The word massage derives from the words 'mass' and 'massa', Portuguese and Arabic meaning to touch or handle. Massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Everybody can massage, and most of us already do so without even knowing it. When you rub your hands together, you're doing massage. When you've stubbed a toe and rub it better, or rub a baby's back, you're doing massage. Massage is a natural thing to do, and the effects of massage promote health in a very natural way.

Massage can help everybody in numerous ways:

Stress Reduction: With current day living we tend to live hard working, hurried lives and stress can accumulate in our bodies in various ways, including neck, shoulder and back pain. Massage therapy identifies those areas and helps reduce muscle tension, as well as the overall level of stress and tension in the body.

Pain Relief: People with arthritis, whiplash, neck or back injuries and even those unfortunate enough to be involved in car accidents can all benefit from massage. Different massages relieve the different kinds of pain experienced. Massage can also benefit those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Sports Performance: Many top sportsmen and women employ massage therapists to treat and even prevent injuries from occurring.

If you've never given a massage before here are a few things you'll need:

• Clean Towels
• Old Clean Sheet (massage oils will stain)
• Candles
• Romantic CDs
• Massage Oil

Before you start your massage, you'll need to set the mood.
Lock the doors, and turn off the phone.
Set the bed ready, use an old clean sheet as massage oils will stain, and roll towels up for a head and neck rest.
Turn the lights off and use candle light instead for a more romantic feeling. Put some calming music on.

Good communication is essential for an effective massage. Let your partner know what you would like to do and where you are going to start. Start with light strokes and when you feel your partner is relaxing move onto to a massage.

1. Pour about two tablespoons of massage oil into the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together lightly. When the oil is warm and evenly distributed, begin massaging your partner's back with long, deep strokes.
2. At the beginning, communicate frequently with your partner to determine if the strokes are too hard or too soft. Keep your hands in contact with your partner at all times, take your time with each rhythmic yet sensitive stroke, and proceed from long, gliding strokes to shorter, deeper strokes.
3. Use your body weight rather than your arm strength for deep strokes. Once you have developed a rhythm that pleases both of you, move on to the shoulders and arms, and progress to the legs and feet, brushing the buttocks as you move up and down your partner's body.
4. Ask your partner to turn over. Begin massaging the chest, arms and hands. Pay special attention to your female partner's breasts: don't be too invasive at this stage, but don't ignore them. Lightly stroke the chest and undersides.
5. Glide down to the legs, brushing the genitals on your way down. After finishing the fronts of the legs and feet, glide back up and slowly brush over the genitals. Tease your partner by brushing his or her inner thighs near the genitals, and very lightly touching the pubic region.

Massage is an ideal form of foreplay and can often lead to more. Introduce sex toys too - they are perfectly safe and highly recommended. Once the massage is finished, remember to carry on with the relaxation by spending some time together before falling asleep or rushing out the door. You have both just shared a very intimate experience together. If this was your first attempt at massage, just remember practise makes perfect.

Below are listed just some of the essential oils and their properties used in Ripple massages and products. Ripple uses only the best quality pure essential oils in our aromatherapy oils. We come to you in the Gold Coast, Mt Tamborine and Brisbane areas for your massage. .See all our massage packages here

Jasmine - Jasmines' aromatic flowers have been used for centuries for adornment and decoration. In China the jasmine flower symbolises the sweetness of women while in India it symbolises divine hope. Jasmine essential oil is known as one of the most effective essential oils for nervous anxiety, restlessness and depression. It is also particularly useful for treating dry and irritated skin.

Orange Blossom (Neroli) - Orange blossom oil comes from the bitter orange tree which was first cultivated in the Mediterranean by the Arabs in the 10th Century. Neroli is named after the 17th century Italian Princess of Nerola, Anna Maria de La Tremoille, who wore the oil in her gloves. Neroli is considered highly effective as a sedative and antidepressant and is recommended for the treatment of insomnia and as a relaxant. The oil is reputed to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin as it has an ability to stimulate the growth of healthy new cells.

Lavender - Lavender is often referred to as the mother of essential oils and is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties and has a harmonsing effect on the nervous system. It is very beneficial for the relief of muscle aches and pains and can also be used for the relief of rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis. It has antiseptic qualities and can be used to treat insect bites. Ripple uses true lavender (L. angustifolia) in its oil blends, a pure highly effective (and more expensive) lavender essential oil.

Sandalwood - Sandalwood is one of the oldest known aromatic materials and has at least 4,000 years of history of use. The use of sandalwood became an integral part of Brahmin, Buddhism and other religious rituals. Sandalwood's common name is derived from the Sanskrit 'chandana'. Sandalwood is known as a relaxant and is great for insomnia and tension. It is useful on dry skin and for varicous veins.

Mandarin - Mandarin is native to China and Indo China and was first introduced into Europe in the eighteenth centry. This essential oil has a tonic effect on the digestive system and helps regulate the metabolic processes. It is also considered the "childrens remedy" and great for soothing restlessness especially in hyperactive children. It is also good for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.

Lime - One of the most uplifting of essential oils, lime is often used in massage blends as a lymphatic stimulant and may be used for the treatment of fluid retention and cellulite. It also acts as an astringent and is especially useful for oily skin and in the treatment of acne.

Tangerine - Tangerine oil is cold pressed from the peel of the ripe fruit. It is recommended for acne and congested and oily skin. It has a tonic effect on the digestive system and is often used in massage blends for pregnant women from the fifth month onwards.

Frangipani - Frangipani is known as the Tree of Life in India as a branch cut from the tree will continue to blossom and will grow into a new tree when placed in the ground. Frangipani was the favorite flower of Lord Krishna. Frangipani oil is originally derived from India and has a heady, sweet scent. It is a refreshing oil and is often used for deep cleansing.

Grapefruit - The oil from grapefruit is known as stimulating to the lymphatic system and therefore great for a detoxing routine. It is indicated for the treatment of cellulite, obesity and water retention. It has an uplifting and reviving effect which makes it valuable for treating stress, depression and exhaustion. Great for those who are feeling a little down, particularly in winter.

Geranium - The geranium plant originated in South Africa, and was first introduced to Europe in the 17th Century, where it was planted extensively for the French perfume industry in the 1800s. Geranium oil is a diuretic and has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It is beneficial for treating cellulite, fluid retention and is useful for treating bruises. It has a positive effect the nervous system and for relieving stress and headaches. It is great for use on all skin types.

Peppermint - The Greeks and Romans crowned themselves with peppermint at their feasts and used peppermint to flavour their sauces and wines. It is well known as one of the most effective essential oils for the digestive system and is good for nausea and relieving travel sickness. It is also useful in the relief of muscle and joint pain and insect bites and has an uplifting cleansing aroma.

Lemongrass - Lemongrass was originally used as a food flavouring throughout Asia. The fresh leaves are crushed in water and used as a hair wash in India. It has cleansing, antibacterial properties and its scent is uplifting and energising. Lemongrass is often used as a skin tonic and is use din cleansing lotions.

Tea Tree - A native Australian plant, the aboriginals have long recognised the positive properties of the tea tree. The leaves have traditionally been used, crushed in thehand to relieve colds and headaches and as an antiseptic. It is unusual in that it has a broad spectrum effect against bacteria and fungi. It is great for athletes foot and blisters

A sensual massage is a wonderful way for couples to express the intimate expressions of their hearts. What will you do for your lover this Valentine’s Day? Why not share an intimate expression with an aromatherapy massage?

Couples really respond to soothing scents and pleasurable touches to the their bodies. That’s why an aromatherapy massage is a perfect gift for that special someone. Massages are relaxing, and a little R&R feels pretty darn good.

There are hundreds of magazines and websites devoted to the art of massage. Now some of you may wonder why people dedicate time and effort into writing magazine articles and sharing Aromatherapy stories with a bunch of strangers. Well, most people wish to share this insight with others, as it is known to make people feel good.

Not everyone has had the opportunity to give a sensual aromatherapy massage. You may not even know where to begin. Don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you get your hands working in no time. Have fun with your partner and share your gift--step by step.

1. Pick a Location
Some of the most seasoned couples who practice massage, have a massage table. Don’t have a massage table? Don’t worry. You can give your partner an aromatherapy massage from the comfort of your bed, or lying on the floor.

2. Set the Mood
It is a ‘sensual’ massage, after all. Set the mood with a few lit candles or a bouquet of fresh flowers. Let your partner know that you’ve given much thought to this gift in advance.

3. Create Ambience
Toss all of your worries to the side. Unplug the phone, lock the door, turn the computer off. Choose a relaxing CD that you both enjoy and put it into the CD player. Dim the lights and set out a nice array of oils.

4. Supplies for an ‘Aphrodisiac’ Massage
Wondering what you need? Here’s an aromatherapy sensual massage recipe for desire:

? 4 ounces of your preferred carrier oil
? 15 drops of sandalwood oil
? 9 drops of cinnamon oil

5. The Massage
Begin by applying warmed oils to the area of your partners body that you wish to begin with. Most people begin with a back rub, which is a superb area to release tension, and achieve heightened relaxation.
Continuous motion is a very important aspect of your aromatherapy massage. Use different strokes and patterns without any sudden movements. You can always incorporate silk, feathers, and anything soft into the massage. As these things are a pleasure to the body’s senses.