Introducing essential oils in massage therapy is a great way to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, reduce stress, and speed up client recovery. Therapists can mix essential oils into their massage oil or lotion to create a pleasant scent and help their clients relax more deeply. This makes the massage feel more soothing and personalized. Therapists may also diffuse the oils in the room to improve the overall massage experience.
This blog explores how massage therapists can use essential oils during their treatments to reduce anxiety. We’ll discuss why certain oils work, how to use them safely, and which ones work best for different goals and needs.
Related: Essential Oils in Healthcare
The effects of essential oils in massage therapy
Therapists can use essential oils in massage therapy as a natural way to support their clients’ emotional and physical well-being. Essential oils interact with the nervous system through inhalation and skin absorption. This can complement bodywork very well.
When the molecules of the oils are inhaled, they travel to the brain’s limbic system. The limbic system is the body’s emotional center, which controls mood and stress. Diffusing calming oils like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot during a session can reduce tension, help clients relax, and reduce anxiety. When applied to the skin, they may lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improve sleep quality over time.
Other oils, like peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary, have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. They may help reduce muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation. Their warming or cooling sensations can boost blood flow and improve the therapeutic effects of the massage.
Massage therapists can improve the overall massage experience by including aromatherapy in their treatments. It regulates the nervous system, slows down the heart rate, and lowers stress, resulting in a feeling of calmness in clients.
Best essential oils for reducing anxiety
Therapists should choose essential oils based on the specific goal of the treatment. For example, these oils are especially effective for reducing anxiety:
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most researched and used essential oils. It can ease mild anxiety and improve mood. When taken in capsule form, it showed calming effects during stressful situations in people with low anxiety. It’s most beneficial in people with mild-to-moderate depression when combined with standard medication. It can help them feel better, faster, and with fewer side effects.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is a gentle, natural option for easing anxiety during massage. It also offers anti-inflammatory benefits. People receiving chamomile aromatherapy experienced a significant drop in their anxiety levels, often with a much greater effect than the placebo group. This proves chamomile oil can be a great addition to massage therapy, reducing anxiety while easing muscle tension.
Bergamot
Bergamot can improve mood and reduce nervousness. This leads to relaxation without causing drowsiness. Studies indicate that inhaling bergamot scent can lower cortisol levels, making it a useful addition to massage therapy.
Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang has a floral scent known for its uplifting effects. It helps slow the heart rate and lower stress levels during massage sessions. Studies proved that this oil improves mood and cognitive performance.
Frankincense
Frankincense is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a calming effect, reducing anxiety as it’s applied to the skin through massage. Its scent promotes relaxation, eliminates tension, and stabilizes emotional states. It increases the overall stress-reducing benefits of massage.
Ways of using essential oils in massage therapy
Massage therapists can use essential oils during massage sessions in the following ways:
- Diffusion. Diffusing essential oils before and during the session helps clients breathe in the soothing scents and settle into a deeper state of relaxation. This can even help them feel calm post-treatment.
- Topical application. Massage therapists can mix essential oils with a base oil—like coconut, almond, or jojoba—and gently apply it to the skin.
- Inhalation techniques. Some therapists offer clients a warm towel that is infused with essential oils. Placing the towel over the face for a few minutes at the beginning of the session enhances the client’s relaxation. Direct inhalation quickly delivers calming effects to the nervous system.
Safety considerations for using essential oils in massage therapy
While essential oils are generally safe and can offer a wide range of benefits, massage therapists need to understand how to use them safely and correctly. Factors like dosage, skin sensitivity, storage, and age of the client all matter. By keeping the following considerations in mind, therapists can help prevent unwanted reactions or risks.
Dilution ratios
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted before applying to the skin. A safe dilution is typically 1-3% essential oil mixed (1-3 drops) with a carrier oil. Using undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation.
Allergy awareness
Clients may have sensitivities to certain essential oils. Therapists should perform a patch test before application of the oil. This can help prevent allergic reactions. Therapists should also ask clients about known allergies before the session and written consent for their use.
Essential oils with a higher risk of causing an allergic or skin irritation include:
- Bergamot oil
- Chamomile oil
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Jasmine oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Oregano oil
- Ylang-ylang oil
Using essential oils during pregnancy
During pregnancy, massage therapists should be extra cautious when using essential oils. Certain oils contain compounds that may cross the placenta and affect the baby. Since there’s limited evidence on their safety on pregnant women, it’s best to avoid oils with ingredients like camphor, citral, anethole, thujone, and similar potentially harmful components.
Related: Working with Prenatal Massage Clients
Medical conditions and contraindications
Massage therapists should be cautious when using strong essential oils on clients with asthma or respiratory conditions. That’s because these oils can irritate the airways or trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary may be too intense for some individuals. Therapists should choose milder oils, ensure proper dilution, and avoid applying them near the chest or face.
Therapists should closely monitor the client’s response during the session and consult with the client’s healthcare provider before using essential oils in therapy.
