Massages with essential oils of Lavender, Eucalyptus or Chamomile are great options to relieve muscle tension and stress, as they stimulate blood circulation and renew energy. In addition, they help reduce muscle tension and promote muscle relaxation.
The oils to be used in this type of massage must have therapeutic properties that soothe and relax, to complement the relaxing massage effect. In addition, its aroma should also be pleasant, especially for those who receive the massage. The Sucuri Butter Massaging Gel is also a great option to use in relaxing massages, learn why in Sucuri Butter Massaging Gel.
How to Do a Relaxing Massage
To do a massage that provides tension and stress relief, it must be done on the back, head or neck, requiring some pressure on the movements made.
The massage should be done with the person lying on his stomach and comfortable, it is recommended to use between 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, which should be well spread over all the regions to be massaged.
After spreading the oil, you should place your hands side by side on the bottom of your back, and you should start the massage using circular movements from the inside outwards and slightly upwards. Massages should be done using your fingertips or knuckles, depending on your preference and should last for at least 10 minutes to achieve the desired effect.
This type of massage is especially effective at night, as it relaxes your body and mind and helps you sleep better. In addition, to enhance its relaxing effect you can choose to take a very hot bath before the massage, which will relax and act as a kind of warm-up for the body.
Benefits of Relaxing Massages for the Body
Relaxing massages have several benefits for the body that include:
- Improves blood circulation; Helps to reduce muscle tension; Promotes muscle relaxation; Helps in stretching the muscles; Relieves muscle spasms.
In addition, when there are painful muscle contractures, relaxing massage can also help in your treatment, as it helps the muscles to relax and stretch, which is especially important in these regions. However, if the muscular contracture causes numbness in any limb or if the pain remains for more than 5 days, it is recommended that you consult a physical therapist to treat the problem.
Relaxing Essential Oils
There are many essential oils with relaxing and calming properties that can be used to do this type of massage, and some of the recommended ones include:
- Lavender Oil: has relaxing, calming, antispasmodic and analgesic properties; Learn more about the calming properties of this plant here. Peppermint oil: has decongestant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that relieve muscle pain and inflammation and help in the treatment of headaches caused by muscle tension. Find out more about this medicinal plant at Peppermint. Eucalyptus Oil: it has relaxing, antispasmodic properties that improve blood circulation. Chamomile oil: has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and calming properties. Cayenne Pepper Oil: has analgesic properties that relieve back pain, promote blood circulation and help in the treatment of muscle contractures.
Any of these oils can be used to make the massage and its choice depends on the personal tastes of each one, being important that the smell is pleasant and relaxing for the one who receives the massage, so that it complements its effect. Also, see other useful ways to combat stress in Techniques to combat Stress and Anxiety.
