The aromatherapy massage offered today in many spa salons and SPA centers is an excellent treatment that soothes and relaxes, benefiting the body as a whole. For many, this anti-stress massage is a true panacea, used to relieve physical and psychological tension and to combat stress, depressive states, and insomnia. In addition, aromatherapy massage is recommended for reducing excess fat and shaping the figure without exhausting diets and workouts.
The massage is performed using special essential oils made from high-quality ingredients—healing plants and exotic fruits. The therapist selects the oil individually for each client. Before the procedure, a kind of consultation is conducted to determine key concerns and wishes. Based on the findings, a set of aromatic oils is chosen with specific properties and effects.
The positive impact of aromatherapy massage on the body, including individual organs and systems, has been recognized for many centuries. Today, this technique is successfully practiced to reduce nervousness, promote relaxation, boost vitality, and support the immune system. This wellness and rejuvenation method has no serious contraindications, so men and women of different age groups can visit for aromatherapy massage.
Which oil should be used for the massage?
Essential oils used in cosmetology and massage techniques have several key properties:
- High volatility, which fills a room with pleasant aromas in a matter of minutes;
- Therapeutic effects (skin regeneration, relief of fatigue, reduction of skin eruptions, etc.);
- Psychological effects (raising vitality and mood, relieving stress);
- Cosmetic effects (skin hydration, enrichment with vitamins and minerals, a lifting/firming effect).
Whether it is a massage with lavender oil or oils of eucalyptus, mandarin, and cedar—the choice is entrusted to a professional therapist with appropriate experience and qualifications. When selecting the essential oil to be used during the procedure, the following are taken into account:
- Skin condition and type;
- Overall health;
- Age;
- Individual characteristics;
- Possible allergic reactions;
- The client's preferences.
A professional oil massage is never performed without a preliminary consultation, which helps avoid unwanted effects. An experienced therapist will determine which oil is best for a facial massage and which aromatic blend is most suitable for specific body areas (back, legs and arms, neck, décolletage, abdomen, thighs).
The best oils for aromatherapy massage
Today, at least 400 types of essential oils are known, about 40 of which are widely used in aromatherapy. Each oil has general and specific properties and can influence the body as a whole, internal organs and systems, the skin and hair, and the psycho-emotional state.
- For insomnia and for clients whose lives are associated with constant stress
- Chamomile, lavender, ylang-ylang, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, clove oils.
- For rejuvenating and nourishing the skin
- Shea butter, coconut oil, cedar, grape seed, almond, rosemary, argan oils.
- For reducing excess weight, subcutaneous fat, and cellulite
- Orange, juniper, anise, mandarin oils.
- For boosting vitality, endurance, and performance
- Sage, rosemary, bergamot, geranium, cinnamon, patchouli, rose oils.
- For respiratory therapy and immune support
- Eucalyptus, citrus, sandalwood oils.
- For relieving muscle fatigue
- Jojoba, tea tree, sandalwood, juniper oils.
Aromatic oils for massage procedures are divided into base and specialty oils. A base oil should be neutral and versatile—typically apricot, almond, or grape seed oil. The base is then enriched with oils selected for the client, taking into account individual indications.
The most popular essential aromatic oils include:
- Orange;
- Lavender;
- Ylang-ylang;
- Sandalwood;
- Tea tree;
- Eucalyptus;
- Shea (shea butter).
Using orange oil restores a sense of optimism and joy. Lavender relieves irritability and stress. Ylang-ylang and sandalwood oils can help with sexual dysfunctions and improve the quality of intimate relations. Tea tree oil alleviates muscle pain and fatigue, while eucalyptus helps enhance productivity and restores emotional balance.
Shea butter offers numerous benefits and is widely used in cosmetology in nourishing and moisturizing lotions, balms, creams, and masks. It positively affects the skin’s condition, smooths wrinkles, evens tone, reduces stretch marks, and enriches the dermis with healing elements at the cellular level.
An effective aromatherapy method
How does aromatherapy affect a person? With a blend of essential oils and specialized massage techniques, the desired effect is achieved on several levels:
1. Components of essential oils penetrate the body through the skin and reach specific internal organs via the bloodstream, exerting the required therapeutic or preventive action;
2. Molecules of the essential oils enter through the olfactory epithelium and reach the brain’s limbic system, which regulates emotions. Substances from aromatic oils beneficially influence the functions of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, hormonal balance, memory, blood pressure, the digestive system, and immunity.
Among the most important effects of oil massage are:
- Stimulation of blood circulation;
- Activation of lymph flow to remove toxins and waste products;
- Acceleration of metabolism;
- Normalization of kidney and genitourinary function;
- Enhanced intestinal peristalsis;
- Normalization of the central nervous system (CNS);
- Improved respiratory and cardiovascular function;
- Increased endurance;
- Natural rejuvenation of the body;
- Reduction of wrinkles and stretch marks;
- Skin hydration, smoothing, and a velvety feel;
- Reduction of excess fat;
- Relief of puffiness.
Types of aroma massage
Aromatherapy massage – a massage performed using special aromatic oils during the procedure. Various techniques may be used, including such a popular type of massage as Thai massage. In our SPA salon «Elephant», we offer the following types of aromatherapy massage:
- With oil for pregnant women;
- Oil massage;
- Stone therapy;
- Anti-cellulite;
- Anti-stress;
- Traditional aromatherapy massage.
The effects of massage with essential oils focus on vascular and lymphatic (lymph-drainage) benefits. The technique is gentle, with light stroking movements, without abrupt twists, and is performed over the entire body.
How often should it be done?
To achieve a pronounced preventive and therapeutic effect, it is recommended to complete a course of aromatherapy massage (at least 5–7 sessions at a frequency of once a week). Session duration is determined by the therapist in agreement with the client and may range from 60 to 120 minutes.
The oils selected for the course may change depending on individual indications and preferences. An aromatic blend may contain at least three types of essential oils with a defined direction of action. After completing the course, you can visit for aromatherapy massage at any convenient time for relaxation, prevention, and pure enjoyment.
Indications and contraindications
Aromatherapy massage is a universal procedure that can be used with very few restrictions. Direct indications for this method of relaxation and therapy include the following conditions:
- Past stress, depression, insomnia;
- Frequent headaches, back pain;
- Digestive disorders;
- Metabolic disturbances;
- Obesity;
- Poor appetite;
- Decreased vitality, fatigue;
- Chronic fatigue syndrome;
- Age-related skin changes, eruptions, dryness.
At the same time, aromatherapy massage has some contraindications and is not recommended if you have:
- Allergic reactions to essential oils;
- Varicose veins;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- Infectious diseases;
- Recent fractures, postoperative sutures, open wounds;
- Cancer;
- Mental disorders;
- Epilepsy.
Use caution when selecting aromatic oils in cases of cardiovascular disease and during pregnancy.
If you would like to experience the positive effects of aromatherapy massage, we invite you to a session at our specialized SPA salon «Elephant». Each client can choose a certified or TOP-level therapist—unforgettable sensations, wellness, and a wonderful mood are guaranteed!
