Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is a healing art, which involves the therapeutic use of essential oils.  Essential oils are distilled from a single botanical source and they can have different effects on the mind, body and spirit, as well as aid in skin care and wound healing.  Through massage, these oils are absorbed through the skin and into the body to balance and heal.  There is a variety of ways in which Aromatherapy is used, including baths, inhalations, compresses, creams, lotions, and massage.  Aromatherapy can affect the autonomic nervous system, the system that reduces levels of stress hormones in the body.  Massage stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow which supply oxygen and nutrients to cells and improve the immune system.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are liquid components of aromatic plants, trees, and grasses.  The essences are contained in tiny sacs or glands, concentrated in different parts of the plants.  These oils affect the mind and body by two main routes; the Olfactory system, through the nose and the Skin, through the capillaries and cell tissues.  All essential oils help balance emotions by uplifting, stimulating and relaxing.  All essential oils appear as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial treatment.  They have the ability to reduce stress, stimulate circulation and boost the immune system.

What is to be expected during Aromatherapy massage?

Both massage therapy and use of essential oils are beneficial, when combining both treatments, two can synergistically be most beneficial than either treatment alone.  Most practitioners require an initial consultation and information to be filled out, depending on the medical state of each individual.  Certain medical conditions may not be allowed to be treated with Aromatherapy massage, when others have no effect.  After discussing each individuals needs, the therapist will begin to select essential oils tailored to your specific needs.  After each session, the therapist will offer a selection of essential oils to use at home to ensure the treatment will be continued between sessions.  Most clients require several sessions in the first month or two when beginning Aromatherapy treatments, depending on the specific needs of each client.

How does Aromatherapy work?

Many therapists believe essential oils are naturally absorbed into the skin.  After much studying and practice, essential oils are absorbed, although most cannot make direct contact with the skin, due to the high concentration of the oil.  This will cause direct irritation on the skin.  Most of the “direct absorption” is through the mucosa of the nose and mouth, through the inhalation of essential oils.  An electrochemical message is then sent into the Limbic system in the brain, where memory and emotional responses are triggered and is then sent to other parts of the brain and body.  This produces euphoric, relaxing, sedative and/or stimulating effects. 

What are the benefits of Aromatherapy massage?

• Results in significant decrease of anxiety and respiratory rates and increases white blood cells and natural killer cell activity.
• Decreases the effects of anxiety in patients
• Helps surgery patients recover quicker and premature infants gain more weight
• Reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins.
• Faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments reduces pain and swelling and reduces formation of excessive scar tissue.

Testimonials:

“I loved the aromatherapy massage…I felt rejuvenated all day!” – KF, Chicago, IL

“Between my job, family, home and social life, I am under extreme stress, but after my calming aromatherapy massage, nothing bothered me for a week!” – BG, Elmhurst, IL

“I loved the different scents my therapist used, after my treatment she gave me my own creation for home and I use it every night!” – JD, Downers Grove, IL

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