Aromatherapy is a form of complementary and alternative medicine. It uses essential oils to manage symptoms or boost your well-being. It’s a holistic therapy, meaning it supports your whole self — mind, body and spirit.
Aromatherapy works by stimulating receptors in the nose responsible for smell, sending messages by olfactory cells to the part of the brain that controls the drive for survival, emotions, and instinct called the limbic system.
The olfactory cells recognize scents as specific aromatic molecules that fit into receptors on these cells. Although not fully understood, scientists believe that these nerve signals’ action causes powerful mood changes in response to particular smells.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
1. Choose the right essential oils
Select the essential oils based on the specific therapeutic properties you are looking to achieve. Some common oils used in aromatherapy massage include lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rose.
2. Prepare the massage oil
Mix a few drops of the essential oil with carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil. the carrier oil helps dilute the essential oil and prevents skin irritation.
3. Set the mood
Create a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting, soothing music, and comfortable room temperature.
4. Start the massage
Begin by applying the scented massage oil to the skin and then use long,flowing strokes to apply pressure and work out any knots or tension.
5. Focus on breathing
Encourage the recipient to take deep breaths and inhale the aroma of the essential oils to fully experience the benefits of aromatherapy.
6. End the massage
Finish the massage by covering the recipient with a warm towel or blanket to allow them to fully absorb the benefits of the massage and the essential oils.