Using Essential Oils in Massage

Otherwise known as aromatherapy massage, a massage using essential oils is a real treat, and has many positive effects that make it a treat worth investing in.

There are two main reasons why a massage therapist may use essential oils in their treatments: 

• The essential oils used in massage can have beneficial effects on different areas of your body and health.   Check out my previous post How Do Essential Oils Actually Work? if you'd like more information on some of the science behind essential oils.
• They smell nice – but the aroma isn’t just a pleasant addition to your treatment. Aromas are well known to trigger emotions in the part of your brain that deals with memories, which is why the smell of your mom’s cooking or your grandma’s favorite perfume can transport you back in time and make you feel good. Some scents, like citrus or lavender oils, have a very similar effect, and just inhaling them as you’re enjoying your massage makes you feel good. 

Essential oils and pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you should always tell your massage therapist before an aromatherapy massage because although essential oils are safe in the vast majority of cases, there are a few specific essential oils that are best avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Essential oils and pain relief

Using essential oils in a massage is ideal if you’re experiencing symptoms like inflammation or pain. The aromatherapy adds an extra layer of benefit to a soothing massage and seems to magnify the effects of a treatment that can give you even more relief than a basic massage.

Essential oils and stress

Just breathing in the gorgeously relaxing scent of lavender essential oil can calm you down if you’re having a stressful time. Lavender essential oil is great for pain relief and widely used in stress-busting massage treatments. 

So what is an aromatherapy massage like?

The first thing you’ll need to do is have a talk with your therapist about what you are hoping to get from your massage session and tell her all about any existing health conditions so that she can choose the best combination of oils for you. There are pre-blended mixes of essential oils for general use, but many therapists also make up their own mixes for each session.

When therapists are putting together a custom blend, they will often ask you to pick a fragrance that makes you feel good. There’s not much point in creating perfectly-blended massage oil for you if you can’t bear the smell of it and can’t wait to get off the massage table!

After an aromatherapy massage you’re likely to feel absolutely amazing – not only have you had the physical benefits of a relaxing massage but the psychological boost that you’ll get from all the delicious essential oils will keep you coming back for more.

What’s your favorite aromatherapy oil?