Massage therapy is a great option not only for relaxation but to also deal with muscle pain and strains. And aromatherapy massage is yet another tool in the massage toolbox that can be used to help with relaxation, pain management and improved mood. Aromatherapy is often used as an add-on service to deep tissue, hot stone, or Swedish massage. Adding essential oils to the massage experience is what makes aromatherapy unique.
Common essential oils used in aromatherapy include the well-known lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, and chamomile to the lesser-known bergamot, cedarwood, geranium and ginger. Aromatherapy uses these essential oils for certain benefits and many people now diffuse essential oils at home, in addition to using them on the skin to improve sleep, mood or control pain.
According to the National Cancer Institute, aromatherapy has shown to benefit the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Pain
For example, depending on your treatment goals, your massage therapist might alternate between gentle strokes and more intense pressure while adding specific essential oils to bring stress relief by stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, and nervous systems. Massage therapists blend essential oils to address specific physical or emotional needs during the massage.
Just some of the benefits of aromatherapy massage include decreased anxiety, headache relief, improved circulation, enhanced mental well-being, a reduction in pain and inflammation, and a deep sense of relaxation. If you have never tried aromatherapy massage, talk to your massage therapist about developing a treatment plan incorporating a specific blend of essential oils. Adding essential oils to your regular massages just might be the missing ingredient to get you from feeling better after your massage to feeling fantastic. And talk to your massage therapist about incorporating essential oils in your home to extend those benefits in between massage treatments.
