Aromatherapy for Massage

Course Summary

*Important note: This course will be reported under the “general” category and not “relevant to and focus on massage therapy techniques”.

Aromatherapy and Massage Naturally Work Well Together

Massage therapists are more likely than any other profession to use essential oils and the benefits of aromatherapy. Essential oils can uplift, relax, cool, warm, deepen breathing, and reduce pain. Clients appreciate the added touch of an aromatherapy massage.

Many Are Using Essential Oils Incorrectly

It is common to assume essential oils are all safe because they are natural. However, what is safe and beneficial for one client, may not be for the next. Headaches, rashes, and allergic reactions can occur with essential oil use. Massage therapists must be informed about the benefits and risks of combining essential oils with massage.

Aromatherapy Training Specifically for Massage

Like many therapists, my massage training program included half a day of aromatherapy education. I knew I wanted and needed to learn more, so I continued to study aromatherapy.

However, most classes and books were aromatherapy training (inhalation) and not about the combination of aromatherapy and massage (topical). Soon after graduating from my massage program, I completed a 300-hour master-level aromatherapy program. Since then, I have worked to design a course specifically for massage therapists.

Incorporating Aromatherapy Into Your Practice

No matter what modality or setting you practice in, aromatherapy is something that is easy to incorporate into a massage session.

Whether you practice with the young or elderly, deep tissue or energy work, chiropractic clinic or spa; essential oils and aromatherapy complement most massage sessions and add to the satisfaction of clients.

Course Details

Included are common aromatherapy recipes, instructions on creating blends, basic spa recipes, carrier oil information, hydrotherapy, history, benefits and contraindications for use of essential oils in a massage and bodywork practice.

This course includes detailed profiles of 15 common essential oils used in combination with massage therapy:

Learning Objectives

After completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Define “aromatherapy” and “essential oil”
2. Discuss three ways essential oils and carrier oils are different
3. Discuss how plant biology and chemistry affect the makeup of an essential oil
4. Describe how essential oils are produced
5. Describe how to properly store essential oils
6. Describe how to properly dilute essential oils during a massage
7. List five contraindications for using essential oils during a massage