Aromatherapy centers around holistic medicine that utilizes extracts from natural plants for health and wellbeing. Many massage therapists apply aromatic essential oils medicinally combined with their massage techniques to improve their client's physical and emotional health.
Aromatherapy massage is the type of Swedish massage that uses essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). Its main focus is relaxation and mindfulness. During an aromatherapy massage, you both inhale these essential oil molecules and absorb them through your skin. Its main focus is relaxation and mindfulness.
This massage will treat all areas of the body most prone to stress and tension, such as the back, shoulders and neck, along with the upper and lower legs, arms and hands. The blend of incredible oils and the luxurious massage will send you into complete relaxation, and you'll leave feeling renewed.
Remain Fully Clothed You'll be happy to know that you can head to your massage fully clothed. If you opt for this route, consider the clothes you want to wear and what might or might not work. It's best to leave heavy fabrics, such as denim or wool, at home and choose lighter clothes that are thin and form-fitting.
This massage will treat all areas of the body most prone to stress and tension, such as the back, shoulders and neck, along with the upper and lower legs, arms and hands. The blend of incredible oils and the luxurious massage will send you into complete relaxation, and you'll leave feeling renewed.
It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.
Whether you receive an oil massage, aromatherapy, or reflexology, the answer is to not shower before a massage or after. Leave a few hour buffer period before doing so. When in the shower or a bath, the surface of the skin has increased blood circulation, which after a massage can lead to surface congestion.
Which spa treatment is the best?
Wearing a normal bra that is easily unclipped will allow the therapist to access your back. You can keep your bra on, but ideally you'll allow the therapist to unclip it, or you'll unclip it for them. Therapists can work around bra's if kept on, but it's not ideal.
It is not important to shave before a massage. Your therapist doesn't care or even notice. The only exception to this rule is if you are having Kinesio Taping, then you must do it 24 hours in advance to avoid skin irritation. If less than 24 hours, use clippers only.
One of the pros of aromatherapy is that it has few side effects, however, one of the cons is the fact that you can have an allergic reaction. Some people are also very sensitive to the smell and cannot use it. Another downside to using aromatherapy is that many of the oils are not pure.
What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage Therapist
Remain Fully Clothed You'll be happy to know that you can head to your massage fully clothed. If you opt for this route, consider the clothes you want to wear and what might or might not work. It's best to leave heavy fabrics, such as denim or wool, at home and choose lighter clothes that are thin and form-fitting.
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We advise that you wear something comfy and stretchy on the legs, e.g. leggings or joggers, and avoid wearing belts, jeans, trousers/shorts without any stretch or lots of pockets (unless you require deep tissue work on the legs, then shorts or underwear will be necessary).
It's best to leave heavy fabrics, such as denim or wool, at home and choose lighter clothes that are thin and form-fitting. Some suitable options include t-shirts, tank tops, shorts or sports bras. Even if you prefer to cover up, make sure you've considered the limitations placed on your massage therapist.
Dr. Block advises against diffusing lavender and tea tree oils because of the potential complications, particularly in children and teens. Pregnant women and people who have hormone-related medical conditions such as diabetes should talk to their doctors before using essential oils topically or with a diffuser.
Inhalation is arguably the safest means of administering essential oils, and it's the fastest way to get essential oils into your bloodstream. However, it's still critical to use oils with caution… even when diffusing. When diffusing essential oils, always: Diffuse in a well-ventilated area.
A therapist is still able to perform a high quality massage even if their client is asleep. It's not rude, nor does it insult them in anyway. In fact, sleeping through a massage is a compliment to the therapist. Falling asleep tells them you are relaxed and comfortable and enjoying the time on their table.
What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage Therapist
Take It All Off (Or Don't) For massages and body treatments, ideally you disrobe completely (that means underwear, too). Most spas offer paper panties to wear during body treatments (like scrubs, wraps, or self-tanning)—they don't cover much, but enough to provide a modicum of modesty.
Spas want their guests to be as comfortable as possible, so non-restrictive garments - such as yoga bottoms, lounge pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies - are encouraged at most resorts. Trainers and sports shoes are often allowed too, but their use is likely to be restricted to dry areas, for hygiene reasons.
Spas want their guests to be as comfortable as possible, so non-restrictive garments (such as yoga bottoms, lounge pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies) are encouraged at most resorts. If you are staying at one of our luxury spa hotels, there may be a dress code for the restaurant.
If you tend to get sleepy from a massage, you should have it as late in the day as possible so that you can just go home afterwards. If you don't want massage to take time out of your day, you can get one early in the morning. It will help you to feel rejuvenated.
The Proper Rules and Etiquette for Getting a Massage
For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You'll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you'll never have to uncover anything you'd rather not.
You'll want to strip down to just your undies. Take off your bra—it'll get in the way of the back massage and who can relax with underwire poking you anyway? Also, if it's just an upper body massage, you can leave your socks on, otherwise, slip them off so the therapist can work on your soles.
You'll want to strip down to just your undies. Take off your bra—it'll get in the way of the back massage and who can relax with underwire poking you anyway? Also, if it's just an upper body massage, you can leave your socks on, otherwise, slip them off so the therapist can work on your soles.
Currently, there is no evidence-backed research showing any illnesses that can be cured through the use of essential oils or the practice of aromatherapy. The results on the other possible benefits of essential oils as, for example, mood elevators or stress relievers, are more mixed. But most are still inconclusive.
After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.
Whether you receive an oil massage, aromatherapy, or reflexology, the answer is to not shower before a massage or after. Leave a few hour buffer period before doing so. When in the shower or a bath, the surface of the skin has increased blood circulation, which after a massage can lead to surface congestion.
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy?
Spas want their guests to be as comfortable as possible, so non-restrictive garments - such as yoga bottoms, lounge pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies - are encouraged at most resorts. Trainers and sports shoes are often allowed too, but their use is likely to be restricted to dry areas, for hygiene reasons.