How to Get an Aromatherapy Massage

Scents have become the focus of many health and well-being treatments. The use of essential oils in massage can have specific effects on mood or physical state. Essential oils are placed on a pillow, diffused in the air or mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed directly on the body. Discover the benefits of soothing lavender, invigorating peppermint or balancing sassafras when you get an aromatherapy massage treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Massage therapist who uses aromatherapy
• Rosemary, basil or peppermint
• Lavender, marjoram or clary sage
• Eucalyptus, frankincense or geranium

Learn About Essential Oils

1. Get energizing essential oils such as rosemary, basil or peppermint to combat fatigue or increase creativity.
2. Select or blend soothing scents, such as lavender, marjoram or clary sage to address muscle stress. These are great for a massage following sports or other physical activities.
3. Induce pain relief following an accident or injury with eucalyptus, frankincense or geranium.

Breathe Deeply During Your Aromatherapy Massage

4. Book an aromatherapy massage with a licensed therapist. You can find one through your state's certifying body.
5. Choose the essential oil or blend you want to use, or let your massage therapist suggest one.
6. Lie on the massage table as directed by your therapist, face up or face down first. Halfway through the massage, you will be asked to turn over, while remaining underneath the sheet.
7. Slow your breathing. Inhale more slowly and deeply than usual. Exhale fully, especially when the therapist is working on a sore or painful area.
8. Enjoy a full-body massage of most of the major muscle groups and pressure points. To get the full effect, relax your muscles, rather than trying to return the therapist's pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your therapist how essential oils are used in the massage, especially if you have a skin or allergy sensitivity. They can be applied topically or diffused throughout the air with a heat lamp.
• For a full-body table massage, you will remove your clothing in private and drape yourself adequately with sheets. The therapist will keep you discreetly covered during your session.
• You can still inhale the aromas through the hole in the cushioned face cradle if you are lying face down.
• Ask your doctor about aromatherapy if you have asthma or another breathing problem.
• Do not get an aromatherapy massage in order to heal an upper respiratory ailment. The treatment may help bolster your immune system afterwards, though.
• An aromatherapy massage may cause held emotions to surface. Be prepared to put off driving home. If you must get behind the wheel, be sure to stop and rest in a private spot for a while if you find yourself overcome with emotion.