What Is Aromatherapy?

With health and wellness on the rise, a quick Google search will let you know that essential oils contain various therapeutic and medicinal benefits. What makes them so effective is their highly concentrated compounds extracted from plants. There is an abundance of accessible, cost effective essentials oils that offer remedies to mood boosting, pain relief, and reducing anxiety, among other things.

How can this get any better? When you combine the relieving effects obtained from essential oils with the healing touch of a massage therapist this is known as Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that diffuses essential oils in the room during a traditional massage session or it is added topically on the skin, depending on client preference. Massage therapy has been linked to short-term physical pain relief and improved mood, therefore, it is no surprise that adding essential oils can enhance the effects. While the oils relieve pain and swelling on the surface, massage can target knots and release tension beneath the skin to relax the mind and body. The massage techniques most commonly used during aromatherapy are:

• Swedish
• Lymphatic
• Neuromuscular
• Acupressure

If you are considering an aromatherapy massage, select an essential that will meet your needs. The ultimate goal is total relaxation through aroma. Use the following guide as an example:

Essential oils should be handled with proper care. Due to the high concentration, they can irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation. Your massage therapist should dilute your preferred oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.

When in need of a massage that focuses on relaxing body rather than strenuous muscle-kneading session, aromatherapy might be right for you!

If you are interested in learning more about aromatherapy massage and other techniques, explore our Massage Therapy Certificate Program.