What is Aromatherapy Massage?

A sweetly-scented massage is blissful, but did you know aromatherapy has health benefits associated with it as well? Whether you want to ease pain or need help with digestion, aromatherapy massage may be just what the doctor ordered. And even if you don't have a problem to treat, aromatherapy can be an excellent addition for any patron with relaxation in mind. Read on to learn more about this increasingly popular form of massage.

What is aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is a loose term; it can be any kind of massage that includes essential oils as a therapeutic element. Most often, it's based on Swedish massage techniques. However, aromatherapy can be part of a reflexology treatment, hot stone massage, cranial massage service, or many other treatments as well. The exact massage style used in aromatherapy massage will vary from spa to spa, and in many cases you can ask that this type of massage be included in any number of spa treatments. Regardless of the massage technique used, the aromatherapy part of a treatment will be similar in all treatments. In the initial consultation before the massage, your therapist should ask you what you'd like to accomplish with the treatment. Based on your response, she'll mix a blend of essential and other oils together to help achieve your goal. Essential oils are all-natural, concentrated plant extractions taken from flowers, roots and leaves. There should be no chemicals incorporated. The blend of oils chosen by your therapist will help you relieve stress, get energized, or even fight symptoms of the common cold. Sometimes, a therapist won't blend oils based on your goals in a massage. Instead, she might offer you different samples of essential oils to smell. You choose the one that seems best to you, and that's the scent that's incorporated into your massage. No matter if your aromatherapy is structured this way or with a specific goal in mind, your therapist will rub the oil into all the parts of your body she massages. You'll absorb the essential oils into your skin and smell them as the whole room is filled with the pleasant aroma.

How aromatherapy works

The theory behind aromatherapy stems from the fact that our smell receptors are connected to the limbic system in our brains. The limbic system regulates our instinctual responses - like eating, breathing, and blinking--but it's also the emotional control panel of our brains. By tapping into the limbic system with certain aromas, specific emotional responses are released. There are multiple essential oils used in aromatherapy, and they all elicit different responses, from happiness to relaxation. Some of the most common essential oils used during massage include rose for an uplifting feeling, lavender for calm, lemon for cleansing, rosemary for energy, and eucalyptus for decongestion. Most spas have a wide variety of essential oils available, so there should be an aroma that will be right for you.

Who should get an aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage can be beneficial for anyone seeking a sensory experience. Since it's is usually incorporated with gentle Swedish massage techniques, it's appropriate for newcomers to the spa world. It's especially helpful for people seeking an alternative remedy to minor medical problems like PMS, headaches, congestion, and muscle soreness. Although aromatherapy can help with more serious conditions as well, you should never use it instead of medical treatment. Talk to your doctor to see if an aromatherapy massage could help with your medical issues. People who are prone to allergies should get an aromatherapy massage unless they're sure that the essential oils used won't cause a reaction. When it doubt, do a test. Have your therapist rub a small amount of the essential oil she'll use on your skin. If you don't experience redness and itchiness and you don't sneeze, that oil is probably okay to use.

Where can I get it?

Almost every spa offers some form of this treatment, but these services can range from complex, customized aromatherapy massages to Swedish massages that incorporate one standard scent, usually lavender. Always ask what an aromatherapy treatment entails before booking at any spa. The best way to find out about aromatherapy options is to ask for reviews from people who have already had the service; find out if your friends or family members have experienced an aromatherapy massage in the past, and if so, where they had the treatment done.

How much will it cost?

An aromatherapy massage will start at around $75 per hour for a basic treatment in a small town's day spa. Most of the time, however, you'll have to pay more. The most complex massages may cost upwards of $100 per hour, with premium locations charging more than $200.