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Aromatherapy and Message

© Marie A. Miczak

Aromatherapy and Massage

Massage and Aromatherapy can easily go hand in hand to create a synergistic blend in itself. The term coined is "Aromassage", which is frequently done in spas around the world and by professional message therapists who wish to give their clientele a higher level message. There are two ways of obtaining an Aromassage, which can also be used by lay people in the comfort of their own homes. The first being diffusion in the air of Aromatherapy grade essential oils (see previous article on extraction methods for more information on this). This can be done in many ways, such a with an expensive electric essential oil diffuser or with a simple pot of hot, steaming water and a few drops of essential oil added to it. Aromatic lamps can also be used with a candle underneath to provide heat for dispersing the oils into the air. Being that the essential oils are not being placed directly onto the skin, this form of therapy would be classified as Aromacology, more so than Aromatherapy. Many massage therapists have found it quite beneficial to add a diffuser to the room where the message is given, to relax and calm the clients.

The second way of using essential oils in message is to make up special message blends that contain oils that 1.) either the client likes or enjoys smelling 2.) that is picked for special reasons such as for their stress relieving qualities, calming effect, etc. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin, so a carrier oil is needed to dilute the essential oils. Oils that may be used for dilution include; sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed, peanut, etc. Common vegetable oil may also be successfully used if the above are not available. The ratio for making a message oil is typically a maximum of 5 drops essential oil of choice to every teaspoon of essential oil. This oil blend can then be used along with proper message. Many people use too much message oil which causes the skin to become greasy and the messagers hands to slip and not give a fully beneficial message. 5 to 6 drops of message oil is really all that is needed. A person with very dry skin may needed double amounts.

Before using a message oil, one should always do a patch test. This is of course many times not performed in a spa or professional message setting, hence why you should do it yourself at home to avoid allergic reactions.

A few blends for message oils include:

Bergamot, Geranium and Clary Sage