Aromatherapy also known as essential oil therapy is a great addition to your practice! My past clients loved when I used aromatherapy during their massage. Five common essential oils I used on a regular basis due to their multiple healing properties were peppermint, rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.
Now Essential Oils is a brand that I’ve used quite often due to their value and quality. They offer a great 3-pack variety to get you started with 3 of the most versatile essential oils: lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
Here are a couple of ideas you can use in your own practice:
- Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a tissue, fold a few times, and slide under the face cradle. Not only does it smell wonderful, it will help with congestion as some clients will get a stuffy nose when they are face down in the cradle.
- Fill a bowl up with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils or a combination of oils to the water and place however many hand towels you plan to use in the the water. (Caution: If you are using peppermint, be careful not to add too many drops or it will burn your skin.) Wring out excess water from the towels and place them in a towel caddy. These are wonderful to place on your client’s back or feet before or during the massage.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or blend to a diffuser to make the room smell delightful.
- Use essential oils in your lotion, oil, or cream.
- Add essential oils to your body and foot scrubs.
Here are a few of my favorite aromatherapy recipes:
Lemongrass Sugar Body Scrub
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 1/3 cup jojoba oil
- 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
Combine and use.
Headache Relief Oil
- 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops Rosewood essential oil
- 3 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Lemongrass essential oil
- 1 fl. oz. Jojoba Oil
- 1 oz. glass bottle
2% dilution- Safe for children over 10. Blend all ingredients in bottle and gently shake. Apply to the back of your neck for the first few hours.
If you’re interested in other recipes and would like to learn more about aromatherapy and essential oils, check out my book Aromatherapy For Life.