Benefits of an aromatherapy massage in the colder weather

With the changing of the seasons; the nights are darker longer, the days are colder and wetter. Through all this, we need to take care of ourselves. The colder weather can be part of the reason why a number of us feel increased discomfort or pain in our joints & muscles, which is why getting a massage would be a great idea.

The benefits of aromatherapy massage in colder weather include:

• De-stressing - I’m sure everyone could do with this right now.

• Boost your immune system – helping your body to fight illness and infection.

• Improving your circulation - which will help you enhance your blood flow, and your body warmth which will help you to increase the flow of oxygen around your body.

Adding aromatherapy to the massage is adding yet another layer of benefits. Aromatherapy oils can also help with areas of pain, tension, low energy, skin, mood and emotions.

There are several techniques that I use they include draining, effleurage and petrissage, which you can read more about here. They are all very effective techniques that help the oils penetrate your skin, where they can help flush out any toxins and have more effect.

• No showers (for a few hours) - It's highly recommended not to shower or bath a few hours before or after your treatment as this can increase blood circulation to the surface of your skin which can lead to congestion and you will also be washing away the oils which defeats the object of the massage in the first place.

• Treatment time - You want the oils to remain in your skin for as long as possible, so ideally having a treatment as late as possible in the evening will allow the oils to work their magic overnight while you are sleeping. Alternatively try to schedule your appointment where you can continue to rest and chill after, rather than rushing off home to cook & clean, so you aren't undoing all the good work.

• Drink plenty of water - this helps your body flush out the toxins that were released, during the massage.

3 Essential oils for the colder months

Although there are many essential oils to choose from, each one is perfect for a different type of massage or health condition. For the best results you want to choose a top brand of essential oil. I recommend Skin Truth’s brand call Aroma Truth, which is made using purely 100% undiluted natural oils and suitable for all skin types.

The three main oils that I use, particularly at this time of year.

• Reduces anxiety and depression

• Improves skins/treats acne

• Great for cleansing the skin and detoxing.

• Helps with energy levels

• Uplifts mood

• Heals wounds

• Eases morning sickness

• Improves cold symptoms

• Reduces symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression

• Treats skin conditions, such as acne and inflammation

• Reduces joint/muscle pain and inflammation

• Relieves stomach pain

• Reduces pulse rate

• Antioxidant

• It helps lower cholesterol so can reduce weight gain

• Limonene which is a component of orange essential oil; is being studied as a potential cancer treatment. Studies found that Orange oil rich in limonene both inhibited growth and provided the death of colon cancer cells (as well as lung and prostate cells)

• Useful for treating a variety of conditions such as IBS, nausea, common cold, headache and hay fever

• Relieves and clears sinuses

• Can also be used as a topical relief for itching, muscle pain and headache

• Very uplifting and refreshing when inhaled, you can feel instant relief with cold/flu symptoms

• Helps clear airways

With everything that is going on right now in our lives; the colder weather, the longer nights, all the media and social media bombardment; it’s important to put aside "Me" time. It helps us to recharge our batteries, to help us find a balance and to heal and prepare ourselves for what's to come. In fact, I think it's a necessity, especially with the whole pandemic situation at the moment, I highly recommend an aromatherapy massage, as they can help improve your physical and mental health.

Obviously, I can't treat you, if you should be isolating following a positive Covid test or if you have any of the symptoms, but I can certainly help you feel better, just as soon as you can come to me for a massage.

I am taking bookings for aromatherapy massages right now, so if you want to book in; for only £30 you get a 45/50 minute full body massage, including a free consultation where we will discuss which essential oils would be the most beneficial to you. Oh and I almost forgot, when you sign up to receive my newsletter, I will also send you a £5 off voucher for your first treatment. The newsletter will keep you up to date with special offers and treatments from A Touch of Beauty by Lisa Leo and lots of regular beauty and relaxation tips.