Get Heal

PREGNANCY MASSAGE

These simple touch massage movements can help to relieve many of the stresses and discomforts of pregnancy, and the back massage is particularly welcome during labour. The basic essential oil massage is modified in various ways to take account of the pregnant condition.

* check the previous post to find which oils are suitable and which are to be avoided.
* Use a lower concentration of essential oil to base oil, 1/2 - 1 percent is ideal.
* Keep strokes lighter than usual.
* In addition to steps suggested, you can incorporate a facial and gentle breast massage.
* It is particularly important to observe the rest period after the massage and to help your partner get up gently.
* The positions you work in need to be adapted for pregnant woman, as she cannot lie out straight on her front or back and needs to be well supported.

THE BACK

After about the fourth month of pregnancy it becomes uncomfortable to lie on the stomach, so work with your partner sitting up with a towel - wrapped pillow or back of a chair to lean over for support.

1 : Make sure your partner is comfortable and place your left hand over the forehead and the palm of your right hand across the back of the neck. Hold for a few moments and then release.

2 : Apply a little oil to your fingers and using a slight but gentle pressure, softly massage each side of your partner's neck and shoulders, kneading mainly with the thumbs. This will help to relieve the tension often caused by the weight of enlarged breasts.

3 : Stroke the oil evenly over the back and begin an effleurage movement (a soothing, stroking motion with two hands, moving up the sides of the spine and out over the shoulders). Repeat several times to establish a rhythm and relax your partner.

4 : Using the thumbs, work upward on each side of the spinal column from the lower back to the neck to help release congestion along the spinal nerves. Repeat four times. Clear the movement by sweeping up the back using the calming effleurage stroke.

5 : Starting from the center of the back, begin working up and outward across the width of the back with superficial effleurage movements. Repeat the movements several times until your partner is relaxed. This will help to stimulate the circulation and has a soothing effect on the nerve endings.

6 : Using a double-handed movement, press down and then gently lift the muscles to the side of the neck, rolling with the thumb,and then release. Work out from the neck across the shoulder, and then repeat across the shoulder. Performed slowly with rhythmic movements this is very relaxing and will alleviate stiffness.

THE ABDOMEN

For a pregnant woman, the weight of the uterus can constrict important blood vessels if she lies down flat on her back, so provide plenty of pillows, cushions, bolsters or rolled towels to your partner behind the back, under the neck and knees and anywhere else she needs to feel comfortable.

1 : It may seems alarming to massage the abdomen during pregnancy but, providing the strokes are light and careful, it is safe and relaxing for mother and baby. Gentle massage all over the abdominal area can be very soothing and is beneficial for relieving the stretched feeling often experienced during pregnancy. Apply oil evenly over the area to help feed the tissues and lessen the possibility of stretch marks.

2 : Using the flat of your hands, carefully glide them up from either side of the waist, lifting your hands off as they reach the navel, and then start again. Continue to stroke the area with a light, soft touch, working over the whole of the abdomen to soothe and calm.

3 : After a minute of gentle circular movements, place the fingertips of your left hand on the higher section of the solar plexus region and cover with your right hand. Rest both hands for a moment and then release to help alleviate stress.

LEGS

Make sure your partner is comfortable, with the knees supported by cushion. Begin gently stroking the leg with an effleurage from the ankle to the knee, smoothing up the shin and then glide around the calf. It can help to relieve the swelling, varicose veins or cramp which afflict many pregnant women. Do not use any heavy movements to the legs and avoid any reflexology movements to the feet, though gentle stroking around the ankles may well be appreciated.

TO FINISH

With both hands positioned at the back of the neck, apply light circular pressures to the cranium (skull) with your fingertips working in an upward direction to help release tension.

End the massage by smoothing the hair away from the neck and forehead, releasing all the negative energy. Allow your partner to rest for 15 minutes and then help her to get up very gently.

PREGNANCY TREATMENTS

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling times of a woman's life. The joy of bringing another human being into the world creates a tremendous feeling of contentment and anticipation, but it is also a time of great physical and emotional upheaval. Together with the ever - important trio of exercise, good diet and rest, essential oils can play an important role in helping a woman cope with the stresses of nine months of pregnancy, the pain of labour and post - natal recovery.

COMMON AILMENTS
Surging hormone levels and changes in your swelling body can bring a host of discomfort, many of which can be alleviated by aromatherapy treatments and other simple steps.

BACKACHE
The lower back region takes a lot of strain during pregnancy, and will benefit from a firm massage with four drops each of Lavender and Sandalwood in two tablespoons of base oil. Six drops of Lavender in the bath will help to soothe away the aches.

MORNING SICKNESS
Eat little and often during the day, avoiding junk food and heavy meals late at night. Choose fresh foods which are free from preservatives or chemicals. Try herbal tea infusions such as chamomile, peppermint or orange blossom, which are good for the digestion.

HEARTBURN
Avoid heavy meals and particularly rich, spicy foods . Peppermint tea infusions help, and you can rub the solar plexus with s blend of two drops each of Lemon and Peppermint essential oils in one tablespoon of base oil.

SORE BREASTS
These need extra care and attention during pregnancy as they expand. Use a gentle massage oil with rose and orange, three drops of each in one tablespoon of sweet almond oil; or if breasts are swollen, make a cool compress using rose water and place over the breasts while having afternoon rest. Sweet almond oil on its own is excellent for sore, cracked ni***es during breast - feeding. Never use pure essential oils on the breasts during this period as they can easily be transferred to the baby while feeding.

CONSTIPATION
Make sure your diet contains plenty of fresh and high fiber foods and drink plenty of still water. Tension can also be a contributory factor, so try a relaxing bath with three drops of rose. Massage your abdomen and the small of the back with a blend of four drops of chamomile or orange in one tablespoon of base oil.

SLEEP PROBLEMS
In the last few months of pregnancy, with the baby kicking and other discomforts, it is often difficult to get a good night's sleep. A relaxing bath with neroli and rose is soothing, and you can add ylang - ylang for its calming sedative effect - a maximum of eight drops in total. Two drops of Rose and Lavender on the edge of the pillowcase will help induce sleep.

STRETCH MARKS
When the stretched skin returns to the body's normal shape it can leave tinny jagged scars. A daily massage around the hips and expanding tummy, using five drops of Lavender in one tablespoon of Jojoba, wheatgerm or evening primrose oil, will help keep skin smooth and supple. Starts around the fifth month of pregnancy and continue after the birth until you return to your normal weight.

SWOLLEN ANKLES
These can be reduced with cool to warm foot bath of benzoin, rose and orange. Add two drops of each directly to the bowl or mix with one tablespoon of base carrier oil such as sesame seed. Rest with feet raised on cushions or pillows.

VARICOSE VEINS
During pregnancy the blood flow to the legs is often slowed down, causing the veins to dilate. Two drops each of cypress, lemongrass and lavender, mixed with two tablespoons of apricot kernel base oil, can be smoothed gently over the legs for relief. If veins are prominent then one of best oils for the circulation is geranium, though this should always be very dilute for use in pregnancy. Add fours drops to the bath or to one tablespoon of carrier oil to massage the leg with upward movements. Do not work directly on the veins or apply too much pressure to the leg.

LABOUR
To create a relaxing atmosphere in the labour room, use few drops of lavender in a fragrancer, or try rose, neroli or ylang - ylang to fortify you as the labour progresses. Any of these oils can be used in a massage blend for the lower back to help with contractions. If labour is progressing slowly, try marjoram as a massage oil or compress across the abdomen to stimulate contractions.

AFTER THE BIRITH
The "baby blues" often occur around the third or fourth day after childbirth, though some women can suffer a more severe form of post - natal depression for up to a year. A bath of jasmine and ylang - ylang will help you feel better, or use a body oil of chamomile, geranium and orange ( 5 drops to two tablespoons of sweet almond oil ), which is a good mix for hormonal imbalance.
To ease any perineal pains, a bath with lavender is soothing. Tea tree can also be added, since this is a powerful antiseptic and helps internal wounds and stiches.

CAUTIONS
The following oils should be avoided during pregnancy ( particularly the first five months ) because of their strong diuretic properties or tendency to induce menstruation:

Ba. Basil. Clary sage. Comfrey. Fennel. Hyssop. Juniper. Marjoram. Melissa. Myrrh Rosemary. Thyme. Sage

Use all essential oils in half the usual quantity during pregnancy and take extra care in handling them. Ensure that the oils you are using are pure essential oils, as adulterated blends or synthetic oils can sometimes have less predictable effects.
If you have a history of miscarriage you could also avoid chamomile and lavender for the first few months, although in general these are excellent oils for pregnancy. Because of their potentially toxic nature and strong abortive qualities the following oils should never be used except by a qualified aromatherapist, and must be avoided during pregnancy:
Oreganum. Pennyroyal. St. John's
Wort. Tansy. Wormwood.

RECOMMEND OILS FOR PREGNANCY
Chamomile . Geranium ( in low doses ) . Lavender . Lemon . Neroli
Orange . Rose . Sandalwood

THE MASSAGE STEP - BY - STEP ( AROMATHERAPY )

Following your assessment, select the oils you are going to use and blend 10 - 15 drops of your chosen oils with four tablespoons of base oil. The massage starts with your partner lying face down, with the back uncovered and rest of the body covered with a towel or light blanket.

ESTABLISHING CONTACT
Take a few moments to create a bond of communication with your partner and to prepare yourself for the massage. Focus or "create" yourself by becoming aware of your whole body and its role in giving the massage, and letting go of outside concerns to concentrate on the task in hand.

CATIONS
Aromatherapy is an holistic therapy in that it works on the person as a whole. Though it is an excellent way of treating minor ailments, stress and negative emotional states, it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. If symptoms persist, always consult a medical doctor.
Never attempt to treat the following conditions:
* Cancer
* Progressive neural disorders
* Heart conditions
* Advance asthmatic conditions
* Post - operative states
* Severe varicose veins
* Very high blood pressure
* Epilepsy

With your partner face down, rest one hand lightly at the base of the neck ( the occipital bone ) and place your other hand on the lower back ( the sacral area ). Hold the position for a count of 20, while you focus on your breathing and clear your mind. This is carried out with dry hands.

THE LEG

EFFLEURAGE ( SMOOTHING STROKE )
This is a smooth, sliding movement which soothes the skin and distributes the oil. Always worked in the direction of the heart, effleurage improves circulation, lymph flow and the function of the muscles. It is used between movements throughout the massage to provide continuity and to prepare a new area with oil.

1 Seated to the side of your partner, begin with one hand at the heel, brushing in and upward, sweeping movement to the buttock ridge and sliding round to the thigh.

2 As the first hand comes round the thigh, place the other hand at the heel and brush with an upward sweep, ending at the back of the knee.

3 As the second hand comes off, cross the first hand over and begin the movement again from the heel up to the thigh.

Repeat the sequence about six or seven times, keeping the movements continues and flowing, and then repeat on the other leg.

ANKLE THUMBING
The ankles are an important center of energy, and this movement helps to relieve congestion.

1 Sitting at your partner's feet, cradle one ankle gently with your hands, allowing the thumbs sit naturally above the heel.

2 Keeping the rest of the hand still, apply a light pressure with the thumb as it brushes in an upward and downward movement.

3 Repeat with alternative thumbs, continuing in a rhythmic sequence for about 30 seconds.

FLUSHING
Flushing drains the lymph channels and stimulates the circulation. This movement should not be used on anyone with severe varicose veins.

1 Sitting at your partner's feet, gently slide the thumbs up the middle of the leg, ending at the back of the knee.

2 Slowly bring the hands back down to the ankles by brushing down the sides of the calf muscle, taking care not to drag.

Repeat the movement five or six times.

KNEADING
Move back round to the side of the leg for this movement. It us particularly effective for relieving tension at the back of the legs.

1 Place the hands gently on the calf, one at the top and one just above the ankle.

2 Grasp the calf muscle firmly with both hands and slide them toward the center of the calf, lifting the muscle.

3 Using gentle pressure, knead the area by bringing the fingers and thumbs together and raising the muscle further.

Continue kneading for about 30 seconds.

WRINGING

1 Place the hands on opposite sides of the calf, just above the ankle. Gently glide the hands past each other so the heel of one hand is pushing away from you while the other hand is pulling.

2 Keep the thumb of the pulling hand raised so the thumbs don't collide as they pass each other each time.

3 The hands alternate the pushing and pulling as you work all the way up the calf and down again. The pressure should be firm but gentle.

Clear these movements by flushing through again from ankle to back of the knee.

THUMBING THE KNEE
This is the same action as the thumbing performed at the ankle base. It is helpful for people who suffer from cold feet as it stimulates the circulation.

1 Cup the hands gently around the knee, allowing the thumbs to sit naturally on the fleshy part at the back of the knee.

2 With the same thumbing movement used on the ankles, brush one thumb upward and outward, covering the full width of the knee, and follow immediately with the opposite thumb.

FLUSHING
Flush through with the thumbs together from the back of the knee to the top of the thigh.

WRINGING
Wring the leg from the knee to the top of the thigh with the same action as used on the lower leg.

THIGH PUSH
This knuckling movement is very effective for breaking down cellulite, helping to disperse the fatty tissue and improve the circulation.

1 With the supporting hand wrapped around the wrist of the working hand for stability, place the clenched fist on the side of the thigh, just above the knee.

2 Drag the fist slowly up to the side of the thigh toward the hip bone. This is not a heavy action - all you need is gentle pressure.

Repeat five or six times, working slightly different parts of the thigh each time.
Finish the leg massage by reparation all the steps on the other leg.

Cover the legs with towels before proceeding to the next stage. An extra blanket or hot water bottle at the feet might also be appreciated.

BACK MASSAGE
The back carries a lot of strain and these relaxing movements are often the most appreciated part of the massage. Don't be tempted to use too much pressure: it is better to keep the strokes broad and flowing.

Seated to the side of your partner, apply oil evenly over the back with smooth upward strokes, following the direction of the lymph flow.

FIGURE - OF - EIGHT
This sequence loosen the tissue all over the back and helps to stimulate blood and lymph flow, and relieve tension.
You should be kneeling level with the buttocks, facing the heads to that you can lean into movement and reach the shoulders without straining.

1 To begin this large sweeping movement, place both hands on the lower back, just above the base of the spine, fingers pointing toward the head.

2 Slide both hands all the way up the sides of the spine to just below the base of the neck.

3 Move the hands out around the shoulders and in toward each other across the upper back.

4 As the hands pass each other, cross the right arm over the left and continue gliding.

5 With arms still crossed, reach down around the waist.

6 Pull the flesh up firmly around the waist and then release the sides as the palms glide to the middle of the lower back and pass each other.

7 Continue the movement by sliding the palms out around the hips and complete the figure - of - eight by returning the hands to the starting position.

Repeat six times, always keeping the movements broad and flowing.

FANNING
This action works on the nerves along the spine and helps to disperse the fluid that accumulates in the back tissue as a result of tension. The effect is wonderfully relaxing.

1 Place one hand on the lower back, at the base of the spine. The fingers should be splayed open, with the index finger pointing to the side of the spine.

2 Fan the hand round in an upward and outward motion away from the spine. The other hand follows on the same side as the first completes the movement. Work all the way up the side of the spine, alternating hands.

Repeat the steps four or five times before moving round to work on the other side of the spine.

BUTTERFLY SHOULDERS
Before being given an aromatherapy massage, always wash off any anti - perspirant or deodorant. This is particularly important for this movement as it drains the lymph towards the major lymph glands in the armpits - the axillary glands. This movement relaxes the shoulder and disperses tension.

1 Place one hand at the bottom of the shoulder blade ( scapula ) with fingers splayed and the second hand poised to follow the same side.

2 Brush the hand up and out in a smooth fanning movement. Follow with the second hand, work all round the shoulder blade and out over the shoulder, toward the armpit.

Repeat the whole movement four times, then work on the shoulder.

FORARM SWEEP
Kneeling at the side of your partner, turn the hand away from you.

1 Place your forearm alongside the spine with your elbow just above the buttocks. Clasp the working hand with your other hand for support and stability.

2 Using the flat bone of the forearm ( the ulna ), slide all the way up the side of the spine to the top of the shoulder ridge.

Lift the arm off gently and repeat twice from the beginning .
Then turn your partner's head and work on the other side of the spine, using the opposite forearm.

DRAINING
Sit to the side of your partner, facing across the back.

1 With hands together and palms raised, place the fingertips at the side of the spine, just above the coccyx ( tail bone ).

2 Keeping the fingers together, pull them toward you down the side of the back.

Repeat the movement all the way up the spine, ending at the base of the neck so the final movement pulls across the shoulders toward the glands in the armpit.

Repeat with the other side of the spine. You can work the opposite side without changing your position by reaching across and brushing away from the spine, or you can move around your partner and repeat as above, if it feels more comfortable.

KNEADING THE NECK
This gentle petrissage movement releases tension and helps disperse the fatty deposits that can build up in this sensitive area.

Your partner should rest facing down with forehead on hands so that you can work your fingers into the base of the neck. Smooth the hair from the neck.

Resting one hand gently on the back of the head, use the other hand to pull up and knead the muscles in the base of the neck ( the occipital ), rolling the muscle between the thumb and the other fingers.

FRONTAL MASSAGE
Help your partner to turn over onto their back, and ensure he or she is comfortable. Provide cushion or rolled towels for any parts that need support, such as behind the legs or neck. Cover the body up to the neck with a towel or blanket to keep your partner warm.

SPINAL STRETCH
This movement is not suitable for people suffering from severe back problems, though it helps relieve minor aches and stiffness.

1 Seated at your partner's head, place the hands to the sides of the neck, palms up, with the middle fingers lifted, to prepare for the movement.

2 Slide the hands underneath the back, just between the shoulder blades so the middle fingers are pressing on either side of the spine.

3 Gently lift the torso so the rib cage rises, maintaining the pressure from the middle fingers.

4 slowly pull your fingers up the sides of the spine. When you reach the top of the neck, hold for a count of two and then release. Repeat three times in all.

5 Finish the movement by cradling the head gently with both hands.

FACE
This treatment is a great boost to the circulation, and the complexion will improve with each treatment.

Seated at the head, prepare the face for the massage with a simple refreshing cleanser, using upward and outward strokes. Apply a small amount of facial oil to the face and neck with flowing movements.
TAKE CARE
Even when diluted, essential oils are extremely potent so work carefully around the eye area. If the oil accidentally makes contact with the eye, apply a few drops of pure sweet almond oil to dissipate it. Never wash the eyes with water.

FOREHEAD STROKE

1 Rest your thumbs on the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows, with the palms supporting the sides of the head. The stroke should be kept light and sensitive as the facial skin is very delicate.

2 Slowly draw the thumbs out toward the temples and down to the sides of the ears. Repeat the stroke several times, moving the starting position up a little each time until you reach the hairline.

DRAINING THE CHEEKS
This sequence of raking movements stimulates the lymphatic flow in the face, improving the complexion, clearing the sinuses and releasing tension.

1 Place the index fingers on either side of the nostrils and hold for a count of five.

2 Slide the fingers out and down to the ears. Lift the fingers and replace by the nostril. Sweep in a slightly narrower curve to reach the jawbone just below the ears.

3 Repeat with successively smaller curves, ending by tracing the laughter lines around the mouth, downward to the sides of the chin.

CHIN MASSAGE
This not only tones the jawline, but also stimulates the energy points that govern the stomach and small intestine.

1 Place the thumbs on the chin, allowing the rest of the fingers to cradle the jaw.

2 Brush alternate thumbs down and outward, with a light stroke. Repeat the movement six or seven times with each thumb.

NECK SWEEP
This is an extremely soothing stroke which improves the tone of the muscles as well as flushing the neck.

1, 2 Above and right: Apply a little facial oil to the neck, upper chest and shoulder areas using the flat of the hand. Gently brush down with the hand from the side of the ear out to the shoulder, using a broad sweeping stroke to cover the area.

3 Repeat the movement working round the front of the neck, down from the chin to the top of the chest, and then sweep from the other ear to the shoulder.

The sequence of sweeps round the whole neck should be repeated three times.

FANNING THE SHOULDERS

1 With fingers spread, brush with the flat of the hand across from the breastbone and out over the shoulders.

2 The second hand follows closely behind the first, so they are draining simultaneously toward the armpit.

Repeat twice before moving onto the other shoulder.

STOMACH AREA ( ABDOMEN )

1 Left: Apply a little oil evenly over the stomach. Place the palm of a hand on the center of the abdomen.

2 work the area with tender circular movements, always in a clockwise direction.

Repeat with the other palm. This movement aids digestion.

RIB - CAGE SWEEP
This movement helps to cleanse the stomach and spleen by pushing the lymph away from these areas.

1 Starting with the outer edge of the hand placed at the center of the rib - cage, sweep away from you, following the line of the ribs with a long sweeping movement out to the waist.

2 As the first hand finishes the movement, the other hand follows on the same side.

Repeat the movement with both hands six or seven times and then move around the body to work the other side of the rib - cage.

WAIST PULL

1 Reach across your partner, placing a firm grip round the waist with one hand. Reinforce your grip by placing your other hand on the top of the first hand.

2 Lift the waist by pulling your partner's body weight toward you, then gently release while sliding the hands around the hipbone. This cleanses the liver and gall bladder.

3 Complete the movement by sliding the hands across and around the pelvis, draining toward the major glands in the groin. Be careful not to dig with fingers as this is an extremely tender area. Keep the pressure light and even over the whole hand. This is particularly beneficial for women who suffer from menstrual problems.

Repeat five or six times before moving round to the other side of the body.

FRONT OF LEGS

EFFLEURAGE
Apply oil to both legs using an effleurage movement working up from the ankles, as used on the back of the legs.

Repeat the effleurage strokes sequence several times to ensure an even distribution of oil.

LEG STRETCH
Supporting the leg at the ankle and behind the knee, bend the leg up and place it in line with the shoulder.
Clasp the hands around the back of the knee. Ask your partner to inhale deeply, then pull the calf muscle toward you.
Hold for a slow count of three. As your partner breathes out , release the pull on the calf.

Repeat the whole movement three times, then gently lay the leg down and repeat the stretch on the other leg.

ARMS AND HANDS
EFFLEURAGE

1 Seated to the side of your partner, move the arm slightly away from the body. Apply the oil by sweeping from just above the wrist, up to the shoulder and round.

2 As the first hand comes off the arm, the other hand starts at the wrist and sweeps upward to the glad sited in the elbow joint.

3 The first arm crosses the second as it reaches the elbow and again sweeps from wrist to shoulder.

Repeat six or seven times.

HAND MASSAGE

1 Resting your partner's hand palm down over your own palm, use small brushing movements with your thumbs to work upward between the joints of the fingers toward the wrist.

2 Pull back to the fingers, gently massaging the joints between your thumb and forefinger as you draw towards the tips. Finish with a slight pull to the finger to stretch it out.

3 Repeat with each finger finishing with the thumb.

Now repeat the movements on the other arm and hand.

To finish the massage, cover your partner to neck, check he or she is warm and comfortable, and leave the rest for a minimum of five minutes ( up to 15 minutes is preferable ). Upon returning, help your partner to sit up carefully and offer a glass of water.

THE ESSENTIAL MASSAGE (aromatherapy)
An aromatherapy massage using essential oils is a therapeutic treatment for both mind and body which works mainly on the nervous system.
Aromatherapy is both holistic and practical in that it helps to protect the body's life saving immune system and energize or stabilize emotions. It is often called the "sensual science" because it combines the powers of touch with the sense of smell. More effectively than any other massage, aromatherapy can either relax or stimulate the body and mind. The highly potent essential oils pe*****te the body via the skin and are also inhaled as the massage progresses.

SETTING UP
Any massage is relaxing but you can enhance the experience by following a few simple steps to help create the right mood.
An aromatherapist uses a massage bench , but at home you can work comfortably on a cushioned floor or a futon (Japanese mattress). An ordinary bed is not really firm enough. Prepare the floor or surface with a large cotton sheet covered with a bath towel. You should also have to hand a pillow, a large wrap around towel for the body, and a warm blanket or even a hot water bottle by the feet.

RELAXING YOUR PARTNER
Additional touches help to establish a calming atmosphere. You could fragrance the room with a burner, using relaxing oil, and switch on some back ground music; play instrumental tracks, as voices can distract any train of thought. The room temperature should be warm. Once the oils are gently massaged in, the whole body responds by slowing down and, although the skin may feel warm to touch, the body feels colder. It is important to keep your partner comfortable, so offer to cover parts that are not being worked on if you think your partner may be getting cold. Being at ease with one another is an important part of any treatment.

ABOUT THE TREATMENT
A complete aromatherapy massage takes just under an hour from top to toe. It is important to find out before about physical aches and pains, in particular back injuries, recent operations or whether the person you are massaging is in an "emotional" state of mind at the time.

GIVING THE MASSAGE
* Make sure you have read through step-by-step instructions several times to familiarize yourself with the sequence. You don't want to keep stopping to refer to the book.
* Try out the movements on parts of your own body to get a sense of how the strokes should feel and how much pressure to use.
* Massage movements should be slow and gentle to help relaxation and eliminate tension which tightens the muscles.
* Remember that the movements should flow into each other. If you find you have missed out step or gone on to the wrong part of the body, don't panic. Finish the part you are working on before going back to it, or leave it out altogether, rather than interrupting the flow of the massage.
* When you give the massage, make sure you are relaxed and comfortable, as well as the person you're working on, or you will transmit your own tensions to your partner and it will not be an effective massage.
* Try to maintain contact with your partner's body as much as possible; even as you move into a different position try to keep a hand on the body.
* When massaging different parts of the body keep the areas not being worked on covered with a large towel or blanket. The heat helps the body to absorb the oils.

CHOOSING THE ESSENTIAL OILS
Aromatherapist never start a massage immediately. In order to provide the most effective treatment, the therapist has to ascertain the state of mind and body of the individual, and establish whether there are any specific problems to attend to. Is the problem physical? Is it mental? Is it a combination of both? To help them to treat a wide variety of complaints, aromatherapist have many oils at their fingertips, but the never mix or use them until they have worked out a prescription for the receiver's individual needs.
Mixing the oils is a trained art, yet there are simple recipes you can use at home to deal with specific problems from muscular aches and pains to headaches and stress. With potent essential oils it is far better to use less, rather than more, so if in doubt, start the massage technique with a base oil like sweet almond and add two or three drops of just an essential oil. Lavender, Rosemary and geranium are good all-purpose oils, or use chamomile for particularly sensitive skin.

APPLYING THE OILS
Keep the oil in an easy dispenser or bowl so you don't have to worry about lids during the massage.
But keep the oil covered in some way as essential oils will quickly evaporate.
* Always warm your hands before applying oils.
* Some therapists recommend warming the oil in your hands before applying it to the body as courtesy to the recipient. Others advise against this on the grounds that it hastens evaporation of the essential oil and that the oil takes on your own energy rather than your partner's.
* If the part of the body you're working on is particularly hairy or the skin is very dry you will need to apply more oil.
* Keep your touch light and sensitive. Remember that your hands are the main channel of communication.

RECEIVING THE MASSAGE
* If the recipient's back is stressed in any way, place a pillow under the knees when lying on the back, under the pelvis when lying on the stomach.
* Wear loose comfortable clothing to give massage, so your movements are not hampered.
* If oil is accidentally spilt on clothing, dab off quickly with a tissue. It will soon evaporate, but it may leave a stain so rinse out clothing in warm soapy water.
* For complete relaxation avoid chatting during the massage: play music if you don't like silence. But do encourage feedback from your partner - you must be told if something doesn't feel good.
* Ensure that the person you are going to work on is given the following set of guidelines.

BEFORE THE MASSAGE
* Have a cool shower or wash before a massage. Do not soak in a hot bath, or the oils will immediately seep into the skin.
* Don't use an underarm deodorant or body spray during the treatment, as this will block the effect of the oils.
* Don't have a large meal just before an aromatherapy massage as the body's system will have to work too hard at digestion to be thoroughly relaxed.
* Don't drink alcohol before a treatment.
* Don't have a massage if you have flu or fever or any serious condition. Wait until you are over the worst and then let an aromatherapy treatment help restore your system's balance.

AFTER THE MASSAGE
* Drink a glass of still water immediately after treatment.
* Lie still for at least five minutes before getting up.
* Don't bathe or shower for at least twelve hours after a treatment to allow the oils to be absorbed by the skin and begin the all- important work of detoxifying the body.
* Drink plenty of water for the rest of the day as the kidneys will be active in eliminating the toxins.
* Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours after the treatment to give the body a chance to detoxify thoroughly.