I’m sure many of you can make an educated guess about what aromatherapy massage is. It is similar to Swedish massage except it uses essential oils. Aromatherapy massage helps the body absorb these essential oils through the skin. Essential oils are a fascinating field of study; this industry has witnessed the remarkable growth of oil products, boosting the practice of massage therapy.
The word aromatherapy was coined by a chemist – Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. He accidentally burned his hand while working and discovered that when he applied lavender oil into the affected area, it healed quickly without leaving a scar. Because of its many benefits, aromatherapy is now recognized as an excellent first aid solution and the ideal partner of massage. When you begin your practice as a massage therapist and intend to stock up on essential oils, make sure you’re aware that there are thousands of essential oils in the market. Take great care in selecting those that are in their purest form and are of the highest quality.
Essential oils are evaluated on the basis of “notes.” A note is a measure of their rate of evaporation. You have top, middle and base notes. A top note makes an initial impact and then quickly evaporates. A middle note tends to last longer while a base note has the most staying power. When an essential oil is used in a massage, it must be blended so that it has the right ratios of top, middle and base notes, ensuring that its effect can be felt for the entire duration of the massage. Essential oils must be kept in dark bottles, away from direct sunlight.
A few essential oils to think about:
Eucalyptus (top note) – an oil with many features that can treat several diseases or disorders such as coughs, colds, sunburn and candida. It is a good insect repellent. It is also an oil that can fight fungi and viruses. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and is also an analgesic.
Thyme (middle note) – this must be used in moderation and must never be used on children. Effective as an insect repellent, it is considered an antiviral and an antibiotic. It is used by some to treat flu, warts, fatigue and in a few cases, acne.
Lavender (middle note) – this essential oil has been known to be an anti-depressant and an antiseptic. It offers protection against infection and is a balancing and relaxing essential oil. It is one of the most frequently used oils – for insomnia and headaches.
Balsam of Peru (base note) – comes from the extracted liquid of a tree’s bark and is used to heal minor wounds. It must not be used for more than a week. It is a short term remedy but has been known to cause side effects if used longer. It must not be applied on pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Rosemary (middle note) – considered a mental and physical stimulant, some people have used it to minimize the effects of fluid retention, headaches and the flu.
Clients who ask for a massage with oils will have to inform the massage therapist of any existing allergies they have and any medications they are taking. Some essential oils like Balsam of Peru should not be used when clients take sulfur-based medications like Azulfidine.
For additional information about aromatherapy massage and essential oils, see our article on Massage Schools Guide at http://www.massageschoolsguide.com/aromatherapy_massage.htm.
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