The key to an effective Aromatherapy Massage is to keep your strokes long with short and fast strokes mixed in, to warm and agitate the oils into the skin and muscle.

Across the bony areas and abdomen keep your touch light, across the buttocks and back increase your pressure.

Selecting the correct essential oils or pre-blended massage oil for the massage is an important part of the massage experience.

However you must keep in mind the recipients comfort. During a massage the temperature of the body can vary quite a lot. The action of massage encourages blood circulation which can make the body quickly move from hot to cold.

It is important the massage is held in an environment that keeps the body temperatures controlled and comfortable. Massaging an area of the body and then covering with a towel is an effective way to achieve this whilst you massage another area of the body.

It is important that the person giving the massage is also comfortable. Wear clothing that is loose and doesn't impede your movement. Ensure there is adequate ventilation that the exertion of giving the massage doesn't make you sweat and tire. When done well massage can be a pleasure for both the receiver and the giver.

The simplest of massage techniques. Place both hands down flat and move them down the body.

You can do both hands together or do one hand after that other as if you were stroking a pet.

Turn your hand in a rake, by turning your finger tips into a rake.

Keep your fingertips bent (but stiff at the joint) and rake them towards you. You can rake both hands at once, or individually as in stroking.

One of the most well known techniques, pummelling is effective at softening muscle tension.

Make your hand into a fist, but keep your fingertips loose and bounce them up and down on your recipient.

The aim isn't to "hit" your recipient but to bounce the hand up and down.

With both Palms face down on the recipient move your hands across the skin in opposite directions.

As one hand goes up, the other goes down.

This action causing some friction on the skin to warm it.

Use the pad and side of your thumb to knead into flesh, stroking deeply.

Making small circles with the thumb tip and pressing down for prolonged time on areas helps to relieve tension in the recipient.

As the name applies, similar to making dough for bread.

Place your hands flat and fingers together with thumbs wide. Use your thumbs to to push and pinch the skin up towards the fingers, moving them one after another over the same area of flesh.

Although there isn't a need for any formal qualification to be able to perform massage in the UK, if you are planning on offering massage professionally, then you should obtain a recognised qualification in order to get the correct insurance for your chosen profession.

It is important, even with family members to consider allergies and illness that your recipient may have, both in terms of the oils using and the areas you are touching. If you have any doubt, then do not perform the massage and ask for advice.

Certain types of cancer should avoid massage, especially those of the lymphatic system. Before performing any massage ask your healthcare professional for advice.

Although there are many services offering Pregnancy Massage, the therapists are especially training in their technique and safety. We do not recommend massage by non professionals during pregnancy.

Bring the benefits of massage to your entire family. Calming Chamomile and Lavender can help children calm, rest and find peace