Common Essential Oils and Their Benefits in Massage
Have you ever seen shelves and shelves full of those tiny oil bottles in the store and wondered what all the craze is about? Can the scent of mint actually be all that powerful? The world of essential oils is vast, intriguing, and a little bit confusing – there are hundreds of different essential oils and they all have their own unique benefits.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor of their source. They are obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation and each has a unique composition of chemicals, and this variation affects the smell, absorption, and effects on the body. The chemical composition of an essential oil may vary within the same plant species, or from plant to plant. Essential oils are often used for aromatherapy, massage, topical uses, fragrance your home, and so much more.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy is the most common use of essential oils – Aromatherapy massage is used for a variety of different reasons, including relaxation, pain management, and improved mood. These are also some of the basic benefits of massage therapy. Adding essential oils is thought to enhance such benefits.
The Top 5 Essential Oils for Aromatherapy Massage
Lavender - Lavender essential oil is known to be very soothing and relaxing. It can help with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and restlessness. When used during massage, lavender can help sedate your nervous system and improve overall relaxation.
Peppermint - Peppermint essential oil is known to be very invigorating and great for opening up the sinuses. It can help with stuffy noses and colds. Peppermint oil with your massage experience can help improve headaches, reduce muscle inflammation, and help soothe joint pain.
Chamomile - Chamomile essential oil is very calming and relaxing and it can be used to help with insomnia. When used during a massage, chamomile is beneficial since it is anti-inflammatory. Chamomile essential oil can be used for inflamed skin, arthritis, headaches, sprains, and muscle aches.
Basil - Basil is both invigorating and energizing. It can help stimulate the mind. Basil also is considered to be antiviral and antibacterial, making it useful for applications when the user has a cold. When used with massage, basil essential oil can help soothe achy muscles, reduce symptoms of rheumatism, and decrease fatigue.
Lemongrass - Lemongrass essential oil is very invigorating and energizing. It has a pleasant but strong lemony aroma and is great for uplifting the wearer. When used with massage, lemongrass essential oil is beneficial for achy muscle relief. It’s also beneficial for acne and as a treatment for athletes foot when used topically.
Other Common Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Stress reducing
Anxiety reliever
Increased calmness and relaxation
Decrease in muscle tension
Pain relief
A reduction of symptoms of depression
Ease of pain from various conditions listed below:
Fibromyalgia, Chronic lower back pain, Myofascial pain syndrome, Arthritis, Insomnia relief, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Peripheral neuropathy, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Premenstrual syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis
There are countless uses of essential oils, from a few drops in a bath to help relax, to adding some into a diffuser to enjoy the therapeutic benefits in your home environment. During a massage essential oils enhance the benefits and add another layer of relaxation to the process. Holistic Massotherapy & Wellness offers a wide range of massages for any of your individual needs. HMW is a proud partner of doTERRA Essential Oils. We utilize doTERRA products in our aromatherapy sessions. Aromatherapy can be added to any of our massage services to maximize the benefits you will experience. Book an appointment today and find out for yourself what all the fuss is about!