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CLASSROOM TO CLIENT upper body. Wipe each hand with an alcohol wipe or antibacterial baby wipe so it is properly sanitized. Dip the hand into paraffin, allowing the paraffin to harden slightly before dipping the area again (Image 4). Wrap the paraffin- covered hand in cellophane or a plastic bag and ask the client to recline on the massage table for the session. When it's time to massage the hands, simply peel off the cellophane and wax in one piece. The hands can also be dipped while the client is in a prone position. 4 Paraffin is an effective treatment for chronic arthritis, painful joints, and tight muscles. session because the smell-scape constantly changes, adding olfactory interest. People can consciously register an aroma for approximately 6–7 minutes. After that, they get used to it and forget about it. If you change up the aromas in a session, the client's olfactory enjoyment is enhanced. If you are not an aromatherapy expert, stick with using bay laurel, citrus oils (grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, and sweet orange), eucalyptus, and lavender (purchase organic, high- altitude lavender for therapeutic use). MOMENTS OF OLFACTORY RADIANCE Small aromatherapy enhancements, like the use of essential oils on steamy towels, stand out as moments of particular radiance in a good relaxation massage. Essential oils cause an olfactory reaction that, when used correctly, facilitates deeper relaxation. Aroma mists are great ways to bring the 5 pleasure of good smells into a relaxation massage. An aroma mist is a combination of distilled water and essential oils spritzed high over clients while they are in a supine position, or at the end of the session to fill the treatment room with a refreshing scent (Image 5). It works well to use a variety of single essential oils in a An aroma mist is a combination of distilled water and essential oils spritzed high over clients while they are in the supine position. ORGANIZE THE PAMPERING If you're wondering how all this pampering is going to allow any time for the actual massage, don't despair. The secret is organization. Review the two sample massage sessions in the sidebar, set up a practice session with a friend, and give these outlines a try. Simplify or elaborate as you see fit, then enjoy your clients' responses to your best-ever relaxation massage. Anne Williams is the director of education for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and author of Massage Mastery: from Student to Professional (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012) and Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006). She can be reached at anne@abmp.com. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 105