Aromatherapy massage is a beautiful way to express caring and help relieve the stress of a loved one. The benefits of aromatherapy massage can also be enjoyed through self massage.

On its own, the benefits of massage are many…

• Massage helps improve circulation to the massaged area, and it helps to stimulate muscles.
• In turn, this can help improve flexibility and mobility.
• Massage can dramatically reduce stress and ease tension.
• Massage can help reduce headaches/migraines, cramps and spasms.
• Massage is also said to improve the immune system by stimulating the limbic system and the release of toxins.

But when combined with aromatherapy, massage takes on a remarkable synergy that dramatically enhances the massage session…

• Essential oils are comprised of the naturally occurring chemical constituents found in the botanical that they are distilled from. The classification of esters, for example, found in Lavender and Roman Chamomile essential oils are both naturally sedating/relaxing and anti-inflammatory. Sidenote: Essential oils are not oily feeling, are highly aromatic and are much different than vegetable (carrier) oils. If you are not familiar with essential oils, read these articles: What Are Essential Oils? and What are Carrier Oils?
• Combining well chosen essential oils (such as the example of Lavender or Roman Chamomile given above) with a carrier oil can promote relaxation, reduce stress and/or help to improve circulation and reduce swelling and pain.
• Some essential oils act as aphrodisiacs and can help set the mood for more intimate massage sessions.
• Some massage oils contain synthetic mineral oil that can potentially impair the skin’s ability to breath. Instead, select a natural vegetable oil as the massage oil base and as the “carrier oil” for essential oils. Natural vegetable oils can help to lubricate, moisturize and nourish the skin with essential fatty acids and other important fatty acids, anti-oxidants and other important nutritives (while fatty acids must be limited in the diet, they are important and nourishing for the skin).