The benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

People can like or prefer one unique smell over the next. It really is a matter of personal taste as to why you like bergamot, but not ylang-ylang or sandalwood! However, whether you like a smell or not, studies have looked at essential oils used in aromatherapy to see how these oils are benefitting people and their health and wellbeing.

Aromatherapy massage oil is prepared using tiny amounts of essential oils mixed with a carrier oil such as grapeseed, coconut or jojoba oil. 

Normally chooses the oil to typically to induce a heightened emotional response such as euphoria, happiness or peace. However, various oils can elicit different emotional and behavioural responses, too. 

For example lavender is used to promote relaxation, so you might want to get someone to drive you home after your massage! As well as lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang and chamomile, oils can help reduce stress, decrease depression and help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. This blend is therefore perfect for those who are looking for a relaxing massage to ease away stress and tension, or to help them feel soothed and to get a better night’s sleep.

Massage can help with muscle rejuvenation and recovery from injury, as well. Just like the essential oils mentioned for stress relief and anxiety, there are a wide range of oils to help you feel awake and energised. Such oils include orange, geranium, mandarin and juniper oil. Using these oils can help stimulate the brain to feel more alert and help with concentration levels, to give you a real feel-good pick-me-up for the rest of your day.

Thai massage is new to modern spas, but it is actually an ancient form of massage thought to have been developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand 2,500 years ago. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension, and balance the body’s energy systems.