In an aromatherapy massage, highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, are added to massage oils or lotions. Essential oils are an important factor of this massage. The oils are extracted from the plant’s parts. These are oils that can be extracted through steam, cold expression, or fixed oil or alcohol extraction. They are very fragrant and can cause damage to the skin if used in its concentrated form, that’s why it is blended into what is called carrier oil.
Emotional Benefits
This massage is meant to tap into one’s memory. The nose is connected to the part of the brain called the Limbic system. This controls certain emotional responses and hormones so when the oil is applied, it releases certain smells that will remind the client of a time when he or she felt good. The oils are chosen to therapeutically treat any emotional problems that a client might have.
Long-term Relief
Unlike your regular massage services, which just helps with certain aches and pains of the day in the short-term, aromatherapy massage can provide long-term stress and pain relief, help with any sleeping problems you may have, and give the mind and body the energy that it may be lacking, promoting healing.
Consultation
When you go into a spa for an aromatherapy massage, or any massage, you and the massage therapist will sit down for a consultation to find out what kind of massage you are looking for. Questions about your home and work life, and your physical and mental state may be asked. This will give the massage therapist an idea of what you need.
The massage therapist will then determine what essential oils will help you and your specific condition, and blend them to be used in your session. Many massage therapists will either suggest or give you a mixture of the oil to take home with you and use in-between sessions.
With this type of bodywork, it is performed on nude clients. Your massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothes in private. Sheets or towels are available for you to wrap yourself in. The sheet or towel, whatever is available at the time, will be removed to work on a client’s specific body part. If you are uncomfortable with the nude aspect, let your therapist know before you begin.
