What is aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a massage with essential oils.
Essential oils are amazing, volatile and expensive. They are comprised of compounds and oils extracted from plants. Due to their potency, in order to use essential oils for massage, they must first be blended with a base oil to dilute their potency.
One of the key factors of this beautiful massage is that it is designed to detox the lymphatic system while boosting the immune system.
Benefits of massage with essential oils
The benefits of aromatherapy massage are many. Although this is a very relaxing spa treatment, aromatherapy is also an excellent detox method. In addition, massage with essential oils can be used to treat a wide range of circulatory, digestive, respiratory and neuromuscular complaints.
Pure essential oils are blended together to achieve specific results.
Even though everyone will have their own experience, most people report immediate results such as deep relaxation, revitalization and reduced stress. Essentially, a combination of results is achieved through the aromatherapy massage, regardless of the initial goal.
Although the physical benefits of an aromatherapy service are fabulous, an exciting bonus is how it also boosts mood and improves one’s outlook.
Note: use caution if you are allergic to plants, scents, etc. This spa treatment may not be suited for you. Consult your physician or massage therapist before receiving any aromatherapy service if in doubt.
What to expect from aromatherapy massage
What should you expect from this type of massage? First, it is not deep tissue. As aromatherapy applications and massage styles vary, the following is simply for reference.
In general, this type of massage is available in either a 50 or 80 minute time frame. Please confirm which you are having when booking your appointment.
Before beginning the spa treatment, the massage therapist will introduce the aromatherapy oils available to you and ask you to select one. Always select the oil that appeals the most to you.
The therapist will leave you to your privacy. You will disrobe and lie on the table, usually starting face down under the covers. Although this is referred to as aromatherapy massage, in many establishments, it will not be performed like a typical massage.
Aromatherapy services have been designed to help detox the lymphatic system. Therefore, the therapist will work with the flow of the lymphatic system.
Generally, they will start from the base of the back and massage up to the neck. They will spend quite a bit of time on the back, then the buttocks. Next they will move to the feet and work back up to the hips.
While laying on your back, the massage therapist will provide a scalp and facial massage. While massaging the face, they will emphasize points to stimulate sinus drainage.
Moving on from the face, they’ll work down the body. Next, on to the neck area and then either to the abdomen or the legs, starting at the feet and working back toward the hips.
Note: the aromatherapy service outlined here is specifically designed to drain the lymphatic system. Some entities may provide more of a Swedish massage using essential oils as their aromatherapy spa treatment.
After your massage
After your massage with essential oils, you will smell great, feel amazing and be relaxed. You may be lightheaded, but this is normal after any type of massage.
You may even feel a bit woozy, which indicates your body is detoxing. Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins.
If the essential oils used in your aromatherapy treatment contained citrus, be sure to shower before going into the sun. Citrus may cause you to burn.
However, it is always best to postpone bathing. Leave the oils on as long as possible for maximum absorption and benefit of aromatherapy.
How often to have aromatherapy massage
How often to have this type of massage depends on why you are receiving it. Unless you are working to improve a particular condition, receiving this relaxing service once a month would be an excellent addition to your health regimen.
If, however, you are addressing a health concern through aromatherapy, then it may be recommended that you receive it at least three times a week.
For best results, you will want to combine your treatments with products designed for home use. Talk to your massage therapist about your needs and their recommendations.
Categories for Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy Services
Detox Methods
Types of Massage
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