How many of us have seen “aromatherapy massage” offered in spas, massage clinics, or salons? Have you ever received one? What, I ask you, is your definition of “Aromatherapy”?

I would be willing to bet that your first thought was “it’s just a massage with scented oils”.

Sadly, most people don’t know what aromatherapy really is, nor do massage therapists take the time to educate their clients on the power effects it can have.

By Definition:  aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Essential oils are really key here. Essential oils are pure extracts of flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, trees and grasses in concentrated form. There are many methods of extraction (including chemical) but steam distillation is always the purest and most preferred form of extraction by the health-conscious therapist and consumer. They are a necessity to medicines, foods and cosmetics. However, synthetic forms used in the cosmetic industry merely for “aromatic” benefit as in perfumes, IS VERY DIFFERENT from 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils. Also, essentials oils which have been “cut” with a carrier oil (such as almond oil, etc) are weakened. It is always best to go with the purest.

Each individual essential oil has its own medicinal and therapeutic properties. Among the list of benefits essential oils can be: antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anti-venomous, antitoxin, antidepressant, sedative, nerve-calming, analgesic, digestive aiding, deodorizing, stimulating, diuretic, and the list goes on.

Aromatherapy is administered most effectively in three ways: by inhalation, massaging the oils into the skin, or by osmosis in the bath. The essential oil molecules go into the lungs and/or penetrate the skin and go to work right away in the bloodstream and nervous systems, just the same way a medicine would after taken orally. Only, essential oils can be more effective since it does not have to pass through the digestive system on the way. Also, unlike drugs, they enter and leave the body with NO harmful side effects, leaving NO toxins behind.

Our “De-stress Raindrop Massage” is our version of the Aromatherapy massage. We allow you to personally experience each essential oil blend and decide which one agrees with you the most. After all, your body is very intelligent and will let you know which oil you need, if you listen. This massage focuses along nerve pathways of the spinal cord, cranium and sacrum. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for putting you to sleep at night and making you relax and unwind. It also “resets” the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for your stress, keeping you wide awake and alert. Sedating you and inducing a hypnotic state of relaxation, the essential oils penetrate into the body and produce desirable therapeutic benefits.
… don’t be surprised if the “real deal”- 100% medicinal grade oils - are a tad expensive. Rose oil, for example, is very costly. However, it takes 60,000 rose blossoms to produce just 1 oz. of rose essential oil!!

Here are some more specific examples of a few essential oils and their benefits/uses/treatments:

Sandalwood: Acne, Cystitis, Menstrual problems, depression, skin infections, fungal and bacterial infections, sedating.

Tea Tree: fungal, viral and bacterial infections, colds, influenza, cold sores, warts, candida (yeast overgrowth)

Roman Chamomile: Nerves, migrains, acne, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual problems, and dermatitis.

Frankincense: (favorite of the spa and used for inhilation at the beginning of treatments) good for sores, wounds, fevers, coughs, colds, stress, nervous conditions, eases tension, grounding, bronchitis, laryngitis, and migraines.

Oils can be blended to form a desired effect(s). Right now, I am working on special essential oil blends, exclusive to Grace Healing Day Spa, for a wide range of uses. If you have any questions or have a specific ailment and would like to know which essential oils may benefit you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

NAMASTE