​
This deeply relaxing, nurturing modality is the application of 8 to 10 restorative essential oils, massaged from sacrum to scalp, with a focus on grounding, restoring and soothing the body, mind and spirit.  
The touch is light, the result is ethereal.  

Packages:

2 hour $130 ($65 per hour)
4 hour $220 ($55 per hour)
6 hour $300 ($50 per hour)

---

Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils).

During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin. They are thought to promote beneficial changes in your mind and body by affecting the limbic system, a region of the brain known to influence the nervous system.

Why Do People Get Aromatherapy Massage?

Each essential oil used in aromatherapy is said to have different properties. Some calm and make you feel relaxed while others energize. Here are some widely used essential oils and their purported properties:

Calming: lavender, geranium, and chamomile oil
Uplifting: ylang-ylang, clary sage, rose, and neroli oil
Energizing: rosemary oil
Decongestant: eucalyptus, pine, and tea tree oil
Since aromatherapy massage techniques are often the same as those used in Swedish massage (the most common type of massage in the US), people often get it for sore back, neck, and/or shoulder muscles or to ease stress.

---

Use of therapeutic essential oils in massage is being explored for the following conditions:

You should consult your doctor before getting an aromatherapy massage if you have a health condition. People with certain conditions, such as cancer, may need to avoid essential oils and/or massage at certain times during their treatment or avoid it altogether.

Once the massage oil is selected, the therapist leaves the room so you can lie and disrobe on the massage table. (Not sure how much clothing to remove? Read about massage questions you may be too embarrassed to ask.).

Many massage therapists have one or more premixed blends and will select the blend based on your health concerns. A massage for relaxation and stress relief would likely include lavender essential oil, while an uplifting massage may include rosemary essential oil. Once the massage oil is selected, the therapist leaves the room so you can lie and disrobe on the massage table. Read about massage questions you may be too embarrassed to ask.).

Anxiety
Dementia symptoms
Depression
Insomnia
Menstrual pain
Supportive care for people with conditions such as cancer

The Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage appears to reduce the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps, a 2015 study from the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology's suggests.

Avoid eating a meal right before a massage.
Arrive early so you can complete the necessary forms if it's your first time at the clinic or spa. Otherwise, you may want to give yourself some time to rest and relax before starting the massage.

Participants did a self-massage with rose essential oil, an unscented almond oil, or no oil on the first day of menstruation for two menstrual cycles. By the second cycle, aromatherapy massage reduced the severity of pain compared to massage therapy with almond oil or no oil.

Essential oils are highly potent and can be absorbed through skin, so it's important to avoid excessive use of aromatherapy oils and to only use oils that have been properly diluted by a carrier oil.

Massage therapists who are highly knowledgeable about aromatherapy tend to use quality essential oils in their massage oils. After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use at home in between massage treatments.

Other research suggests that aromatherapy massage may not relieve symptoms in people with cancer. For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2016, for instance, researchers analyzed previously published studies and concluded that "this review demonstrated no differences in effects of massage on depression, mood disturbance, psychological distress, nausea, fatigue, physical symptom distress, or quality of life when compared with no massage."

Final Thoughts.
Aromatherapy with essential oil-scented massage oils and lotions may help to ease stress and anxiety. It's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider first to discuss whether it's appropriate for you if you're considering trying aromatherapy massage.

What to Expect During an Aromatherapy Massage
You can find aromatherapy massage at almost every massage clinic or spa, the style of treatment, degree of customization, and the quality of essential oils varies widely.

In a study published in Menopause, researchers compared 30-minute aromatherapy massage (twice a week for four weeks) to massage with plain oil or no treatment and found that both massage and aromatherapy massage were effective in reducing menopausal symptoms (with aromatherapy massage being more effective than massage only). Massage shouldn't be done directly over bruises, skin rashes, weak or inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or fractures. Tell your massage therapist immediately if a massage is painful.

Many massage therapists have one or more premixed blends and will select the blend based on your health concerns. A massage for relaxation and stress relief would likely include lavender essential oil, while an uplifting massage may include rosemary essential oil. Your therapist may involve you in the selection process by asking you to smell various blends.

Essential oils may cause an allergic skin reaction. Essential oils are highly potent and can be absorbed through skin, so it's important to avoid excessive use of aromatherapy oils and to only use oils that have been properly diluted by a carrier oil. Aromatherapy may not be right for you if you're sensitive to scents.

Some massage therapists may add essential oils to massage oil immediately before each massage based on your unique condition or health goals. You will usually be asked to lie face down under a sheet. When the massage therapist begins the massage, you may notice the subtle aroma of essential oils.

Precautions.
A licensed massage therapist should take your health history before the massage. Some additional tips on making the most of your massage. Massage with aromatherapy may also ease menopausal symptoms. The quality of the essential oils varies widely. Essential oils are different from oils made with synthetic scents which don't have therapeutic effects.  When comparing aromatherapy massage with no massage, they found that "there was some indication of benefit in the aromatherapy-massage group but this benefit is unlikely to translate into clinical benefit."

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor to see if this type of massage is safe for you. Your doctor may also be able to recommend a licensed massage therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage if it is.