massage differences

Both my normal massages and aromatherapy massages are the same apart from using essential oils for the latter. I think some people are taught a different massage routine for aromatherapy massage, but I don't stick to routines. I think people assume that an aromatherapy massage will be a gentle light massage.

I was taught that the most important thing in an aromatherapy massage is to apply the oils and encourage them into the bloodstream via the skin, hence long flowing movements.

I think I've cobbled my swedish and my aromatherapy massages together and their isn't much difference if someone asks specifically for an aromatherapy massage.

I think I will dig out my old college notes and see if I can change it around a little.

I found Swedish massage to be more effleurage than any other movement and found it quite boring, 6 effluerage, then 6 around the shoulders 6 around the axila 6 more effluerage (see what I mean, boring 🙁 ), whereas in Aromatherapy we did less effleurage and used other moves that weren't so boring lol now I incorporate the 2, aroma massage on the back but more firm, and swedish the rest of the body with a bit of hacking and cupping lol

Hi All,

My massage is the same no matter if I use Essential Oils or not. I specialise in Deep Tissue and the Essential Oils aid my my deep work. I also use Tiger Balm for the neck and shoulders areas that need a little extra help.

I don't do gentle massage at all, if I get an enquiry I refer to another colleague.

I choose to specialise and created a niche market for myself. Essential Oils add that extra dimension to the deep work and aid the relaxation of deep set tension.

I don't see why there should be a difference between an Aromatherapy massage and a Swedish massage. I tailor every single massage to what's needed today. I NEVER do a routine and the client will know if you are, besides from my point of view - a routine is boring and shows lack of creativity and body knowledge. If an area needs more work then do it.

Cheers, Sue

I don't do Swedish massage any more because my thumb joints have subluxated due to the rheumatoid arthritis, and the "evil thumbs" bit just isn't possible any more!

I do do a lot of flowing movements, and I suppose it's more akin to the aromatherapy massage I learnt. I have a friend who does a Swedish massage with aromatherapy oils and to be honest I was very, very uncomfortable receiving it.

For the work I do at the hospice, a flowing massage is ideal because most of the clients have very fragile skin or have muscle wastage. So that's worked out very well for me. The main thing is not to do movements just because you were taught, but because they are what your client needs. However, that won't get you through the exam!

aroma and swedish moves?

I realise this question is old, but i am a wee bitty concerned by some of the answers.

I have been practising massage for a lot of years first starting out as a Physio.

I do combine my massage work and stick only to my own exploriatory routine before "getting to work" as it were. It is i find better to mix up what you think your client needs in regards to his/her physical body and just "feel" your way around for want of a better word.BUT there is a difference to answer your question Aromatherapy massage does not use a lot of Tapotemet (percussion) for very good reasons! (dig out your anay and phys book and the difference will be there.

I am a qualified Aromatherapist and a Product Maker and use Oils, balms, scrubs etc for my clients...I am just careful what moves i am using to ensure the prescribed blend does the job i want it to do!

Interesting to see this topic revived - I must have missed it first time round. Like others here, I've tended to adopt the bits I like from the different massages I've been taught. But the two main differences are 1, as mentioned above, no percussion in aromatherapy, and 2, I usually start by working on the client's back, because that's the biggest expanse of skin, so I tend to think it's good to start the essential oils working there first.

I think most therapists would agree that they don't stick rigidly to a routine as such, using intuition and what is needed on the day.

I have to say I don't do any hacking and cupping with Aromatherapy, at the time of typing that answer I had not long qualified in Swedish and wasn't told you shouldn't do it.

I do tend to stick to a specific routine where I (contract) work, I find the 20 minute routine enough for those kind of clients (drug and alcohol abusers). Within my private work, I do "feel" what is needed 🙂 sorry if my answer concerned you, but I have now grown lol

So what's the difference between a massage with essential oils and aromatherapy?

RP

So what's the difference between a massage with essential oils and aromatherapy?

RP

That's exactly what aromatherapy is, though of course it's not limited to massage. And the skill is in selecting the right oils - not just any old oils that smell nice.

aromatherapy is the art of blending oils and using them in various ways like massage, shower, bath, creams, poultices and compresses, inhalation, sprays, etc.

aromatherapy massage is the art of using a blend of essential oils with a massage, the empathis being on the oils doing the work via the olfactory system and through the skin into the bloodstream. Therefore, the massage doesn't need to be firm.

What I find though is people want the aromas but they also want the muscle melting massage, so I tend to do swedish with no tapotment but with extra effleurage at the beginning and end.

I do Aromatherapy Massage and IHM and have trained in Advanced Massage Techniques and I tend to use a mish-mash of techniques depending upon the client and the conditions they present with - every treatment is different and I do not follow a set routine. I have worked with people with back problems, sciatica, bursitis, frozen shoulder, etc. However, a therapist who has trained in Remedial Massage once argued that what she does is different to what I do because her treatment is 'Remedial' and helps with specific musculoskeletal problems :confused:

Yes there is a big difference between my swedish and aromatherapy massage.

My Aromatherapy routine is far lighter following the meridians and marma points.
I also approach it differently, and find it more spiritual as its more for the mind and soul compared to a deep swedish.

I would be quite disappointed if I booked an aromatherapy massage and was given a swedish with essential oils.