An aromatherapy massage is a great way to relax after a particularly stressful day. The combination of targeting your pressure points and enlivening your senses to the beautiful aromatic scents from massage oils has many benefits for both the mind and body.
An aromatherapy massage is a deeply relaxing type of massage that uses slow and firm massage techniques to place pressure on your pressure points.
Benefits of aromatherapy massage
Benefits of aromatherapy massage include:
- Reduced stress levels
- Physical and mental pain relief
- Relaxation
- Increased serotonin
Although these are general benefits of massage therapy, each massage oil has its own added benefits that can be used to enhance your individual experience. Whether you suffer from a lack of energy, sleep disturbances, dry skin, or anxiety. The beauty of aromatherapy massage is that there’s a massage oil that can help you with your individual requirements.
What is in massage oil?
Massage oil is made up of two components, your carrier oil and essential oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin.
Carrier oils include:
- Jojoba oil (non-comedogenic)
- Sweet almond oil (sensitive skin)
- Olive oil (dry skin)
- Coconut oil (antifungal)
- Grapeseed oil (ageing skin)
Essential oils need carrier oils to dilute them down as applying essential oils straight to the body can cause irritation due to their potency.
Essential oils include:
- Lavender (relaxing)
- Eucalyptus (decongesting)
- Chamomile (calming)
- Peppermint (uplifting)
- Bergamot (pain relief)
Mixing the two oils to create your perfect aromatherapy massage oil will allow you to smell divine and reap all the benefits. An aromatherapy massage is a great way to boost your mood and gain all the benefits of a regular massage whilst tailoring the treatment to suit your own specific needs.
Massage oil ideas
To help make the process easier here are some common health problems and the perfect massage oil to treat each:
Headaches/migraines
Peppermint essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Coconut oil carrier
Sore muscles
Bergamot essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Jojoba oil carrier
Relaxation
Lavender essential oil
Ylang-Ylang essential oil
Jojoba oil carrier
How to prepare for your aromatherapy massage
Be sure to inform your massage therapist of any allergies prior to your aromatherapy massage appointment to ensure that your therapist has the right massage oil in stock. Massage oils are for external use only and can be easily transferred onto your clothes after your treatment, which is why we recommend wearing old clothes.
Are massage oils safe?
The topical application of massage oils are generally safe if all previous allergies are known. Irritation, allergies, rashes, and other side effects are all possible if your allergies were previously unknown. We recommend that you seek a GP appointment and visit the pharmacy immediately if any allergic or sensitive skin reactions occur. If you have particularly sensitive patches of skin that you would like to completely avoid, please inform your massage therapist.