Change Your Life With Aromatherapy Chapter III

Aromatherapy Massage Oils

Aromatherapy massage oils are derived from a blend of essential oils. In order for the aromatherapy to work properly, the essential oils have to be 100 percent pure.  Do not be fooled by synthetic products that claim to be “aromatherapy.”  True aromatherapy massage oils are100 percent natural and contain only pure essential oils.

We all know how soothing massage therapy can be.  Just the massage alone, in most cases, is enough to calm and relax us.  When aromatherapy is incorporated into the massage, it doubles the effect.

As the essential oils are absorbed into your skin, they find their way into your blood stream and begin to soothe and heal. Aromatherapy massage oils can be used for a variety of purposes.  The three most common uses for an aromatherapy massage are:

•                    Relaxation

•                    Sexual stimulation

•                    Pain relief

Depending upon which essential oils are blended as well as the massage techniques will determine the outcome. 

Although many people seek to get an aromatherapy massage by a licensed massage therapist for relaxation, this is something that you can do at home. You can actually make your own aromatherapy massage oil if you know which type of blends to use and how to use them.

Before you begin making aromatherapy massage oils in your home, it is very important that you observe the following rule:

Never use essential oils directly on the skin.  Essential oils are very concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil when being used in massage therapy.  There are exceptions, such as lavender and vanilla, but as a rule of thumb, dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using directly on the skin.

That caveat aside, you can easily make your own massage oil at home and begin incorporating aromatherapy into your daily life.

You will want to make sure that the essential oil that is used is 100 percent pure essential oils.  Again, most products that claim to be aromatherapy are not.  The one way you can be certain of getting true aromatherapy massage oil is to actually make it yourself.

There are a variety of different outlets where you can purchase pure essential oils.  Some of them are very inexpensive, such as lavender, while others, such as sandalwood, can be costly.  Check out the glossary at the end of this book for a list of online retailers that sell pure essential oils.

In addition to the essential oils, you will also need a carrier oil. Because the essential oils are so highly concentrated, you only need about eight drops of the oils to one ounce of the carrier oil.  Popular choices for carrier oils include:

•                    Apricot kernel oil

•                    Sweet almond oil

•                    Common vegetable oil

Yes, common vegetable oil can be used as an effective as well as very inexpensive, carrier oil for an aromatherapy massage oil.

Storing massage oil should be done in dark colored bottles with a seal. Most places that sell aromatherapy products online, such as essential oils, also sell bottles and other supplies.  It is important for you to store the aromatherapy massage oil in a dark glass in a cool, dark place as the oil can lose its effectiveness if exposed to light. 

The aromatherapy massage oil can be directly mixed in the bottle where it will be stored.  Simply measure an ounce of the carrier oil, pour it into the bottle and then add about eight drops of your blend of essential oils.  If the essential oil does not come with a glass dropper, you need to purchase one of these products.  A glass eyedropper is necessary when working with essential oils as a plastic dropper will react with the oil. 

The glass dropper that you use should not have a rubber top.  Rubber can also react with the essential oils.  Again, most places that sell essential oils online also sell the proper supplies that you need to use the oils. 

Once you have added the two oils together, seal the bottle and roll it around in your hands gently to mix the oils thoroughly.  You should make sure that you do this before each and every use. Do not shake the bottle vigorously, but gently roll it to mix the oils. 

You can pour a little bit of the oil into a bowl and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds prior to use.  You must make sure that it is not too hot before applying the blend to the skin.  Massage oils feel better on the skin when used warm.  No one likes cold oil drizzled on them as it can be a bit unpleasant.

Prior to using aromatherapy massage oils, do a test patch on the skin. Some people have very sensitive skin that can have an allergic reaction to the oils.  Make sure you test it out prior to putting it all over your body or that of someone else to make sure it does not cause an allergic reaction.

The massage oil can be used on the torso, arms and legs as well as the head and neck area.  Avoid the eyes, ears, mouth and genital areas as well as any areas of inflammation or broken skin.  The oils will begin to work upon being absorbed into the skin and entering the blood stream.

While you may think of massage as something that you need to have done by another person, or do to another person, you can also treat yourself with aromatherapy massage oils.  For example, you can rub your temples with a lavender massage oil to ease a headache.  You can also rub your feet and hands with massage oil. 

There are various types of massage techniques that you can learn, although true massage therapy is actually studied and is a healing art all unto itself.  For an amateur, however, learning to rub certain areas of the body is not difficult.  The back is a primary source of tension and an aromatherapy back rub can do wonders to relieve stress. 

As the cells that promote healing within our immune system are found in our upper digestive system, rubbing the front torso with healing aromatherapy oil can also be beneficial.  For a sensual massage, you will want to rub the legs, buttocks and chest area. 

• Mild anxiety Following are three popular recipes that are commonly used for relaxation, sexual stimulation and pain relief:

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Relaxation


1 ounce of carrier oil 5 drops of lavender 3 drops of sandalwood

You can also substitute Rose or Mandarin for Sandalwood in the above recipe.  By reading the glossary of essential oils contained in the book, you can learn which oils can do what. 

For relaxation, make sure that you also set the mood.  Light some candles and play some soothing music.  Massage your partner with warmed massage oils beginning at the base of the neck and working your way down his or her back.  Rub shoulders and muscles throughout the back and allow the magic of the healing oils to go to work.

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Sexual Stimulation


1 ounce of carrier oil 6 drops of jasmine 2 drops of bergamot

Jasmine is a safe and effective way to promote confidence and stimulation.  For a loving treat, use an aromatherapy massage on your partner to help him or her relax and enjoy lovemaking.  Speak soothingly and lovingly to your partner as you use this tried and true blend.

Aromatherapy Massage Recipe For Pain Relief


1 ounce carrier oil 4 drops chamomile 4 drops tea tree

A deep tissue massage, or a Swedish massage, is one way to alleviate pain that is caused by physical activity.  You can use this recipe blend to sooth aching feet by rubbing firmly with your thumbs into the souls of your feet as well as the heel.

This aromatherapy massage treatment can also be used on the body and is especially good at relieving joint pain for arthritis sufferers.

There are many other uses for aromatherapy massage.  Once you become familiar with the concept of aromatherapy and the different uses for essential oils, you can make your own blends and treat a variety of minor ailments such as:

•                    Insomnia

•                    Menstrual cramps

•                    Bruises

•                    Mild depression

•                    Stress

•                    Memory improvement

•                    Anger relief

Aromatherapy massage is one of the most effective alternative healing methods used today.  Although it has been used for centuries, the demand for massage therapy has doubled in the past decade.  It looks as if many people have discovered the benefits of healing through aromatherapy massage treatment and are on their way to feeling good naturally.