/she is allergic towards a particular smell.

2. Set the proper atmosphere in the room
When you decide to give an aromatherapy massage, you want your partner to feel relaxed and calm. Take every possible measure to ensure that the atmosphere of the room is relaxing. You can make use of candlelight instead of the usual lighting arrangement in the room.

Do not forget to do your own homework learning the proper techniques used for the same. Truly, giving an aromatherapy massage at times would definitely make the relationship stronger and lasting.