Massage Therapist: Aromatherapy Must Haves!

Aromatherapy makes a great enhancement to any massage practice. Whether your practice or specialty is focused on sports treatments, pain relief, or spa treatments; when used properly, it can be a great addition for you and your clients. “Essential oils combined with a skilled massage fosters healing on many levels,” says Laraine Kyle, R.N., co-founder of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.

Massage Therapy itself has a wide array of benefits, and when combined with aromatherapy, massage takes on a remarkable synergy that dramatically enhances the massage session. Combining well chosen essential oils (such as the example of Lavender or Orange) with a carrier oil can promote stress relief, relaxation, and lift the mood. It can also create an inviting atmosphere for your clients.

Try an Eternity Blend for a synergistic formula that contains a select group of Essential Oils that promote well-being.

Not only will they benefit your clients, but you can use them to add a natural fragrance to the room (through a diffuser), add them to your cleaning routine, or use them as disinfecting agents.

Essential oils can help manual therapists treat common acute and chronic ailments more effectively.
These include:

•     Relaxation
•     Pain Relief
•     Inflammation
•     Self care

Want to incorporate or enhance your practice with Aromatherapy? Here are some tips:

• Start with the basics – A good set of Essential Oils for Massage practice may include: Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Orange, Ginger, Lemongrass, Geranium, Bergamot and Rosemary.
• Dilute Essential Oils properly- NEVER massage undiluted essential oils. It is recommended to use 2 percent to 3 percent dilution when using topically for massage, equaling approximately 10 to 15 drops of essential oil total, per ounce of quality carrier oil or lotion.
• Change it up- Try changing aromatherapy blends seasonally. It will keep your clients engaged and wanting more. Massage therapists can also avoid essential oil sensitivities when they mix it up. Some therapist like to keep 3 different options available at a time for their clients to choose from.
• Let the receiver choose- The number one rule in Aromatherapy is to not use an oil your body doesn’t want or will not tolerate. The wonderful thing is that there are so many Essential Oils to choose from! Your nose will tell you if its right for you or not. It might change on different occasions. In this case, allow your client to inhale the aroma and choose for themselves what they are drawn to. Do this by putting a drop of essential oil on a piece of tissue or having them smell the cap of the bottle, to really capture the aromas. Also, do a small skin test to ensure there are no topical adverse sensitivities to a given oil.
  

Basic Aromatherapy Massage Recipe

• 1 ounce carrier oil such as Grapeseed
• 10-12 drops essential oils. Select oils that will complement the intention of your massage and that are not contraindicated or unsafe to use by the giver or recipient of the massage. 
• Massage oil bottle

Sample Recipes

For Relaxation, Stress Relief and Anxiety- These oils also act as natural muscle relaxants.

• 6 drops lavender & 4 drops Bergamot
• 4 drops Lavandin, 3 drops Orange, 4 drops Ho Wood
• 6 drops Frankincense & 4 Geraniumor try these Eternity Blends: Stress Relief, Calming, Anxiety, Happiness, and Meditation

Pain Relief- These blends are also restorative, invigorating and can help with circulation, inflammation and relax fatigued muscles.

• 4 drops Lavender, 4 drops Rosemary & 2 drops Peppermint
• 5 drops Eucalyptus & 5 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Anise Star, 3 drops Cedarwood & 2 drops Orange

or try these Eternity Blends: Nature, Focus and Invigorating

If you have have integrated these valuable enhancements into your massage therapy practice, please share! 🙂

Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The information given is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional