Benefits Of Aroma Face Massage For Skin And Mind

Aromatherapy face massage is a type of therapy that combines the power of essential oils with massage therapy, benefiting both the mind and the body. The massage involves alternating between gentle and harder pressure while using a particular blend of essential oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and are applied along with lotion during the massage. The benefits of an aromatherapy face massage include increased calmness and relaxation, a decrease in muscle tension, and a reduction of symptoms of depression.

Aromatherapy facial massage

Aromatherapy is a type of therapy that incorporates scented essential oils into a massage. The massage therapist alternates between gentle and harder pressure while using a particular blend of essential oils. The essential oils are diluted before use and are applied along with lotion during the massage.

When performing an aromatherapy facial massage, it is important to first observe your client and establish a beneficial treatment plan. Consider the type and depth of strokes and the principles of skincare. Do they need nourishment or cleansing? Look at their face and consider their overall appearance. Each colour reveals underlying strengths and challenges. Do they have deep or fine lines, maturing skin, rosacea, sun damage, or acne? All these clues will help determine the type of facial massage to offer.

Listen to your client's words. What is their current stress level? Are they in the middle of a stressful life transition or do they have a hectic lifestyle? These factors give information about the client's self-care and heightened skincare needs. Have they recently been ill, had surgery, or travelled internationally? These factors may reveal general depletion and immune system fatigue and indicate heightened needs for detoxification and cleansing.

The artful blending of oils first requires you to choose a base oil. A base oil is the carrier for the aromatherapy essential oil. There are many base oils available, including vegetable, flower petal, or seed oils. Always dilute your essential oils and never apply them directly to the facial skin. As a general guideline, mix 20 drops of essential oil with 2 fluid ounces of base oil or cream.

Allow a minimum of 15 minutes for the treatment. Be thorough and include the scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. Do not rush. Remember, every touch and every stroke on the face are amplified by the brain and nervous system, so approach this work in a calm, quiet, and meditative manner.

Type and depth of strokes

When offering a facial massage, you will need to incorporate a new set of skills into your session, and you will have to make choices regarding the techniques you will use. You may want to work lightly, as in lymph drainage or energy healing, or you may opt for more persuasive strokes. The type of facial massage you provide will be based on your training, scope of practice, and personal strengths.

For example, if you have been trained in Emil Vodder, Ph.D.’s manual lymph drainage techniques, you will tend to massage the face, throat, neck, décolletage, and shoulders with consideration of lymph-receptor sites and direction of flow. On the other hand, if you have an affinity for ayurvedic massage, your facial massage may incorporate marma points, which are similar to acupressure points.

The first move that should be performed on the body during a massage is called effleurage, and it should be repeated several times throughout the session. It consists of long, slow strokes that evolve from being light to being forceful in pressure. These movements will assist in enveloping the body in oil, warming the muscles, and promoting relaxation. Effleurage is the main or principle stroke that gently warms up the muscles and prepares soft tissue for deeper treatment. It also aids circulation and relaxes tense muscles.

Petrissage is a form of kneading that is performed to exercise the muscles. It should never be done on bone; only on fleshy and muscular parts of the body is appropriate for this procedure. It is similar to kneading dough since it involves raising, stretching, or squeezing of the muscles with the hands or fingertips in a gentle, rhythmic manner. This is a more advanced exercise that relieves tension in the muscles and improves circulation. Petrissage can be performed superficially or deeply on specific muscle groups where tissue is easily grasped, such as the thighs.

A hard, rubbing technique known as friction, or frottage, is used to push deeper into contracted, tense, and knotted muscles. It should never be used until after the area has been warmed up with effleurage (and possibly some petrissage as well). Friction is applied with deep, direct pressure to release tension in the muscles around the spine and shoulders. From one static point on the back, the therapist uses his or her thumbs to apply steady pressure on either side of the spine or in small circles.

The massage session often comes to a close with the feathering technique. Using only the lightest possible pressure, the fingertips are used to very lightly stroke in a gradual rhythmic pattern, for example, down the sides of the spine.

Principles of skincare

Aromatherapy face massages are a popular treatment at spas, combining essential oils with massage therapy to benefit both the mind and body. Aromatherapy involves the skillful application of essential oils to support a desired outcome.

When it comes to skincare, there are two main principles to consider: cleansing or detoxifying, and nourishing or regenerating.

Cleansing/Detoxifying

The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse the skin, removing any dirt, oil, or impurities that have built up throughout the day. This step is crucial as it prepares the skin for the absorption of other products and ensures that the pores do not become clogged, leading to breakouts. Cleansing also helps to create a blank canvas for the application of other products, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively.

Nourishing/Regenerating

The second principle focuses on nourishing the skin, providing it with essential nutrients and hydration to promote healthy skin cell regeneration. This step helps to replenish and restore the skin, improving its texture, tone, and overall appearance. It is important to choose products that are suitable for your skin type, addressing specific concerns such as dryness, oiliness, or signs of aging.

By balancing these two principles, you can maintain a healthy and glowing complexion.

Skin Analysis

A crucial aspect of skincare is performing a thorough skin analysis to understand your client's unique needs. Observe the overall appearance of their skin, including coloration, fine lines, maturing skin, or specific conditions such as rosacea or acne. These visual cues provide valuable insights into underlying systemic strengths and challenges. For example, red or pink hues may indicate photosensitivity and stress-reactive skin, while white or grayish tones suggest weaker circulation and a tendency toward congestion.

Additionally, consider your client's current stress levels, lifestyle, recent illnesses, or travel history, as these factors can impact their skin's condition and indicate heightened self-care or detoxification needs.

Product Selection

The choice of essential oils and carrier oils is critical to addressing your client's specific skin concerns. For instance, lavender is commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep, while chamomile and eucalyptus are effective in easing muscle tension and joint pain. Geranium is known for its relaxing and rejuvenating effects, improving circulation and stimulating nervous system functions. Coriander has a calming and soothing effect and can promote healthy digestion.

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before application to avoid any adverse reactions. Jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed oils are commonly used as carriers, helping to prolong the beneficial effects of essential oils on the skin.

Massage Techniques

The type and depth of strokes used during a facial massage vary depending on your training and scope of practice. Lymph drainage techniques, for example, consider lymph-receptor sites and direction of flow, while ayurvedic massage incorporates marma points similar to acupressure. Light and gentle strokes are typically used in lymph drainage, while more persuasive strokes may be applied in energy healing techniques.

Remember to approach facial massage with calmness and quietness, as every touch and stroke on the face is amplified by the brain and nervous system.

By understanding and applying these principles of skincare, you can enhance the benefits of an aromatherapy face massage, ensuring a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for your clients while addressing their specific skin concerns.

Essential oils and their healing properties

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to support health and well-being. Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants through distillation or mechanical methods such as cold pressing. They capture the plant's scent and flavour, or "essence".

Essential oils are commonly used in aromatherapy, where they are inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. They may stimulate your sense of smell or have medicinal effects when absorbed.

There are over 90 types of essential oils, each with its own unique smell and potential health benefits. Here is a list of some popular essential oils and their healing properties:

• Peppermint is used to boost energy, aid digestion, and work as a fever reducer. It also helps with joint and muscle pain, relieves headaches, clears sinuses, improves asthma and bronchitis, and can be used as a natural headache reliever.
• Lavender is used to relieve stress, aid relaxation, and improve mood. It also accelerates healing time for burns, cuts, stings, and other wounds. It can be used as a natural sleep aid and to alleviate insomnia.
• Sandalwood is used to calm nerves and help with focus. It also has aphrodisiac properties and can help improve libido.
• Bergamot is used to reduce stress and improve skin conditions like eczema.
• Rose is used to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and create glowing skin. It can also be used to reduce skin inflammation.
• Chamomile is used to improve mood and relaxation and can be used to alleviate insomnia.
• Ylang-Ylang is used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions.
• Tea Tree has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to prevent and reduce infections, and to stimulate the immune system.
• Jasmine is used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido.
• Lemon is used to aid digestion, improve mood, and relieve headaches. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleaner.
• Clove has antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antioxidant properties. It can be used as an antiseptic for oral infections and to kill a wide range of microbes.
• Eucalyptus is a potent antibacterial, antispasmodic, and antiviral agent. It is often used to improve respiratory issues and has invigorating and purifying effects.
• Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation. It also has immune-boosting properties and can help destroy dangerous bacteria and viruses.
• Oregano has antibacterial, antifungal, and immunomodulating abilities. It is often used to improve digestive issues and can help boost energy levels.
• Ginger reduces inflammation, supports joints, improves digestion, and helps relieve nausea.
• Rosemary has the ability to normalize blood pressure and improve brain function and memory. It can also be used to naturally thicken hair.

These are just a few examples of the many essential oils available and their potential healing properties. It is important to note that the effectiveness of essential oils may vary, and more research is needed to fully understand their impacts.

Aromatherapy massage techniques

Aromatherapy is a form of massage therapy that involves the application of essential oils to support a desired outcome. It is often added to traditional massage sessions as an extra service. Aromatherapy massages are used for a variety of reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood.

Aromatherapy facial massages, for example, may initially focus on skin conditions, but they can also help regulate endocrine or nervous system functions, reduce irritations in the mind, and stimulate the body's own innate healing tendencies.

• Stroking/Gliding or "Effleurage": This is the main stroke that gently warms up the muscles and prepares the soft tissue for deeper treatment. The therapist uses alternating flat palms to glide smoothly over the skin in a slow fanning or circular motion with steady pressure.
• Kneading or "Petrissage Massage": This technique can be performed superficially or deeply on specific muscle groups where tissue is easily grasped, such as the thighs. The therapist uses alternate hands to squeeze and release the flesh between the fingers and thumbs in a milking-type stroke.
• Friction or "Frottage": The therapist applies deep, direct pressure to release tension in the muscles around the spine and shoulders. From one static point on the back, the therapist uses their thumbs to apply steady pressure on either side of the spine or in small circles.
• Percussion or "Tapotement": This technique involves soft, rapid striking movements from the wrists of the therapist. These movements are applied to the fleshy parts of the body with equal strength and at equal intervals.

When performing an aromatherapy facial massage, there are two primary points to consider: the type and depth of strokes, and the principles of skincare.

For the type and depth of strokes, the therapist will incorporate a new set of skills into the session. They may choose to work lightly, as in lymph drainage or energy healing, or they may opt for a more persuasive stroke, depending on their training, scope of practice, and personal strengths.

In terms of skincare, the therapist will balance the two main principles: cleansing or detoxifying, and nourishing or regenerating. They will introduce active phytochemistry via aromatherapy and essential oils in a base oil or lotion.

It is important to note that facial massage without analysis or addressing the skin's needs is within the scope of massage therapy, but offering skincare advice is not. If a therapist wants to add skincare services to their sessions, they must obtain an esthetics credential.

Frequently asked questions