How to Setup for Massage
There are endless ways of creating a pleasant ambience for massage. You can incorporate any or all of the following elements: different light settings, colored lights, aroma oils, background music or ambient sounds. The key to creating the right ambience is to make sure that the different aspects of your setting are all focused on achieving the same effect.
If you want the recipient to relax, you can use dimmed or blue light, calming aroma oils such as cardamom and perhaps some meditation music or the sound of the ocean or a waterfall.
However, if you want to energize and cheer up the recipient you are better off massaging in daylight or using a colored light in yellow or orange. Choose music that is a bit more upbeat and use a little bit of a stimulating aroma oil, such as tangerine or grapefruit oil, mixed into your massage oil.
Light:
Scientists have proven that different colors can invoke different moods in a person. Here are some of the effects that colors are known to have on us:
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Personally, I rarely use colored light, but I have colleagues who swear by it. Just try it out and see if it is your thing.
I usually use dimmed, indirect light or soft, natural light for relaxing situations. For an activating massage I use bright indirect lighting or full natural light. I live in Hawaii so outdoor massage in the morning sun can be very invigorating, while a massage at sunset will set the mood for a calming massage.
Outdoor massages during daylight can be also very energizing. Just be sure to stay out of the direct path of the sun, as this can be exhausting for both you and the recipient.
Candles:
Some people like to use candles to create a very romantic and sensual atmosphere for massage. Scented candles can be used similar to aroma oil diffusers or incense.Note: A lot of candles have strong chemicals in them, which can make some people feel sick. I remember that my partner had these candles that smelled like something yummy was baking in the oven. She loved the smell but when we would burn them she would get really nauseous. Since that time we steer away from artificially scented products and only use either unscented products or those infused with natural fragrance oils. The same holds true for incense and massage oils. The more natural the better and the less likely that anyone will have an adverse reaction. Using a product that makes the recipient feel ill will ruin the whole experience for them.
Aromatherapy:
Natural aromatherapy oils can be a powerful addition to your massage sessions. Some people mix the aroma oil into their massage oil. I usually use unscented massage oil and use an aromatherapy oil diffuser, because then I don't have to stick with just one fragrance until the massage oil is used up.Here are some basic oils with soothing and stimulating effects:
For Relaxation:
Lavender, myrrh, cardamom, cedar wood, German chamomile, sage and frankincense.
To Energize:
Lemon, grapefruit, basil, bergamot, sweet orange, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tangerine.
Music and Sounds:
While my dad never liked the idea of having music or background sounds during his massage, my Mom had me put together a CD with Indian chanting and instrumental music for her. My partner and I have a bunch of CD's that we choose from according to our mood.
For Relaxation:
I would use something mellow, continuous and even, with no harsh changes. The music should not fully divert our attention from the person we are massaging. The right music or sounds can take the recipient on a journey - especially when you use sounds of nature.
Sounds of nature, like recordings of the rain forest, ocean, rain, waterfalls, etc., can create either a very tranquil or energizing atmosphere.
To Energize:
If the recipient feels down or tired, music with some rhythm can enliven their spirits and create an energetic atmosphere. I like native drum music for these situations. Even though massaging to the rhythm of music is usually looked down upon in professional massage, I think that there will always be situations that arise that offer you the freedom to try it out. It can be a lot of fun!