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What is aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy but with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion.

How does aromatherapy massage work?

The nostrils are attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones.

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

Essential oils are also believed to be absorbed through the skin.

Each essential oil has different healing properties. For example, some calm while others energize. Here are some widely used essential oils and their properties:

calming – chamomile, lavender, geranium

uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli

energizing – rosemary

cleansing – rosemary

decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, tea tree

Why do people get aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to conditions involving stress or improving emotionally-related conditions.

Stress and stress-related conditions such as insomnia

Headache

Digestive disorders

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Back pain

Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils derived from plants to affect your mood and alleviate pain.

In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil. The massage therapist use up to five oils in a mixture, and chooses the oils based on what you need. A relaxing aromatherapy massage, for instance, might have lavender or bergamot, while a massage for sore muscles might include peppermint and eucalyptus.

Essential oils are a volatile, highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers. They can also be used in hydrotherapy baths, facials and body treatments. You can also use them at home.

Aromatherapy should not be confused with fragrances or perfume oils. Fragrances are often made from chemicals, and lack the therapeutic properties of essential oils. So just because someone lights a scented candle doesn't make it aromatherapy!

Massage is an integral part of the aromatherapy process. It allows a soothing and therapeutic application of essential oils to heal and rejuvenate the body. Massage can work as a stimulant as well as a relaxant. Blending essential oils and massaging them into your body works on the olfactory nerves as well as the limbic system. Aromatherapy skin care products are being increasingly used for their beneficial properties. Aromatherapy bath oils and bath salts can make for an exhilarating experience.

Aromatherapy Massage

An aromatherapy massage session can involve just a face and head massage or a full body massage. A typical aromatherapy massage can last between 30 & 90 minutes and costs around $50-$110. Those suffering from varicose veins, fractures, bruises, swellings and infection must not go in for the massage. Pregnant women must consult their doctor before resorting to an aromatherapy massage. During the massage, the aromas are detected by the nerve endings in the nose and signals are passed to the limbic system in the brain.

An important part of the limbic system governing the pituitary gland controls release of hormones throughout the body. Many mental and emotional benefits are gained by the neuro chemicals that are released. Additionally, the small molecules of essential oils are absorbed throughout the skin. They then dissolve in the natural body fats and fluids. This allows them to flow around the body and aid relaxation, detoxification and regeneration. Aromatherapy massage improves blood circulation, increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. The immune system is also stimulated by improved tissue drainage and better lymphatic flow.