The fact that massage oils aid in relaxation can be attested by a majority of individuals who have been to a health spa. In addition, if you’ve ever gone to a nail salon, one of the services they provide is a free ten-minute back and neck massage. It’s wonderful, isn’t it?
But the one massage that totally relaxes you is the hand massage given during the manicure process. The professional puts lotion on your hands and targets specific points that literally relieve all tension, right? That’s because he or she has been trained in reflexology, a method whereby applying pressure to specific reflex points in your hands can restore the energy in your body and provide a perfect balance within.
Taking it a step further, the use of massage oils can increase the relaxation process tenfold. Let’s face it; we are all under pressure either from work or at home. Stress builds up and we become tired, lethargic, and unable to deal with the everyday problems we normally face. Using massage oils has been known to release tension. At the same time, it strengthens the immune system, relaxes muscles, and improves circulation. This in turn is thought to reinforce the Qi (pronounced kee) or energy levels in our bodies.
Massage therapy or aromatherapy has been used since the days of Cleopatra, and there is no denying that it promotes health, healing, and a sense of immeasurable calm. We also know that specific oils may regenerate skin cells, can be used as exfoliants, and – on a practical note – may clear up those dry areas of the body that are often affected during winter months.
Using massage oils as a catalyst for relaxation also creates a feeling of wellbeing. As an example, the scent of specific massage oils may trigger a memory or recollection from the past. Have you ever passed by an ice cream store and the aroma of the cone brought back a pleasant memory from your childhood? Well, massage oils have the same affect.
Massage oils seem to induce feelings of warmth, familiarity, and soothing comfort. Depending upon what type of fragrant oil you prefer, each one has its own specific characteristic that can not only relax, but also improve your mood, dissipate stress, put you to sleep, or energize you.
From the time of Cleopatra, who used to bathe in milk and rose petals, there is no doubt that massage oils have been proven to act as aides in relaxation, contribute to overall wellbeing, and alleviate pain and discomfort.
