As you can see above, the benefits of aromatherapy are fruitful. As you may know, there are many different essential oils that correlate to many different healing paths so it’s up to you to communicate with your therapist to decide what oils are best for you to use. If you are someone who has trouble sleeping or need to relax, something like lavender would most likely apply to your session. If you for are suffering from emotional distress, maybe rosemary or rose will be applied. Below are some of the different types of essential oils and their healing properties.

Many clients look for assistance in muscle tone and body work. Essential oils such as Marjoram and Balsam Fir will help that department. Lemongrass and White Fir, which reduces inflammation, also can aide muscle tone. An essential oil that may reduce scar tissue and work well for reduces acute bone and muscle pain is Helichrysum.

Joint pain and strain are a common issue with many who indulge in more physical activity whether it be work or fun. Joint issues also arise in many of older age therefore, people are always looking for relief with joint pain and that’s when essential oils can come in handy. Wintergreen is a known oil that can ease the tension in joints. Birch, it’s more expensive sister, is also supposed to have the same healing properties. Cajeput oil is believed to aide in stiffness whilst Roman Chamomile and Spruce help with inflammation and aching.

Connective Tissue is what binds and connects our body parts together. Sometimes, people may run into issues with their connective tissue whether it be from a chronic condition or an abrupt onset of symptoms, it is important to make sure you are taking the time to heal them. Lemongrass is widely used specifically in relation to working on ligaments. German chamomile is also alleged to show signs of improvement in connective tissue problems.

Neuromuscular issues are related to nerve and muscle relations whilst neuralgia is pain solely related to some sort of nerve damage or inflammation. Below is a list of a few of the essential oils that may ease pain related to these conditions:

• Roman Chamomile
• Tarragon
• Geranium
• Cypress
• Helichrysum
• Cedarwood
• Eucalyptus
• Juniper
• Pine

The process of aromatherapy is just like any other massage. After scheduling an appointment with your therapist, you will then discuss any issues you have or what you need to work on (only if this was not discussed prior). Then after you let the therapist know what type of condition you have or what specific oils you would like they will then give you your options. If a client isn’t requesting a massage to heal any nerves, muscles, or joints, they can ask for a more general request such as an energizing, uplifting, relaxing, or decongesting massage. Once you choose your oils, the therapist will give you time to un-robe and situate. Then your experience will begin.
In terms of the research that backs the science of essential oils; it is conflicting. There is clear evidence of essential oils aiding people in their healing process, but there is no clear research that shows how essential oils directly correlate to that healing process.
Here are the facts:

• Essential Oils can make people feel good
• Aromatherapy is a widely used practice
• So far, the dangers of oils arise only when clients are allergic to them (which is not common)

Aromatherapy has very few precautions attached to it. The main thing to worry about when dabbling in the realm of essential oils is making sure that you are not allergic to any of them. Not only are you inhaling the scent of the oils, but they will be in direct contact with your body, and it is not safe to expose yourself to any substances you are allergic to. Other than that, essential oils and aromatherapy massage are holistic methods of healing that does not involve any sort of drugs.
If you are interested in healing with minimal drug usage, then investing your time in learning about essential oils is an appropriate route to dive into.

You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don’t feel restricted or uncomfortable. It’s a good idea not to have too many layers. For an Indian head massage, your practitioner is liable to want to massage your neck and shoulders, even your upper back, so a polo neck is a bad idea, as is complicated or tight-fitting underwear.

Indian head massage is kind to hair; it is not kind to hairdos. Remove any hair bands, clips, or slides before you go in, and book that hair appointment for the day after.

Bear in mind as well that as you may have oils rubbed into your scalp – you might want to take a cap, “Alice” or other hair band with you to make yourself look respectable on your way home, or back at work.

As with any treatment it is important to tell your therapist in advance if you:

• are, or think you might be, pregnant
• have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
• have recently had an injury or operation
• are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
• have any broken skin or sores on your scalp

The above may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.

Be aware that after your massage your hair will smell very strongly of the essential oils used during the massage. If you’re going out for a meal afterwards, you might want to give your hair a good wash beforehand. Chances are it will still smell good, but less overpowering.

A complete Indian head massage will probably take between 25 and 45 minutes. Your therapist will probably chat with you beforehand to get an idea of your lifestyle, any aches, pains, or ailments you have. She may ask you if you are having any medical treatments or taking medicines, as this might affect which oils, she uses, and what type of pressure and technique.

In an Indian head massage, you are likely to have oils rubbed into your scalp. You may be asked whether you have dry, greasy, normal hair so that the therapist can use an oil which will most improve your hair’s shine and texture. It’s worth mentioning, too, if you have dandruff, or thinning hair, as some oils can help improve these conditions.

Be prepared for the fact that some of the massage will be quite firm – it can be quite an odd sensation to have your skull massaged, for example – but stick with it. You will feel relaxed and serene afterwards. The results are worth it.

After an Indian head massage, you are likely to feel great: relaxed, serene, ache-free, clear-headed, ready to tackle that important report for work, run the children ragged round the park, or fall asleep immediately, depending on the kind of oils used probably!
But beware: you will feel great; you won’t look great. With all that oil stiffening on your hair, you’ll probably look like you put conditioner on it three days ago and forgot to rinse it out.
In the long-term, the deep-down effects of your Indian head massage may well leave your hair softer, shinier and in much better condition; in the short-term, wear a hat or a very cunning hair band.

A lot of generic head and neck massages are based on techniques that you’ll find in Indian head massage. What you will find is that they may have removed the harder elements and will just stick to the gentler movements. This is fine but may do you less good.
Indian head massage – in its pure or a derivative form – features as a component of many other treatments, including specific massages or facials, or combined treatments or rituals.

Your massage will probably last around 60 or 90 minutes. Your therapist will give you time to undress privately and lie down on the massage table, which is usually padded for extra comfort, where you may cover yourself with towels. You don’t have to be completely exposed at any point; your therapist will uncover one little bit of you at a time depending on the area she is focusing on. If you’re worried about anything, don’t hesitate to say so.

Your therapist might assess your complexion at the start of your treatment and choose essential oils or lotions to suit your skin type. She will massage these into your body with a series of strokes and techniques specific to the part of your body and what you want to achieve; for example, this might be long, gliding strokes across your back to help you relax, or kneading or rubbing your shoulders to unwind any knots. The treatment considers the delicate or tender areas of your body, so it should be comfortable and soothing. Some therapists like to play music during massage, as it can help you to unwind. Don’t be afraid to say if you’d prefer not to have it – or indeed if you’re unhappy with anything else in the treatment room. Being content in your surroundings is important for relaxation and will help you sink happily into your massage.

The same goes for talking. Most therapists are very sensitive to how much their client wants to communicate and will limit or encourage conversation accordingly. Some people like to chat a bit; others don’t. It doesn’t matter if you’re comfortable, relaxed, and receptive. Afterwards, you’ll probably feel quite relaxed and maybe even sleepy, so give yourself plenty of time to unwind. Savour the feeling of having every muscle in your body gently stretched and smoothed out.