Aromatherapy massage is a type of Swedish massage that uses essential oils to basically relax you, improve your mood, and to manage pain. Most message therapists will offer it at an additional cost with a traditional Swedish massage session by adding a few drops of essential oil to the massage lotion or by applying it directly to the skin.

The idea of massage therapy is to manipulate the muscles and lymph nodes by professionally pressing and rubbing the particular body part. A professional massage therapist will know exactly which muscles to press and rub. Essential oils can be added with any other type of massage as well, whether it is a Swedish massage, prenatal massage, hot stone massage, or even deep tissue massage.

What is Aromatherapy?

To better understand the benefits and uses of aromatherapy massage, you first need to learn what aromatherapy massage is and the benefits it offers. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for certain benefits. The essential oils provide aroma which is released into the air. This is done by dilution the essential oil into milder oils or by adding it into lotions or even humidifiers.

Purpose of Aroma Therapy Massage

The main purpose of aromatherapy massage is to improve the overall physical and mental well-being of the individual. More and more people have started using essential oils by either mixing them in lotion, by diffusing them in the air, by using humidifiers, or mixing them in lotion.

Oils used in Aromatherapy Massage

Some of the most common essential oils used in Aromatherapy massage include but not limited to orange essential oil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemon, ginger, peppermint, and tea tree essential oils.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

According to scientific research aromatherapy offers a number of health benefits including stress reduction and anxiety management. It also helps with insomnia, nausea, and pain.

Risks and Caution

Aromatherapy may seem harmless, but there are a few risks associated with aromatherapy massage. For example, if you are allergic to certain oils, you should consult your skin specialist or use the oil with care. Always use a carrier oil to dilute the effect of the essential oil and never apply it directly to your skin. Some possible side effects and skin issues that may arise from the use of essential oils are rashes, hives, redness, swelling, and even itchiness.

Similarly, if you are pregnant, you should avoid the use of basil, birch, parsley, pennyroyal, sage, aniseed, tarragon, and wintergreen essential oils.