Aromatherapy: Aromas that Affect Emotions During Massage Therapy

Consider how you feel when you smell freshly baked cinnamon rolls or coffee brewing? When we smell something good, information is sent to specific parts of our brain that influence our senses, memory, and mood. 

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which are a true concentrated essence extracted from a plant. Specific aromas can be used to help us relax, provide mental clarity, help us cope with emotional conflicts, and energize us physically, emotionally or mentally. With this in mind, I incorporate aromas into my massage sessions to help improve the way the client feels and heighten their experience.

Below is a list of emotions and the essential oils that help aid them. I've hightlighted a few of my favorites.

To Relieve Anger: Chamomile, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose and Ylang-ylang.

To Relieve Anxiety: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, Frankincense, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Peach, Rose, Rose Geranium and Violet Leaf.

To Ease Depression: Bergamot, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, Tangerine and Ylang-ylang.

To Ease Sorrow: Clary Sage, Cypress, Fir, Marjoram, Rosemary and Sage.

To Overcome Fatigue: Angelica, Benzoin, Camphor, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove Basil, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Lemon, Peppermint, Pine, Sage and Spiced Apple.

To Deal with Stress, Nervous Tension and Insomnia: Bergamot, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Sweet Melissa, Valerian, Vanilla, Violet, and Ylang-ylang.

To Calm Irritability: Chamomile, Neroli, Rose, and Rose Geranium

To Improve Memory: Bay Laurel, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary

To Increase Confidence: Frankincense, Jasmine, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

To Use As An Aphrodisiac: Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Ylang-ylang.

Please read more about Aromatherapy under Amenities on my website.

What is a Chakra?

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex, and it refers to each of the seven energy centers of which our consciousness is composed. These chakras regulate the flow of energy through our body. The chakras reflect our decisions - what to think, what to feel, and what we choose to experience in the world around us.

The chakras are not physical. They are aspects of awareness. Each chakra is associated with particular body parts and functions that are controlled through two major vehicles, the endocrine system (bodily functions) and the nervous system. Learning about Chakras will give you the knowledge of understanding the relationship between your mind and body. They will give you a clearer perception of yourself and those around you.

The Seven Charas and their Meanings:

1. Root Chakra - Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.

Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food.

2. Sacral Chakra - Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.

Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in.
Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem.

4. Heart Chakra - Our ability to love.

Location: Center of chest just above heart.
Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace.

5. Throat Chakra - Our ability to communicate.

Location: Throat.
Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth.

6. Third Eye Chakra - Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

Location: Forehead between the eyes. (also called the Brow Chakra)
Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.

7. Crown Chakra - The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

Location: The very top of the head
Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss.