Aromatherapy can be a great addition to your massage practice. Often, therapists wonder how aromatherapy works and how it can enhance the massage that they provide. Below is a short explanation of how aromatherapy works in the body.

The nasal cavity is attached to a part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones.

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system. In turn this may affect heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

It is also believed that essential oils are absorbed through the skin.

Each essential oil has different healing properties. Some oils have calming properties while others have energizing properties. Below are a few examples of essential oils and their main healing properties:

·          Calming oils – Lavender, Chamomile, Basil, Citronella, Angelica

·          Energizing oils – Mountain savory, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Rosewood

·          Decongesting – Eucalyptus, Hyssop, Myrtle

·          Antiviral – Rosewood, Sandalwood, Sage, Cinnamon bark, Cumin

·          Anti-inflammatory – Ginger, Lavender, Fennel, Geranium, Lemongrass

We are happy to offer several CE courses on aromatherapy and the use of essential oils during a massage. They are:

Essential Oils Overview – 10 CE hours, $110 

Essential Oils – Therapeutic Uses – 8 CE hours, $85 

General Aromatherapy – 6 CE hours, $65

We hope you have a very happy holiday season! Thank you for patronage!