Aromatherapy is known to work in three different ways: absorption (the skin), inhalation (respiratory system) and smell (limbic system). This third way taps into a part of the brain that deals with emotions, memories and stimulation, and can even influence hormonal responses.
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Aromatherapy is known to work in three different ways: absorption (the skin), inhalation (respiratory system) and smell (limbic system). This third way taps into a part of the brain that deals with emotions, memories and stimulation, and can even influence hormonal responses.
Essential oils are able to bypass the blood-brain barrier through the olfactory system. These oils are formulated with natural plant and flower oils with wonderful exotic scents and powerful therapeutic benefits for body and mind. Once inhaled, essential oils can alter our brain chemistry, stimulating memories, moods and feelings.
Then, of course, you have the added benefits of using aromatherapy products in a spa treatment. Such massages are not just a massage using essential oils; they have been designed to gain proven results for the mind, body and spirit. Here, we share nine treatments where aromatherapy can be used effectively and therapeutically.
1 The Ultimate Body Massage. This hero treatment starts with a consultation to determine the client’s emotional and physical needs. From there, conduct an aroma test so you may choose the oil most suitable for them. With the chosen oil, carefully apply pressure to stimulate the nervous system; Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to relieve muscular tension; and lymphatic drainage to encourage healthy circulation. This treatment works from the head to the toes, and it will dissolve away all stress and tension. This intense massage ritual is drawn from a fusion of Eastern and Western techniques, enabling the therapist to work on the body, mind and spirit.
2 Body Detox. A complete full body detox has five key treatment stages. It begins with dry brushing, followed by a stimulating exfoliation using sea salt and green coffee oil to slough away dead skin cells. A freshwater mud mask and wrap brightens and refines skin while tension is diffused with a scalp or foot reflex massage. Following this, a deeply invigorating massage works to brighten and tone the legs. This advanced treatment is completed by coating the skin with three-stage regimens packed with essential oils to revive the body, nourish the skin and reset the mind.
3 Emotional Strengthening. This nurturing treatment fortifies and strengthens the mind and body through difficult times. Clients should breathe deeply while warm, rich products are applied in a soothing way. For the body and face, include inhalation with guided breathing, hot stone placement to the solar plexus and a facial including a cleanse, exfoliation, massage and mask. Massage focuses on the back, scalp, arms, legs and feet.
4 Stress Relief and Sleep Aid. Carefully apply pressure to relieve key areas of tension, while an essential oil blend sedates, calms and grounds the client to induce a serious state of relaxation and improve their sleep. For body and face, include inhalation and guided breathing before a facial with a cleanse, massage and mask applied with brushes. The massage should focus on the back, scalp, face, arms, legs and feet.
5 Muscle Release. This deeply restorative treatment is specifically designed for tight, stressed and aching muscles. Whether clients have a heavy exercise schedule or spend hours sitting at a desk, their bodies can easily become stiff, tight and painful when they’ve reached their limit. Swedish and cross muscle fiber massage techniques, with stretching and draining, are combined with essential oils known for their beneficial effects on circulation. Black pepper, rosemary and ginger warm the muscles and help disperse lactic acid buildup that causes stiffness and pain. Calming lavender soothes and is anti-inflammatory. An intensive massage works deep into stiff, tight, aching muscles to instantly release pain and tension.
6 Pregnancy Massage. Choose an oil safely formulated to be used during pregnancy, that can nourish and care for expanding skin. Using a traditional aromatherapy pressure point massage for the upper back, paying particular attention to tight shoulders, to relieve stress and tension. Massage the legs to ease that heavy feeling that can come with pregnancy, and complete this head-to-toe treatment with a full scalp and facial massage using an oil chosen specifically for the guest’s skin type. Give her a moment to appreciate the joy of pregnancy and leave the stresses of life behind them.
7 Age Repair Facial. A reparative antiaging facial works with natural oils of inca inchi and larch extract to stimulate collagen production, while anti-inflammatory pomegranate and rosehip seed oil slow down the signs of aging. The client’s skin is cleansed and exfoliated with jojoba beads or corncob granules. It is then massaged using apple seed extract, raspberry seed oil and date palm oil, which are renowned for their cell renewal and antioxidant effects. Two masks are applied: a rose gel to hydrate, and a strawberry seed and frankincense mask to firm and plump. While the masks take effect, the eye area is taken care of with a lymphatic massage to improve skin suppleness and elasticity. For ultimate luxury, the scalp is massaged to release stress and tension. This results in a firmer, more youthful-looking complexion.
8 Forest Therapy. This treatment helps clients feel restored from the stresses of modern-day living, cleansed of pollution and relieved from restlessness and agitation. Start with a cleansing, guided inhalation and tension releasing long, deep massage, followed with a warm grounding mud mask to recharge through hands and feet. Finally, restore tranquillity to the mind with a scalp massage.
9 Immune Support. Cleansing, clearing and decongesting, this body treatment helps clear a congested body and mind and support the immune system. Guided breathing clears congestion followed by massage techniques to soothe a heavy head, unblock sinuses, ease headaches and promote gut health.
Amy Bonfield is part of the spa and education team at Aromatherapy Associates, looking after spa partners’ business, training, treatment development and educational tools. An award-winning beauty therapist with over 15 years in the spa industry, Bonfield a passion for sharing the power of aromatherapy with everyone.
