Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to obtain specific moods, promote healing and ease muscle pain, aches and sprains. When you receive a massage with essential oils, the oils are absorbed into your skin and you inhale the aroma, providing a physical and emotional benefit. Aromatherapy massage is often an effective treatment for numerous ailments. The massage therapist can work with you to make a customized massage oil based on your needs.
Relaxation
The most common reason you may decide to get an aromatherapy massage is for relaxation purposes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage with essential oils can promote stress relief, feelings of calm and restore well-being. The most common essential oils that are used to induce relaxation are lavender, vanilla, orange blossom, chamomile, ylang ylang, rose and sandalwood, although there are numerous others you can try. If you wish to make a relaxing, fragrant massage oil at home, you can add 20 drops of lavender, 20 drops of chamomile and 20 drops of ylang ylang to a half cup of a base massage oil such as sweet almond oil.
Pain Relief
If you suffer from chronic pain, such as arthritis, or have achy, sore muscles, an aromatherapy massage may help to alleviate your complaints. In an article published in the February 2005 edition of Massage Today, licensed massage therapist Shellie Enteen explains that lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils for pain relief, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. When used in massage, it can help to alleviate muscle spasms, aches, cramps and help to lower blood pressure. Another oil you can use for pain relief is clary sage, as it has similar anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use these oils in self-massage at home. Mix 20 drops of your chosen oil in a half cup of grapeseed oil and massage onto painful areas.
Rejuvenation
Although you may typically associate massage with relaxation, an aromatherapy massage with energizing essential oils can help you to recharge and rejuvenate. According to an article from the Arthritis Foundation, essential oils such as peppermint and jasmine and citrus oils such as orange blossom, grapefruit and lemon all have uplifting properties. When used in massage, you will feel renewed and have more energy. You can also mix a few drops of these oils with a teaspoon of carrier oil like grapeseed and massage onto your temples for an energy boost at any time of the day.
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