Aromatherapy massage is a version of Swedish massage. A Swedish massage is a gentle, full body massage, but an aromatherapy massage adds in essential oils that can take the massage to new heights.
Aromatherapy massage uses lotions or oils that contain essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant oils. During an aromatherapy massage, you will inhale and absorb the essential oils via the air molecules and your skin. Essential oils are thought to promote beneficial changes in the mind and body. In some cases, these oils can actually affect the limbic system of the brain that influences the nervous system of the body.
This type of massage is a good fit for somebody who has never experienced massage before. It can be very relaxing and not as intense as something like a deep tissue massage. The purpose of an aromatherapy massage is more about relaxing and healing the mind and body through the restorative properties of the essential oils rather than working out kinks or knots in the muscles.
Over 3,000 different essential oils exist for potential use, and each one has its own therapeutic properties. Regardless of the ailment, there is an essential oil available to correct it. Essential oil enthusiasts use the oils to treat everything from asthma to aches and pains, insomnia, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, hypertension, bacterial and viral infections and much more.
Essential oils work their magic when you inhale them. The mucosal lining of the nose and throat soaks up the molecules of the essential oils and then uses them to affect the body and the brain.
The massage part of an aromatherapy massage actually doesn’t matter as much as the oils being used. But the massage should be somewhat light in nature and relaxing. Aromatherapy is most commonly used with Swedish, acupressure, neuromuscular, lymphatic and reflexology massages.
Many studies have been done on aromatherapy massage that suggest it is beneficial for a wide variety of afflictions. Most studies confirm aromatherapy massage can be very beneficial for menstrual issues, as well as menopause.
Aromatherapy massage does not require any specialized training, aside from what massage therapists already have. However, the quality of the essential oils can vary greatly. So, if you are considering getting an aromatherapy massage, make sure the oils being used are indeed essential oils and not just something that has been synthetically scented. Synthetically scented oils will have no benefit other than making you smell good when you leave.
