If you’re wondering what’s the difference between a regular massage and an aromatherapy massage, you’re not the only one. Aromatherapy massage includes the use of organic essential oils mixed with carrier oils while dealing with a client. Meanwhile, regular massage sessions only include the use of regular massage oil. An aromatherapy massage can be categorized as the topical use of essential oil by a trained masseur.
Essential oils are scented oils extracted from organic sources; the root, shoot, bark, leaves, seeds, or petals of a plant/tree. Their extremely potent aromas make them stand out from regular oils. Additionally, aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage are both practices that are being carried out for centuries due to their healing consequences. A large variety of cultures rely on them for medicinal purposes, relaxation, pleasure, and beautification.
Aromatherapy Massage: Creating The Right Blend
You can either choose one essential oil or create your own blend. The inhalation of that particular oil or blend has an immense impact on our brain. The aroma triggers our limbic system and stimulates some bodily functions. Thus each scent serves a specific purpose and each scent has a different impact on us. People tend to experiment by mixing up different citrus, earthy and spicy undertones to create their own blend. Before making your own blend you’ve got to determine the answers to the following questions;
What particular anomaly or area do you wish to target with this blend?
Does this blend include any oils that might trigger a skin allergy or any other anomalies?
Do you want your blend to have an energizing or calming impact?
Try to be experimental until you find the right potion because you can always wash it off if you don’t like it. Just make sure you’re not overpowering the entire blend by adding more than one drop of a specific oil. Once you’ve prepared a blend, store it in a bottle and add to your massage oil from time to time when you’re getting one. You might want to check out our list of preferred essential oils if you’re keen on making a blend of your own. Make sure you’re either using a bottle with a dropper cap to be more calculative.
Benefits Of Aromatherapy Massage
A wide range of essential oils can elevate skin-related anomalies by targeting bacteria under your skin. For instance; tea tree oil tackles acne meanwhile rosemary and chamomile target skin irritations resulting from intense climate.
Do you need an organic alternative for sleeping pills because you’re tired of consuming them on a regular? Cedar, patchouli, and lavender oil can knock you into a night of sleep you’ll happily wake up from the next day.
Sage oil and rosemary oil are known for their growth-related properties. It’s a great option for you if you enjoy hair massages and crave thicker hair.
Changing weather really seems to take a toll on your throat sometimes. Pollen season is the worse for some of us and chest congestions are quite the norm during those. The use of essential oils like ginger oil and sage oil during massages can ensure that your sore throat wears off gradually.
Dealing with muscle inflammation or swollen lymph nodes after a hard day of manual work? Massaging them with wintergreen, nutmeg or eucalyptus oil can elevate the pain.
Stressed out due to academic or professional responsibilities? Receive some of that anxiety with a massage of ylang-ylang or sandalwood oil to your temples.
If you’ve received a recent sports-related injury and need a natural analgesic there’s always an option for you. Ginger oil, Myrrh oil, and Juniper oil works like charm by blocking pain receptors and bringing you on-time relief while you rest until that injury heals.
If you haven’t been performing your best in bed there’s no need to count on inorganic substances. Sandalwood is a powerful organic aphrodisiac and can return your libido just the way it used to be before.
Certain essential oils can be phototoxic. Let’s take a citrus oil like grapefruit, for instance, it’s highly photo-toxic so make sure you’re not heading out into the sun straight after getting your massage done with this oil. Take proper measures including; wearing sunscreen, carrying an umbrella, or avoid going out altogether.
Avoid using essential oils of any kind over burned, scratched, or broken skin patches.
Remain careful while you’re getting or receiving an aromatherapy massage and keep the oils at a safe distance from your eyes as well as mucous membranes.
Make sure your massage therapist is aware of your medical history properly prior to getting an aromatherapy massage. For example; ladies that are pregnant or breastfeeding should be consulting a doctor prior to getting a massage like this. Essential oils are highly potent and you’ve got to keep in check what gets absorbed into your body while you’re pregnant or still breastfeeding. Additionally, cancer patients should first consult their doctors before getting a massage. In some cases, while you’re still in the treatment stage for cancer, essential oil can mess things up.
Children under the age of 5 should never be exposed to essential oils. Maintain extra care while using them on children over the age of 5.
Ask your doctor to suggest a credible massage therapist. Additionally, a trained masseur will always dilute essential oils because of their extreme potency. So, make sure that’s happening in order to avoid future risks.
Oregano oil and lemongrass oil comes pretty handily during viral colds
Avoid getting aromatherapy massages on the regular they’re very potent and it can be pretty dangerous for your health. A high dose can even lead to non-lethal toxicity.
You might have to avoid this altogether if you’re extremely sensitive to strong scents. If there are any respiratory disorders you deal with; asthma etc. Make sure your therapist’s aware of it because the strong aroma of those oils can trigger those issues for the worse. Similar is the case for skin allergies.
In the following scenarios avoid aromatherapy massage at all costs; you’re dealing with epilepsy, you’ve been consuming blood thinners, you’ve recently had surgery, you’ve got vein thrombosis or you’re a patient of hypoglycemia.
Ladies dealing with menopausal symptoms will absolutely appreciate hour-long massages with plant-based essential oil.
After a hard day of walking, one can always provide feet with some relief with a massage of thyme or geranium oil.
Aromatherapy massage can also relieve excessive menstrual pain and cramps.
While purchasing essential oils make sure they’re 100% pure because not all essential oils are organic. Sometimes they’re already diluted with chemicals that can be pretty harsh on your health. Always purchase organic essential oils as you can always dilute them with safe carrier oils later on.
Aromatherapy Massage: Top 7 Essential Oils Preferred By Massage Therapists
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil deserves to be right on top of this list. That’s because it is preferred by most clients because of its soothing and relaxing nature. It’s extremely refreshing. Nothing helps you unclutter better than the soothing sweet aroma of lavender essential oil. If you really struggle with insomnia or body stress, the lavender essential oil is the way to go. It can knock your mind right back into a relaxed state while also boosting your stamina at the same time.
Coriander Essential Oil
This is an option meant for those that always want something extra on the side. Thus Coriander essential oil helps you relax with the added benefits to your digestive system. Getting an aromatherapy massage with coriander essential oil has long been known as an amazing solution to pancreas-related issues. Although it can’t completely wear off the issue it can still help you cope with the consequences. Additionally, coriander essential oil when used in aromatherapy massage also promotes a healthier circulatory system. So, if cardiovascular diseases run in the family and you’ve got a thing for aromatherapy massages, you know what’s your favorite oil’s going to be from now on.
Peppermint essential oil
What makes peppermint essential oil so significant is the presence of menthol. Thanks to this key component and its cooling properties this essential oil can reduce some severe headaches. A trained professional will first dilute peppermint oil instead of directly applying it to your temple and massaging it into your skin. Another great usage would be for clients struggling with fibromyalgia or diabetic neuropathy. Aromatherapy massage with peppermint oil in this case ensures that the oil’s stimulating properties provide relief to the client. Additionally, peppermint oil works great for sore and cramped muscles around the legs.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
If you’re more inclined towards a toned body and getting massages on the regular, next time you might want to request grapefruit oil. Why? Because of its cellulite-reducing properties. Women tend to struggle the most with cellulite around their lower body and massaging the legs with this oil can really show noticeable results. Additionally, grapefruit oil as the name indicates has a fruity and fresh scent. It’s known to provide great relief from high blood pressure and really uplifts your mood. Masseurs also rely on grapefruit oil when dealing while catering to stressed-out lymphatic areas.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil tends to work its magic on the skin due to its antiseptic properties. Any clients dealing with acne, dermatitis, or athlete’s foot seem to completely rely on it for this very reason. Additionally, tea tree oil has a strong aroma and it’s extracted from steamed Australian tea tree leaves. Under no circumstances, this particular oil is suppose to be ingested. Like most essential oils this one’s also supposed to be diluted. Thus trained masseurs tend to use a carrier oil; coconut oil, almond oil, etc.
Eucalyptus Oil
This essential oil is a gold mine for those with sinus-related congestions. It has amazing antibacterial and antiviral properties so it comes pretty handy during fall. Apart from providing relief during respiratory congestions eucalyptus oil works like a charm for swollen muscles. This essential oil is usually spilled on some tissues/cotton and placed near the massage table. As the massage continues, the aroma of eucalyptus oil works its charm on the client. Furthermore, one can also mix a few drops of it with a massaging lotion.
Frankincense Oil
If you’re inclined towards daily meditative sessions, here’s an essential oil that won’t disappoint you. Getting a massage with this essential oil and chasing it with a meditation session can really help in elevating your soul. It balances your emotional state and grounds you by reducing impatience. Furthermore, this oil has antidepressant properties. It’s absolutely not an alternative to the drugs prescribed by your doctor but it can surely help you ease up.
Geranium Oil
This oil’s renowned for its remarkable floral undertones. Clients dealing with PMS tend to use geranium oil the most. It’s a stress reliever and its soft aroma tends to settle down moods as well. Some additional benefits of using this particular oil during aromatherapy massage are; better blood circulation, anxiety reduction, nervous stimulation, etc. Skincare geeks also use it as an astringent as it provided a toning effect to the skin post-massage.
Final Words
Lastly, aromatherapy massages are usually carried out at local spas and clinics. Ask a friend or health professional to suggest one to you or check your local listings for the best options. Don’t be too quick while judging essential oils for yourself. There’s a huge possibility that you might land on tones that just might not be meant for you. So take your time to try out different fruity, earthy, and spicy tones. Perhaps you’ll find the right thing after dealing with some intense ones that trigger your flight response. Here’s a pro tip that you’re rarely going to find anywhere. Avoid eating anything before a massage appointment with your therapist.
