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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.