Aromatherapy Massage

The addition of oils enhances the benefits of a massage and the therapeutic properties of specific oils can be used to target particular ailments. Aromatherapy Massage may be lighter because the oils are doing some of the work, but in my experience, most people prefer a firmer “Swedish” massage combined with the use of essential oils.

Essential Oils

The essential oils are extracted from plants across the world and contain many compounds which have medicinal properties e.g. most people have heard of the antiseptic properties of Tea Tree oil, which is thought to be effective against MRSA or lavender for burns. Essential oils also have an effect on the mind and most are uplifting - some are thought to be particularly good for grief, stress and so on.

Blending Essential Oils

Blending essential oils takes into account the therapeutic properties e.g. chamomile is good for muscle pain but it also balances the fragrance by blending a mixture of perfumes. Some of the types of scent are: floral eg geranium, spicy eg ginger, earthy eg sandalwood, antiseptic eg tea tree, fruity eg sweet orange and so on.

Nobody knows why, but when oils are blended, together, the synergy increases their potency and this can be used to target particular ailments. I choose and blend 3 oils from a choice of about 40 oils.

Blending Carrier Oils

The essential oils are generally too strong to be used neat on the skin and are diluted with a plain carrier oil. The carrier oils contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E and essential fatty acids. These oils can also be blended to optimise the nutritional content and the consistency of the oil for the best aromatherapy massage e.g. peach kernel is lighter than sweet almond oil, jojoba makes a silky blend, grapeseed is used for people with nut allergies and has a slightly thicker consistency.