complementary medicine

If you’ve never used aromatherapy massage oils
you owe it to yourself to try it. You’re in for a totally unique experience. Whether you want a massage to relax or to rejuvenate or even to heal
using aromatherapy massage oils brings the body’s senses to new heights.

Aromatherapy has made steady gains in use and for good reason. Offering the perfect combination of mental and physical well being
there is no better way to take advantage of aromatherapy than to enjoy its fragrances in massage oils.

Our body’s different senses have been shown to have a direct affect on how we feel. For example
the nose is a very sensitive part of your body. Without it
you cannot taste or smell. Imagine your favorite foods. Now
imagine you cannot taste them. That is scary
everything you eat with no taste! How do you think that would affect your attitude throughout the day?

Studies have shown that the part of your nervous system that helps to control your emotions is connected directly to your nose. Lack of smell can cause symptoms ranging from depression to anxiety and this is only one of your senses. With the knowledge of how the mind depends on the feedback from your senses
the idea of aromatherapy exploded onto the scene.

One of the more popular types of aromatherapy is massage oil
because of the variety of uses to target specific issues. Aromatherapy massage oil treatments are unlike any other oils. Whether you are in need of relaxation or need something to perk you up
there is an aroma to fit the immediate needs. Aromatherapy massage combines two excellent methods to evoke your body’s response in whatever area you feel is needed.

There are so many different types and manufacturers of aromatherapy massage oils available
it would be a good idea to do your homework before using. For the best treatment ideas
it is always best to find and pay a certified therapist to ensure you understand how to get the most impact from aromatherapy massage. Especially
when using for the first time.

To explain a couple of different oils and fragrances we will start with Lavender essential oils. Lavender essential oils are one of the few oils that you can apply directly to your skin. It is said to have burn relief power. It is important to note that these oils should not hurt you
however
if this is your first time using essential oils never use them directly on your skin unless under safe direction. Other oils are required to be diluted before use with other base oils.

Another oil gaining in popularity is the Yland Ylang essential oil. Yland Ylang essential oils have very unique properties as well. It is said that these tropical plants have the power to both arouse and sooth the senses. It also goes by another name Cananga Odorata.

Adding aromatherapy massage oils to your therapy program is one experience everyone should try at least once. (Be careful they have been known to be addictive). With the combination of massage and a scented room to awaken your senses
you have the ultimate in relaxation and healing.

Self improvement (or self help) tools come in many shapes and sizes; sometimes it’s physical in nature (a self help book
having a massage
painting with water colors)
or spiritual in nature (flower essences
Reiki
meditation which is both physical and spiritual
etc).

Five of the best self help options that I’ve used successfully to help soothe my own mind
body and spirit
are:

1. Meditation techniques – a fabulous self help tool which greatly benefits overall health and wellbeing. There are many techniques to choose from such as:

Visually guided meditations;

Candle meditation;

Breathing meditation;

Crystal meditation;

Writing meditation (alternating using dominant and non-dominant hand);

Walking meditation;

Body scanning; and

A self healing meditation using either color; breathe work; aromatherapy; etc.

2. Painting with water colors
pastels or oil paints – express your uniqueness through art. This is a wonderful self help tool to employ for inner healing
letting go and for creating something new (a masterpiece for your lounge room wall).

3. Vibrational essences. Part of ancient wisdom
vibrational essences are used in healing to assist with the removal of emotional blocks and patterns
as well as resolving issues from past lives.

Essences are generally in liquid form and can also be used in creams
ointments and oils (I sometimes combine mine with an aromatherapy oil blend).

Vibrational substances are derived from light (sun
moon etc)
healing energy (universal or spiritual energy
prana
Reiki etc)
plants (flowers
stems
leaf etc)
mineral (crystals
gold etc)
environmental (sacred places)
or animal.

Some examples of essences available (there are many) to explore further as a self help tool are:

Flower
Gem
Angel
Shell
Coral
Sea
Goddess
and Chakra essences

4. Journal writing is a fabulous self help healing tool connecting you with your true essence
your spiritual self.

Find yourself a special journal/diary to write in; something special to write with (can be brightly colored inks or the more traditional black
blue or reds) and make a date with yourself to do some journal writing every morning at the same time (before rising out of bed).

I’ve practiced journal writing as a self help tool for many years and still find it
to this day
one of the greatest self help and self improvement tools around – and it costs nothing!

Write out your worries
sadness
loneliness
or whatever is playing on your mind. When you’ve done that write in your journal the excitement
enthusiasm and passion you intend to experience for the day ahead
the projects you’re working on
friends you’ll catch up with
food you’ll eat
possible miracles that might happen
shopping to be done
your work day etc.

5. Have a massage. Treat yourself to some bodywork like a Swedish massage. Swedish is a more traditional or western soft tissue type of massage
however if you’re after something a little more unique for healing mind
body
and spirit you could choose:

Aromatherapy massage – there’s nothing quite like this one using essential oils for body
mind and spirit.

Ka Huna
LomiLomi – gentle
relaxing
soothing and stretching massage (even watching this massage is relaxing);

Reflexology – therapeutic hand and foot massage;

Reiki – hands on energy healing (aligns Chakras etc)

Vichy Shower – warm water is directed over your body
gently massaging it (this is heavenly
especially after a salt scrub).

Acupressure – form of bodywork based on Chinese Meridian theory

Ayurvedic – part of a traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called Panchakarma – vigorious massage with warm oils and herbs to remove toxins
is calming and balancing
and facilitates profound inner peace.

Hot stone massage – warm smooth stones are applied to the body and employed by the therapist’s hands.

A massage not listed that I experienced while ago was a form of Swedish massage. I was given small smooth rocks to hold in either hand
at the end of the massage the therapist held my feet and ‘tuned’ me
which sounded like a clarinet going up and down the scales. To say I felt relaxed and energised at the same time is an understatement. It was amazing.

I’ve road tested many self help tools over the years; it’s been an amazing journey with the most profound assistance coming from spirit. Sometimes good comes from being blinded by the light.

Michaela Scherr
Spiritual Growth Advocate