Magic Hands Therapies

 

Massage, Aromatherapy and Stress

Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it.

It is crucial to slow down and respond positively to the events of our times. You can’t prevent stress, but there is much you can do to deflect its effects. A good start is a good massage.

Massage: One of the safest, most effective ways to manage your stress

There are many benefits to massage. In relation to stress, Massage has been found to greatly improve your capability to relax on your own, as the feeling of relaxation becomes familiar. It can also:

• Reduce mental stress, and help to create a calm mind
• Improve your ability to monitor stress signals
• Increase mental clarity
• Satisfy the need for nurturing and touch
• Reduce anxiety, depression, confusion, anger, insomnia and the incidence of stress related headaches
• Enhance body-mind awareness
• Create a feeling of well-being and harmony
• Enhance coping skills 

MANAGING STRESS IN BETWEEN MASSAGE SESSIONS:

You can get more out of your massage if you participate in managing your stress in between sessions. Here are some things to try:

Practice focussed relaxation.

Bike, jog ... or just take a 10 minute walk.

Laugh. Watch comedies and read.

Take a warm shower, stretching your neck and shoulders .

Power Nap: even if it’s only for ten minutes, you will still benefit.

Talk to your family or friends about your concerns.

Take your breaks at work. Get outside or do simple stretches for 10 minutes.

Set  boundaries at home and work.

Relieve yourself of responsibilities that don't feel right anymore.

Take action to change situations that are worrying you.

Make a list of all the things in life you are grateful.

Take a weekend, or even a morning, away from obligations .

Have an aromatherapy bath using your favourite oils (see the essential oil chart for relaxing oils).

Practice Deep Body Breathing.

Try new things, like a new, nutritious and tasty food.

Honour a time and space for your own relaxation. Regular massage is a great way to develop this nurturing habit.

If you feel that stress threatens to overwhelm you, seek the advise of a medical practitioner or counsellor.

USING AROMATHERAPY TO HELP RELEIVE THE SYSTEMS OF STRESS

If you feel that you are under stress, the following oils may be of assistance to you.  Please remember to use only pure, 100% high-quality essential oils. Ask your massage therapist for more information about sources to obtain quality oils.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR RELAXATION

·          Geranium

·          Rose

·          Neroli (orange blossom)

·          Lavender

·          Lemongrass

·          Basil

·          Roman chamomile

*All of the above oils must be diluted in a base oil or lotion before use.

Base oils include almond, walnut, grapeseed, coconut and cold pressed olive oil. (Avoid baby lotion and Vaseline as these are petroleum based and have very little therapeutic value).

Lotions may include Shea butter, cocoa butter, sorbolene, vitamin E cream

WAYS TO USE YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS

Self-massage. Make your own personalized oil, by blending neroli and geranium, or lavender and lemongrass, in a base oil (see above). It’s also nice to add a few drops of basil to either of these blends.

 

Baths. Add 10 drops of lavender, Roman chamomile or rose to a warm tub—and swish! (TIP: To help with dispersion, combine the oils with a cup of milk, then add the oils to a fully drawn bath).

 

Diffusers. A diffuser is a special device to dispense essential oils into the air without altering their components. Use as directed. Alternatively, you can add oils to an oil burner or add drops of oils to a bowl of water placed on a radiator or in an air conditioning vent. Try the blends listed above.

 

Note: Tell your massage therapist if there is an essential oil you particularly like. He or she may have it available to add to the oil used during your session.