What is Aromatherapy Massage

Many people ask “what is aromatherapy massage exactly?” Instead of answering “oh it’s about great smelling massage oils”, we will focus on a more educated approach in our explanation.  Your nostrils are connected to a part of your brain known as the limbic system. Your limbic system regulates emotions and influences your nervous system and even your hormones.

Essential oils are used when aromatherapy massage is practiced. Whether these oils are used in the massage oil itself, a fragrant candle next to the massage area or even an aromatherapy air diffuser in the room, your intake of the fragrance is where it all begins. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, messages are sent to your limbic system and affect your “personal settings” such as stress level, blood pressure, heart rate, how you breathe, your memory, how you digest food, and benefits for your immune system.

Most every massage therapist will use massage oil or cream that is essential oil based as it is believed to be the most effective. It is highly suggested that essential oils are absorbed through the skin.

There is an essential oil for just about every need you may have. Each essential oil is known for healing different ailments and aromatherapy massage benefits. Whether you need help with sleeping, relaxing, romance, energy or just about any other concern there is an essential oil containing just the right benefits you require.

While most aromatherapy massage techniques utilize essential oils that are physically massaged into the skin, candles and aromatherapy diffusers are also common place. As we mentioned above, massage oils are key, a combination of fragrant candles or diffusers coupled with fragrant massage oil appeals to mind body and soul. Our senses tend to react better when ambiance is also considered

Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

There are many benefits of massage therapy. These benefits appeal to mind, body and soul without the use of chemicals that contain harsh ingredients. We have listed the most commonly used essential oils and fragrances associated to aromatherapy massage techniques you would benefit from.

Relaxation and Calming – Lavender, chamomile, and geranium are the most commonly used essential oils used in aromatherapy massage.

Romance – Black currant and jasmine are closely associated to providing you with romance and love.

Invigorating and Energizing  –  Ginger, verbena, various essential oils containing citrus, ylang ylang, sage, rosemary, rose, and neroli are all associated with energy.

Cleansing – Rosemary and verbena.

Stress Relief – Eucalyptus, spearmint

Headache Relief – Peppermint Oil

Decongestion – Tea tree, mint, eucalyptus, and pine.  

Obviously, benefits of massage therapy also include muscle pain, PMS, digestive issues and more.

Research on Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

Most important research regarding the benefits of aromatherapy massage:

Self-massage notably improves symptoms and overall well-being of individuals experiencing lymphedema. It is also linked to small, subtle reduction in limb volume.

A study was conducted on 16 new moms (first pregnancy) that received a half hour aromatherapy massage approximately 48 hours after giving birth, while twenty new moms received typical post-delivery care. The study showed that aromatherapy massage group had considerably decreased post-partum issues such as blues, depression and anxiety and had increased energy and connection to their newborns.

Research also suggests that cancer patients, especially for soothing therapy, are more and more using aromatherapy massage benefits to care for these patients.

What is aromatherapy massage, we believe it is many things.

What to Expect During an Aromatherapy Massage

After making your appointment or speaking with your massage therapist, you will have chosen one essential oil or a mixture of oils based on what you benefits you seek. These essential oils are blended to oil or cream based massage elixirs.
While essential oils fill the air around you during the massage, other mood enhancing products for the best ambiance can be used such as aromatherapy candles and diffusers.

After the massage, your massage therapist may suggest a personal blend containing all the essential oil (benefits) that best suit you at home.  

Considerations for Aromatherapy Massage

Like any massage, those suffering from severe fragrance based allergies, contagious skin disease, rash, or open wounds would not benefit from aromatherapy massage or be safe. If you have just had certain surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, a waiting period is highly recommended. In these cases, consult your physician. If you are pregnant, or under physician’s care, consult first. Pregnancy massages are common, but make certain your therapist is certified and/or has much experience with pregnant clients.

Aromatherapy Massage Tips

Do not schedule your appointment during a time when you plan on eating heavily before or a time of day your associate eating with. Have a light snack. This sounds so basic, but many new aromatherapy massage clients forget.