By Matilda French

Many things go into a massage to make it the wholesome, all encompassing experience that is. Although the massage techniques that are used go a long way to make a good massage, it is the not so little touches that make the experience a memorable one.

Basically, there are three main elements of a good massage and these are light, atmosphere and temperature. Getting these elements right is half the job done.

Light

The type of light found in departments, stores and dressing rooms are not good for a massage environment. To get the right light for a massage, the golden rule should be less is more.

The best way to achieve this is with therapeutic candles. Candles which combine aromatherapy are the best to use. Therefore lavender or rose based candles offer the dual purpose of providing effective light and soothing the senses.

Atmosphere

The second and very important element of a good massage environment is the atmosphere. The right atmosphere can immediately put a client at ease and help in relaxation. To achieve this, cool, soothing mood music can be used during a massage session. What most therapists like to make use of are gently and serene sounds from nature such as birds singing, flowing streams or the rolling of ocean waves. These sounds are elemental and appeal to the subconscious of the client, instinctively enhancing relaxation and harmony.

When massaging, focus on the rhythm of the sounds and massage to the rhythm. Be sensitive to your clients; make sure it is a sound they find soothing and relaxing. The volume should be kept low, at background level so that it does not distract the therapist or the client.

Temperature

A massage in a cold environment defeats the aim of the massage as a whole. This is because people tend to tense up when they are uncomfortable and there is little as uncomfortable as a temperature that is too hot or too cold. The room where a massage is taking place should be kept warm and infused with soothing scents like lavender or chamomile.

The doors and windows should be kept shut to keep out draft and all massaging oils and creams should be warm. Same goes for the hands of the therapist. A therapist should keep his or her hands warm. This can be done by rubbing the hands together with a little oil to lubricate the movement. This is to keep from startling the client and helping him or her in relaxing.

Apart from these three main elements, you need to have a good blend of oils to give a therapeutic massage which is very good for both the skin and relaxation. The oil is very important particularly if aromatherapy is being introduced. Getting hold of pure essential oil is not so difficult except, they could be very expensive. There are many artificial oils in the market, made with the aroma of the real essential oils but without the beneficial properties of the pure essential oils. Despite the expense, the benefits associated with pure essential oils make it worth the while.

About the Author: I write for AML Stone Source, the leading

hot stone massage kit

supplies provider. They carry products such as

massage stones

, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Source:

isnare.com

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