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The natural scent of jasmine is considered one of the most sensual and passionate of nature’s aromas. The essential oil obtained from the petals of this tiny flower is used in certain Asian massage techniques. The sweet and pleasant smell has the ability to slowly immerse the person to unlock their inhibitions and begin blocking away their daily worries and preoccupations.
Such sensations are some of the reasons jasmine oil was widely used in the ancient Indo-Asian cultures as an ideal complement to sexual stimulation, relaxation, and meditation. We bring you some of the most widely used massage techniques and different ways to use the wonderful and restorative essences, extracts, and perfumes that come from jasmine flowers; most notably the famous Asian Flower treatment.
The jasmine flower
Hands that love and heal
Nowadays the petals and essential oil of jasmine are used on a series of gentle treatments and massages known as Asian Flower. This ancient but still relevant practice takes place on a smooth and firm surface covered with jasmine petals. The person lies on top of them and is slowly induced—through gentle massaging in all areas of the body—to release inhibitions, thus reaching a relaxed state of mental and physical wellbeing. The Asian Flower therapy culminates with a soft peeling and a facial massage with rosehip oil.
Asian Flower massages release tension and unlock our inhibitions
The aromas of Muslim Spain
The importance of smells for therapeutic and stimulating purposes goes back thousands of years as is evident in a number of historical episodes of our shared heritage. We know that incense was used to liberate Athens from epidemics. Before going to battle warriors used to undergo ritual baths and massages with scented oils, including jasmine.
Essential oils extracted from plants have been part of medical therapies and religious rituals since time immemorial that is why ancient alchemists claimed that these extracts were the soul of the plants, their most luminous and energetic essence.
In the same vein, it should be remembered that during the great European epidemic of the Middle Ages people believed that the use of strong perfumes helped prevent contagion, and also kept away the stench of death and diseased that devastated the continent.
Aromatherapy was widely known in Muslim Spain and subsequently reached the rest of Europe through cosmetics and perfumery spread through the Camino de Santiago, a route that crossed France and Spain to arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (St. James), in Galicia. Believers say that you can still perceive a particular aroma in El Camino, where the scent of jasmine blossoms accompanies the pilgrims in parts of the route.
We highly recommend the use of these centuries-old techniques of relaxation and cleansing rituals that include the use of jasmine oils and extracts in aromatherapy treatments. Combined with your favorite type of massage, you’ll receive the best therapeutic benefits to face our convoluted and stressful daily routines. And if your spa offers the Asian Flower treatment, do not doubt for a minute to include it in your next session. ■
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