Aromatherapy Massage is one of the most popular specializations in the field of aromatherapy.

Up to 60 million adult Americans had a massage last year. There are approximately 500 thousand massage therapists in the U.S. alone most of whom practice aromatherapy massage. 

If you specialize in aromatherapy massage here are my top 3 picks for best essential oils for aromatherapy massage and why!

Click on each essential oil to find out more about each. Any cautions are listed below.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) - Scent is warm, sweet, herbal and spicy.

• Promotes deep relaxation
• May be helpful for relieving panic attacks and emotional exhaustion
• Helpful for releasing long held mental and emotional tension

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Scent is fresh, sweet, floral and herbaceous.

• Reputation as a universal healer with all purpose application
• Promotes calm and relaxation
• Psycho-emotionally excellent for worry and breaking negative self talk

Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) - Scent is sweet, fresh, floral, rosy, slightly herbaceous, exotic, sensual and earthy.

• May relieve symptoms of headache, hot flash and depression
• Research shows its effectiveness for hormone imbalance 
• Suitable for ALL skin types

Aromatherapy Massage

An aromatherapy massage is done with a lubricant like oil or lotion that contains essential oils. You inhale the scent of the essential oils, as well as absorb them through your skin.

The therapeutic benefits of massage to calm the mind and emotions are multiplied and enhanced when coupled with aromatherapy.

RESEARCH

An eight month study on the effects of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety and relaxation was conducted on eight test subjects. Everyone in the study was given weekly aromatherapy massage for 6 weeks. Each subject’s level of anxiety and depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale prior to their first massage and then again after their final massage. Improvements were reported in six out of the eight test subjects.

Aromatherapy Massage Benefits

• Relaxation
• Stress reduction
• Improves sleep
• Increases blood oxygen level
• Eliminates toxins
• Improves blood, lymph and nerve circulation
• Increases flexibility
• Speeds recovery after accident, injury, rigorous exercise or illness

Relaxation Recipe
To calm the mind and emotions and relieve sore muscles.

To a 5ml (100 drops) euro-dropper bottle:

• Geranium - 20 drops
• Lavender - 20 drops
• Sweet Marjoram - 20 drops
• Cypress - 20 drops
• Helichrysum - 10 drops
• German Chamomile - 10 drops

Cap bottle tightly and shake vigorously to blend essential oils thoroughly. Allow oils to synergize for 12 hours or longer before using.

Relaxation Aromatherapy Massage Oil
For a relaxation massage oil add 12-18 drops (2-3% dilution) of your synergy blend to a one ounce bottle of your favorite carrier oil, cap tightly and shake well to blend your oils in the carrier oil before using to calm the mind and emotions and relieve sore muscles.

Find relaxing aromatherapy massage recipes like this one in my newest award-winning book, The Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide: Over 250 Recipes for Natural Wholesome Aromatherapy.

READ my next article in this series, Cosmetic and Spa Essential Oils and Recipes.

READ my first article in this series, Aromatherapy Dominates Global Market - Healthcare Revolution!

CAUTIONS

• German Chamoile (Matricaria chamomila) - Prone to oxidation recommend refrigeration. Drug interaction (all routes). Those taking drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 should avoid use.
• Cypress (Cupressus sempevirens) - Skin sensitization if oxidized, recommend refrigeration.
• Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) - Skin sensitization (low risk). Possible drug interaction with oral use for diabetes medication, drugs metabolized by CYP2B6. Maximum dermal use level 17.5%.
• Helichrysum (Helichrysum italics - immortelle) - Skin irritation (moderate risk). Maximum dermal use level 0.5%.
• Lavender (Lavandula anguvstifolia) - Skin sensitization (moderate risk). Maximum dermal use level 0.1%.
• Sweet Marjoram (origanum majorana) - None known