Essential oils can be used as aromatherapy with massage

Aromatherapy has been around for nearly 6,000 years. Through the ages, essential oils have been used to treat anxiety, depression, pains and aches, sleep problems and other physical ailments. Their use extends to spiritual practices (prayers and anointing oil used to heal the sick), therapeutic uses, hygiene and ritualis (some cultures anoint kings with oil).

How does aromatherapy work? If you have ever wondered why smells affect you, there is a science behind that. Smells stimulate receptors in the nose, which in turn affect the parts of the brain (amygdala and hippocampus) that store emotion and memories and influence the physical, mental and emotional outcomes in your body.

One effective way to use essential oil is with massage therapy. Not only does it smell good, it helps your body to relax and reap health benefits.

Below are just a few essential oils and their associated benefits:

Lavender Oil
This hardy native of the Mediterranean gives off a woody, yet floral, scent. Often used in baths to purify body and spirit, lavender essential oil has been said to fight insomnia, anxiety, depression and fatigue. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender has slight calming, soothing and sedative properties.

Neroli (Bitter Orange Blossom) Essential Oil
Once used by ancient Egyptians to heal mind, body and spirit, Neroli oil has many healing qualities. Its sweet, floral and spicy aroma is both invigorating and uplifting. Practitioners use Neroli oil to help induce calm, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and boost the immune system.

Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is often associated with chewing gum and tea, but the oil of this delightful herb may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and indigestion, according to WedMD. This oil is also used to ease symptoms of colds, coughs, muscle and nerve pain and joint conditions

Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage is often used for tackling estrogen-related problems. Whether you’re struggling with premenstrual bloating and irritation or dealing with menopause,  ask about including this oil in the massage. Clary sage has antibacterial qualities and acts as a painkiller as well, offering relief for pains, aches, muscle stiffness and cramps.

Tea Tree Essential Oil
Derived from a tree that thrives in southeast Australia and smells like nutmeg, tea tree oil is known as an antiseptic and a formidable immune booster. It is often used to treat various skin conditions, such as acne, burns and cuts, and to relieve respiratory conditions and muscle aches.
Although some people take essential oil orally to treat certain health conditions, that should only be done under the care of a health practitioner. They can be used as aromatherapy to complement your massage, however, and that offers a safer alternative for using essential oils.

If you are interested in combining aromatherapy with massage, contact us to book your appointment in Longmont, Colorado. We will customize your massage experience according to your unique needs.