Body and Mind Massage, Self Massage and Sensual Massage

Essential oils are uniquely placed to be of use in massage. They are light and penetrating and contain the essence or soul of the plant, its personality and healing properties.

Because massage is a development of the natural urge to touch a painful part of the body, we can all make a start with a little care and energy. We all have the power to heal with our hands to some degree, and it is something we can develop. Being in a calm state of mind helps. Pleasant surroundings and atmosphere aid concentration and relaxation.

Massage provides us with the most beneficial method of absorbing essential oils into the body. We always use essential oils added to a carrier oil. The basic carrier, or vegetable oil. Lubricates the skin and reduces the friction of dry hands on dry skin. But more importantly, the carrier oil dilutes the concentrated essential oils and aids their absorption into the skin, tissues and bloodstream. Simply by massaging the back, or any large area of the body, we can introduce enough essence into the body, in dilution, to have a remedial effect.

Some Simple Massage Blends

1. Carrier oil for general use:

• Grape seed, or almond oil with 5% wheatgerm oil.

2. Tight muscles:

• Lavender 2 drops
• Rosemary 2 drops
• Juniper 2 drops
• Carrier oil 2 teaspoons

3. Relaxing:

• Lavender 2 drops
• Geranium 1 drop
• Marjoram 1 drop
• Petigrain 2 drops
• Carrier oil 2 teaspoons

4. Tonic Aphrodisiac:

• Bergamot 2 drops
• Ylang Ylang 1 drop
• Rosewood 2 drops
• Sandalwood 1 drop
• Carrier oil 2 teaspoons

• Self Massage

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  Self massage is used when stress and tension are building up in the muscles and there is no-one to massage the spots of tightness. First get in touch with your own body. Begin to develop the sense of touch in your hands with your body, its moods and tensions. The simplest self massage works to stimulate the nerves, glands and circulation in the arms and legs. Mix a fragrant, stimulating oil and massage to increase circulation. Use a relaxing blend to reduce tiredness and tension. Self massage is also based on Oriental techniques like shiatsu where “points” on the acupuncture meridians or pathways are pressed to unblock energy in different parts of the body.

• Foot massage

  The soles of the feet contain many points corresponding to parts of the body. Massage your feet to increase circulation then use thumb and finger pressures to stimulate the points.

• Neck press

  To restore alertness press the back of the neck with your fingers and the nape of the neck with the thumbs. Start at the top and work down to the shoulders. This can be done while sitting at work, to relieve fatigue and tension.

• Shoulder squeeze

  Dissolve tension in the neck and shoulder area by squeezing the flesh between the shoulder and neck.

• When the body feels heavy

  Use the bulb of the thumb to press the right carotid artery then the left several times. Begin at the jaw and work down to the clavicle. This stimulates fresh blood flow and quick relief. Press the temples with three fingers to relieve mental fatigue.

• Sensual Massage

  Any massage can be sensual depending on the state of mind of the two people involved. The emphasis here is on relaxation, enjoyment and awareness of touch. Many parts of the body are erogenous and respond to caressing and stroking. The focus is on the skin and its sensations and adapting the essential oils to a sensual purpose.

The essential oils extracted from certain plants are nature’s way of making us feel relaxed. Essences work directly on the brain through the sense of smell and can produce feelings of arousal, warmth and stimulation. The seductive aroma of the massage blends can inspire lovemaking.

A fragrant atmosphere Is the best beginning for a sensual massage.

Create a calming and romantic feeling with erotic essential oils. Use an erotic essence in your oil vaporizer. Scent your sheets with your own special blend.

Some of the erotic essences are ylang ylang, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cedarwood, neroli, clary sage, patchouli and vetivert. Try them in your oil vaporizer or massage blend.

For the massage, prepare the carrier oil in the usual way. The essences added to the carrier will be erotic, opening oils that work to release emotional blocks and inhibitions.

Sensual Massage Blends

For Men:

• Sandalwood 2 drops
• Bergamot 2 drops
• Patchouli 1 drop
• Carrier oil 2 teaspoons

For Women:

• Jasmine 1 drop
• Rose 1 drop
• Sandalwood 2 drops
• Carrier oil 2 teaspoons