Getting The Most Out Of Your Aromatherapy

Massage is one of the great art forms of the world, as well as one of the most popular and soothing past-times in the world. Many spas today put a great deal of effort into creating a massage experience that not only stimulates the skin, but also the senses of sight and smell. Aromatherapy is the practice of combining touch and smell.

For those who know about aroma therapy, if you thought that there could be nothing better than an aroma therapy massage, then you’re in for a surprise. Take your aroma therapy session to the next level with aroma therapy massage oils. Besides enhancing the massage experience through touch and smell, it also provides other benefits such as stress reduction and improved mental focus. There are three main categories of aroma therapy oils. They are:

Synthetic aroma therapy massage oils

These are aroma therapy massage oils that are not 100% made from organic materials. They provide excellent lubrication for great massages, however they do have some cons. The main pitfall is that they leave a light film on your skin which may prevent your skin from breathing. The synthetic ingredients in the oils are not properly absorbed by the skin, and tend to clog pores. Also, because they are not all-natural they lack essential vitamins that your skin needs. Some therapists say that synthetic oils may even have a negative effect on your skin in the long term.

Organic aroma therapy massage oils

These are massage oils that are generally preferred by therapists and clients. They are preferred because they are all-natural and healthy for your skin. They are usually made from ingredients such as spices, medicinal plants, essential oils, and various herbs. Other benefits include muscle relief, increased blood circulation, and soft skin. There are a few types of organic aroma therapy oils to choose from –

1. Luxurious – these are great smooth oils, and are made from ingredients such as frankincense, orange, patchouli, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.
2. Grounding – these are typically made from cedar wood, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, and vetiver.
3. Soothing – these are made from ingredients such as bergamot, geranium, lavender, patchouli, and rosewood.
4. Unscented – for those who prefer a scentless massage experience, these are usually made from sandalwood, roman chamomile, cinnamon bark, and jasmine.

Aroma therapy massage oil blends

These are basically combinations of multiple essential oils. These include medium oils and light oils. Medium oils are absorbed by your skin gradually, and are usually used for harder massages intended treat stiffness and knots in the muscles. There are several fragrant types such as avocado, jojoba, and sweet almond. Light oils are for softer, quick massages. They are absorbed by the skin faster, so they are designed to keep the skin smooth for short periods of time. Types include grape seed oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil.

If you are fond of aromatherapy massages, ask your spa about aroma therapy massage oils. They are sure to have some in stock, and if they do not have good organic oils, you can always buy some in a different store to take with you during your massage sessions.

Aroma therapy oils will definitely be worth your while, and give you a massage experience that is soothing, therapeutic, and healthy.