What Is Aromatherapy Massage? 

An Aromatherapy Massage is a treatment that combines soothing Swedish massage techniques with essential oil aromatherapy. The massage technique involves alternating between gentle and firmer pressure while using a tailored blend of essential oils. 
 
Aromatherapeutic massages are widely known for their healing capabilities. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, stress, insomnia, or joint pain, Aromatherapy Massages deliver the ultimate relaxation experience. 
 
During treatment, essential oils are absorbed through your skin. Depending on the essential oils you select, each imparts specific benefits to your mind and body, improving mood, alleviating pain and detoxifying. 
 
Here at the Mind Body and Soul, we offer specialist Aromatherapy Massage to clients across Colchester and surrounding areas. Our expert masseurs have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, leaving you relaxed, refreshed, and reinvigorated after every session. 

How Does An Aromatherapy Massage work? 

One of the most popular spa treatments available, Aromatherapy Massage seamlessly combines the power of essential oils with massage therapy. There is clear evidence of essential oils aiding people in their body’s healing process. 
 
Aromatherapy works by stimulating receptors in the nose responsible for the smell. This sends messages to the limbic system, an area of the brain that controls the drive for survival, emotions, and instinct. Although not fully understood, many scientists support the influence of aromatherapy on mood in response to particular smells. 
 
Combining essential oils, candles, and incense with massage therapy can stimulate positive emotions and deep relaxation. Therefore, Aromatherapy Massage can be an extremely useful coping mechanism for mental or physical ailments. 
 
Aromatherapy Massages offer an additional method of care for health-related issues. The skin absorbs essential oils that can improve its suppleness, the massage provides targeted pain relief, and the aroma mentally stimulates feelings of calm. 
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

What does an Aromatherapy Massage treat? 

Different essential oils correlate to different healing paths, so you must communicate with your therapist to decide which one will work best. If you have trouble sleeping or relaxing, are suffering from emotional distress or joint pain, your therapist can tailor oils to treat these issues. 
 
Massage therapy has been linked to a short-term decrease in physical aches and pains and improved mood. Adding an essential oil for an Aromatherapy Massage can potentially enhance the effect. 
Oils Used In Aromatherapy Massage 
Lavender or Lavandula – Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family and one of the most versatile and popular essential oils due to its clean sweet aroma which promotes relaxation. Lavender is known as balancing or adaptogenic, meaning it completes a function the body needs. It helps your client’s body to better handle stress, making it very useful in massage therapy. Lavender is also helpful in promoting better sleep, pain relief, boosting stamina, and elevating energy levels. 
 
Peppermint or Mentha piperita – The main chemical in peppermint is menthol, used in many over-the-counter pain-relieving applications. One drop applied to the temples of clients complaining of headache symptoms, before their massage, can be very beneficial. Be sure to properly dilute the peppermint oil before placing it on larger areas of the body. To cut down the strength, use ten drops of oil to every 1 ounce of lotion or massage oil. Peppermint also contains a stimulating property that leaves a tingly feeling making it an effective essential oil for massaging sore, achy muscles, especially the legs and feet associated with diabetic neuropathy or fibromyalgia. 
 
Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus globulus – Eucalyptus oil helps relieve painful muscles and respiratory congestion due to sinus blockage, colds, flu, and allergies. This essential oil contains antiviral and antibacterial properties. Blending eucalyptus into massage oil and lotion, or placing a few drops on a tissue beneath the massage table’s face cradle relieves sinus congestion. 
 
Grapefruit or Citrus paradsi – Grapefruit contains a fresh, uplifting scent and is useful for toning the skin, as an addition to lymphatic massage, a mild diuretic, and in cellulite treatment. Using a citrus oil like grapefruit helps balance mood swings and decreases blood pressure. Grapefruit and other citric oils are photo-toxic, which causes burns and skin discoloration if exposed to the sun or tanning bed. 
 
Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis – Rosemary contains detoxifying properties that help facilitate a healthy digestive tract, relieve flatulence, constipation, bloating, and cramps. Through massage, this oil allows the body to absorb nutrients from food better by stimulating circulation. Rosemary Essential Oil helps reduce pain, stimulate hair growth, eliminate headaches, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the immune system. Rosemary puts forth a distinctive energizing, evergreen, citrus-like, herbaceous scent. This essential oil is from the aromatic herb plant kin to the Mint family. 
 
Clary sage or Salvia sclarea – Sage is beneficial for muscles when used as an antispasmodic. Diluted clary sage oil is also effective against several bacterial strains. Theis essential oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the plant. Sage exudes a clean, refreshing scent that you can use as a skin balm or gently inhale as part of an aromatherapy treatment. 
 
Geranium or Pelargonium graveolens – Geranium acts as a hormone-balancer and is indicated for premenstrual syndrome, stress, mood swings, anxiety, and PMS. Indications in traditional medicine: geranium helps improve circulation, stimulate the nervous system, and tighten tissue, acting as an astringent for a more toned look. Geranium has a pleasant floral scent that adds to the relaxing effect when used alone or combined with lavender. 
 
Frankincense or Boswellia – This sweet and woody scent is used for grounding and relaxation and fosters stress relief during a massage session. This oil also blends beautifully with lavender. If a cold has a client feeling under the weather, Frankincense helps boost the immune system, opens up bronchial passages, deepens breathing, and soothes coughs. It also works effectively as an anti-inflammatory and aid in relieving depression. 
 
Bergamot or Citrus bergamia – Bergamot has a spicy and citrusy aroma similar to Earl Grey tea, as it’s the flower that provides that specific tea’s flavor. Bergamot is the size of an orange, with a yellowish-green color like a lime, depending upon its ripeness. It’s unique because of its antiseptic, antispasmodic, and pain-relieving abilities. Bergamot also claims the dual effects of uplifting and calming, leaving the client feeling both rejuvenated and refreshed after an aromatherapy massage session. 
 
Coriander or Coriandrum sativum – Coriander, derived from the Cilantro plant, is a sweet essential oil that contains relaxing and soothing properties. This oil also assists in promoting a healthy digestive and circulatory system. Some even believe Coriander helps relieve the contracting muscles in the throat that causes coughing. 
 
Tea Tree Oil or Melaleuca alternifolia – Tea tree oil, mostly found in Australia, comes from steaming the Australian tea tree’s leaves. This essential oil contains the best antibacterial and antiseptic qualities out of all the essential oils. Tea tree oil can help acne, contact dermatitis, athlete’s foot, and head lice. However, like all other essential oils, do not ingest tea tree oil. It’s necessary to dilute tea tree oil, use one to two drops to 12 drops of a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil. 
What Are The Benefits Of Aromatherapy 
Scientific research about the health effects of aromatherapy is mixed or lacking. 
 
According to the NCCIH, stimulating oils to boost mood have been found effective in some studies. Examples of these include lemon, orange, and tangerine. However, lavender, though widely considered safe, was found not to affect mood in that same study. 
 
Another study looked at the effects of chamomile and massage therapy for anxiety relief. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI)Trusted Source, the results showed a greater decrease in anxiety symptoms after massages with chamomile versus massage without aromatherapy. 
 
Overall, the NCI notes that aromatherapy has shown benefits for the following uses: 
 
anxiety 
depression 
insomnia 
nausea 
pain 

What To Expect At Your Aromatherapy Massage Treatment? 

Initial consultation: 

During an initial consultation at our Colchester clinic, your therapist will conduct a postural analysis. From this, they will work with you to understand which muscles require treatment. 
 
Together we will discuss your treatment area, goals, and how to achieve the best possible result for you. Our experts will talk you through the Aromatherapy Massage procedure and happily answer any questions. 
 
Before your Aromatherapy Massage, it is important to stay hydrated. A deep tissue massage releases toxins from your muscles. Making sure that you are hydrated when you go into the massage makes it easier for your body to flush out these toxins as quickly and efficiently as possible. Well-hydrated muscles are also more pliable, making it easier for your therapist to treat the toughest knots without causing discomfort. 
 
Aromatherapy has very few precautions attached to it. However, it is important to ensure that you are not allergic to any essential oils before treatment. Throughout your massage, not only will you be inhaling the scent of the oils, but they will be in direct contact with your body. It is not safe to expose yourself to any substances you may be allergic to. 
 
Although prenatal massage is considered safe, if you are interested in an Aromatherapy Massage while pregnant, please consult your doctor first about which oils may be safe. 

During your Treatment: 

Once you select your fragrant essential oils, the therapist will leave the room and add them to the massage cream or oil. This gives you time to un-robe and situate yourself on the massage table. 
 
Once you are ready, your therapist begins warming up your muscles with light compressions. They will then gradually transition to a combination of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction, using aromatic massage oil throughout. 
 
During your Aromatherapy Massage, you will inhale these essential oil molecules and absorb them through your skin. Essential oils are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body, positively affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain thought to be responsible for emotion. 
 
Your Aromatherapy Massage will last between 30 minutes to an hour. Once complete, your therapist will leave the room, allowing you to dress. 

After your Treatment: 

Once your treatment is complete, your therapist will discuss a self-care plan with you and recommend follow-up treatments, if necessary. 
 
After your Aromatherapy Massage, it is important to avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours as your body is detoxifying. We also recommend drinking plenty of water to assist in the elimination of toxins. 
CALL US NOW TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT OR CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW, YOU CAN FIND OUR FULL LIST OF MASSAGES HERE
01206 767 670 
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