Benefits of using aromatherapy and essential oils in your next relaxation massage

By Natalie Stefiuk, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)

Aromatherapy oils or essential oils, have effects all over the body from increasing relaxation to boosting your mood. While you may be familiar with using essential oils in diffusers, sprays, baths salts or lotions -  they can also be mixed into massage oil and applied directly to the skin to greatly enhance massage therapy treatments.

How does aromatherapy for massage work?

Aromatherapy can be a game changer when included in your regular maintenance massages.

When applied to the skin, aromatherapy oils can aid in pain relief in your muscles, increase lymphatic movement, as well as boost your immune and circulatory systems.

Aromatherapy massage has also been known to decrease symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps, headaches, anxiety and depression. On top of all of this, aromatherapy can help with relaxation during your massage.

Here are a few examples of how aromatherapy oils are beneficial when added to a massage treatment:

• Lavender or vanilla is commonly used to help clients struggling with restless sleep or relaxation
• Citrus essential oil, commonly orange or lemon is known to be a mood booster and can increase circulation
• Eucalyptus and peppermint in combination is popular for relieving stress
• Bergamot and sage can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression