Essential oils used in massage therapy can provide you with a relaxing, stress-relieving experience. Not only do certain essential oils promote relaxation and tension relief, some oils can soothe sore muscles or aching joints. Massage with essential oils provides benefits for your mind and body, because while your body receives the physical benefits, inhaling the aromas promotes feelings of well-being in your mind.
Relaxation
Perhaps the most popular reason many people choose to receive a massage is to feel relaxed or for stress relief. Using essential oils in massage therapy can enhance this effect. The University of Maryland Medical Center’s article on aromatherapy discusses the use of essential oils in massage therapy to provide feelings of relaxation due to the scents combined with the massage. Some oils that are thought to increase feelings of relaxation and stress relief are lavender, orange blossom and chamomile. To make a homemade relaxing massage oil, simply add 3 or 4 drops of the desired essential oil to 1/2 cup of carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed oil.
Depression Relief
The University of Maryland Medical Center’s article on aromatherapy points out that people suffering from depression may benefit from an aromatherapy massage. Certain scents are said to have the ability to stimulate positive emotions. The Organic Facts website states that rose essential oil is particularly useful for people suffering from depression, as it can invoke feelings of happiness and hope, and can also be used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. To use rose oil for depression relief, place a few drops on your hands and gently rub them over your face for a facial massage. Rose oil can also be added to a carrier oil like grapeseed oil to make a massage oil for use at home.
Energizing
Certain essential oils can provide an energy boost when used in massage therapy. They can invoke an uplifted mood and provide you with a sense of invigoration. Rosemary and lemon oils are good to try; in her book “Natural Beauty at Home,” Janice Cox points out that peppermint oil is particularly useful for increasing levels of energy. A homemade massage oil using these essential oils can be rubbed over your body in the morning, to combat jet lag or whenever feelings of fatigue are overwhelming.
