Aromatherapy Massage - A Power-Packed Sensory Experience

Stress is real. It’s more than a cliché used to express discomfort or dissatisfaction. Stress has the potential to create long-term physical and mental health problems. And eliminating it requires a multi-faceted attack on the human senses permitting a full body and mind transformation to a peaceful and relaxed state.

Aromatherapy Massage fits that bill… In fact, Aromatherapy Massage offers a myriad of solutions to today’s common ailments of the mind, body and spirit.

The massage experience has significant transforming potential dating back to the earliest ancient cultures. And aromatherapy dates back even earlier to prehistoric times when Juniper berries were used as an antiseptic.

History of Massage Therapy: Using Touch to Heal

For thousands of years the power of touch has been used to heal the human body and mind. Historical records dating back to the early civilizations in China, Egypt and India extensively describe the use of techniques we now know as massage therapy, acupuncture, herbology and reflexology.

Today’s most popular massage therapy techniques are rooted in these time-tested practices. In the United States, the most commonly practiced massage styles are the Swedish massage introduced in the United States in the 1800’s; and the Japanese practice of Shiatsu, a derivative of the Chinese art of Tui Na first introduced to Japan in 700 AD, meaning “to push and to lift and squeeze.”

History of Aromatherapy: Appealing to the Senses

Evidence shows that plants and herbs have been used for centuries by ancient cultures for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes.

Chinese physicians used Sandalwood to treat cholera; while India used the same aromatic tree to heal wounds and during exorcism rites. India’s Ayurvedic massage tradition, still practiced by many therapists today, targeted the physical body, mind and spirit.

The Greek physician Hippocrates used Chamomile as a way of reducing fever and recommended daily massage with aromatic herbs for general good health. Bridal headdresses in Victorian England were made of Neroli blossom to calm the bride’s nerves.

In 1928, the term ‘Aromatherapy’ was first introduced by French chemist and perfumier Rene Maurice Gattefosse in a published scientific paper about his extensive essential oil research. He became interested in the subject after stumbling on the healing properties of lavender oil following a bad burn to his hand.

Aromatherapy in Today’s World

In today’s society, essential oils are wildly popular. The promise of stress-free days and restful nights is enough to turn us into steadfast believers. And just as our ancestors before us, massage therapy has long been a go-to for stress relief and relaxation in our modern-day society.

Ancient Massage Techniques Meet Modern Day Aromatherapy

With the rapidly growing interest in essential oils as well as the overwhelming need to reduce stress, Aromatherapy Massage has become a service staple in most massage clinics and spas. Aromatherapists use Swedish massage therapy techniques and massage oils, creams or lotions infused with essential oils or diffuse the oils to fill the room with aroma. Each essential oil is known to have different qualities or properties…some calm and relax while others energize and exhilarate. The addition of essential oils to the therapists’ Massage Kit has opened up endless opportunities for customization and in turn, client satisfaction.

Can I Use Aromatherapy Massage Products at Home?

The benefits of an essential oil massage are plentiful, but it doesn't necessarily mean you need to head to your local spa. Create your own Home Massage Kit using your favorite massage carrier oil and an essential oil sampler package or buy pre-mixed Massage Oil Kits from a reputable resource to ensure quality. Utilize self-massage techniques or find a partner to share the experience with.

Brand and Resource

Because essential oil quality control standards do not exist in the United States, it is important to find reputable sources that offer high quality products. Whether you buy essential oils in a store, from an individual, or from the internet, be sure to read any information provided on the label or website description and ask questions about quality - What is the purity percentage? Are the ingredients organic? Is the name listed in Latin? (For example, ‘lavender’ has several varieties only discernible by the Latin name).

Aroma

Essential oils have many different uses and often one oil can provide relief for a variety of issues. An aromatherapy kit like the Lotus Touch Introductory Aromatherapy Package offers some of the most popular essential oils in one convenient set. Use them individually or create new blends. The internet is an invaluable resource to finding recipes for all sorts of ailments.

Please keep in mind that essential oils are not all created equally. Some oils can only be used in a diffuser while others are safe for inhalation or skin application. Be sure to read all the package information before using.