We mentioned aromatherapy or making "potions" or blends of essential oils the other day -- not that horrid fakey stuff that's sold in the supermarket, or the dead stinkpots of "potpourri," looking like what's left over after someone dredges a pond, boiling away on somebody's stove (yuck...) -- the REAL STUFF, which is tremendously lovely to experience.
Essential oil blends can be amazing to smell, and reputedly have some therapeutic properties, especially for stress reduction -- but imagine how great they could be if you could combine them with a lovely, tender massage? Giver or recipient: it's hard to say who has the better time. And if you switch off, both get to enjoy.
When it comes to aromatherapy, Valerie Cooksley, who we talked about here, is the recognized expert. She has a few great recipes "for lovers" in her book, but here's one that's specifically for massage.
Says Valerie, "Here is a very sensual massage oil designed for the whole body (2% dilution). I suggest warming the oil in a hot water bath prior to application to increase absorption. There is enough here for two bodies, so decide who will go first. Review the helpful tips for aromatherapy massage [in her book]...If this oil appears too strongly scented, simply add more vegetable oil (the sweet almond or the safflower) to dilute it:
4 Tbsp. sweet almond or safflower oil
1/2 tsp. Evening primrose oil (optional)
1/2 tsp. carrot seed oil (optional)
12 drops Sandalwood essential oil
6 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
4 drops Clary Sage essential oil
2 drops Rose oil (for dark hair and skin) or
2 drops Neroli oil (for light hair and skin).
Directions, according to Valerie: Mix the essential oils with warm safflower or sweet almond oil in a shallow dish. Apply to the body in small amounts using a comfortable pressure and working toward the heart. Avoid the face and genital area.
Her book also includes several bath recipes with "aphrodisiac qualities," and a very special inhalation recipe. (For the uninitiated, essential oil blends, depending on their specific properties, can be appropriate for sniffing, dabbing on the skin, adding to a bath, adding to a carrier (lotion or oil), etc., but usually each blend -- because of its constituent parts -- is suitable for one, not a variety of those uses. Hence why it pays to learn more about this topic, and picking up a book like one of many Valerie has written is just the way to go.)
Editor's note: If you don't know how to give a really great massage, pick up a book, watch a DVD, or take an adult education class in your area. The essentials oils are typically available (Aura Cacia is a good and reputable brand) from various decent health food stores (Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc.) plus online at Amazon.com and at Frontier Organics, among others. Image is by German photographer Thomas Wanhoff.
