Yu Spa and Massage

What is Aromatherapy Massage?

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy where highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, are added to the massage oil or lotion.

How does aromatherapy massage work?

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the brain where they affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

Each essential oil has different healing properties. For example, some calm while others energize.

Here are some widely used essential oils and their properties:

Calming – chamomile, lavender, geranium

Uplifting – ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli

Energizing – rosemary

Cleansing – rosemary

Decongesting – eucalyptus, pine, tea tree

Why do people get aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to providing relief from emotional stress and its resulting conditions. These can include, but are not limited to:

Insomnia

Headache

Digestive disorders

Back pain

Muscular tension

Post-partum blues

Anxiety

What can I expect during an aromatherapy massage?

One or more essential oils will be selected based on what you need, and are mixed in with the massage oil or lotion. The subtle aroma of the essential oils fill the air around you during the massage. After the massage, the massage therapist may suggest a blend that you can use athome in between massage treatments.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

If you have an infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds, the essential oils might cause irritation.

Massage is not recommended immediately after surgery

Massage is not recommended immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

Massage is not recommended if you are prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage

Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.

Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Additional Tips

There are a few things that you can do to help ensure the effectivness of your massage therapy. One, simple, and often overlooked step you can take is to avoid eating a heavy meal before the massage. You should avive for your massage therapy hungry, but you should not feel overly full, either.

Also, if it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.