Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy but with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion. There are medical conditions which contraindicate the use of some essential oils, and we evaluate each client prior to an aromatherapy session.
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 absorbed through the skin. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to conditions involving stress or improving emotionally-related conditions.
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
What Can I Expect During An Aromatherapy Massage?
After the consultation, one or more essential oils are selected based on what you need and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion. The subtle aromas of the essential oils fill the air around you during the massage. After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.