Most people turn to massage to provide relief from stiff and sore muscles or for relaxation and stress relief. But massage has many other benefits including boosting your immune system, detoxifying your body, improving circulation, releasing endorphins and improving skin conditions. Aromatherapy combined with massage goes a step further by introducing essential oils to the massage to provide additional health benefits.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural oils derived from plants that are very fragrant. Undiluted essential oils are very strong and are often mixed with popular massage oils such as grapeseed or jojoba.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to help treat a variety of conditions. By inhaling or absorbing specific essential oils, your brain responds with an emotional or physical response to provide some benefit. Aromatherapy massage is performed by the massage therapist applying massage oils directly onto your skin. During the massage, you will receive the benefits of aromatherapy oils by inhaling the pleasant scents or absorbing them through your skin.
Popular Aromatherapy Massage Scents
Different essential oils are used for specific purposes. Some of the most common are lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus. Each oil is used to treat a specific condition, such as:
- Lavender: Enhances relaxation and can provide pain relief, stress/anxiety relief, and help with insomnia.
- Eucalyptus: Has natural antibacterial properties and can help relieve sinus and chest congestion and relieve muscle tension.
- Tea Tree: Supports healthy skin and can help treat acne and other skin conditions.
- Neroli: Much like lavender, neroli oil promotes relaxation and can help alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia.
- Jasmine: Has a soothing effect on the mind, but can also ease muscle aches and help reduce menstrual cramps.
Before your aromatherapy massage, let the massage therapist know of any allergies you have. An allergy to aspirin will alert the massage therapist to avoid oils that are salicylates such as wintergreen. You should also inform the therapist about any specific health conditions and if you are pregnant. In order to get the best aromatherapy for your conditions, tell your massage therapist if you are suffering from any specific ailments such as headaches, digestive issues, stress or depression so that they can provide the best essential oils for your aromatherapy massage.