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     The sense of smell is one of the first, last and most memorable of all our senses. One of the first sense to develop in the womb, it is one of the last to fade with age and is also highly associated with specific memories, even in people suffering from memory loss or mental illness. But science is now revealing what many have known intuitively for centuries – that certain smells can have a powerful therapeutic effect on the mind and body as well.

     Aromatherapy is the science of using essential oils for their therapeutic properties.¹ For massage therapists it is possible to use basic aromatherapy during a regular session in a variety of ways. Essential oils are used singly or in blends to enhance the desired effects of the massage and carry the distinct aroma of the plant from which they are derived.

     Do not confuse aromatherapy quality essential oils with fragrance scents – they are simply not the same thing. When looking for essential oils to use for therapeutic purposes you want to buy the highest quality possible from reliable sources.

     Essential oils should never be applied directly to the body but rather are diluted in water, oil, or alcohol before using. Essential oils can be broadcast into a room through the use of diffusers as well which allow micro-droplets to be inhaled as the volatile oils evaporate into the air. Common carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for massage use include apricot kernel, virgin olive oil, sesame seed oil, jojoba oil and other naturally derived oils.² Mineral oil should not be used as it will clog pores in the skin.

     In The Art of Perfumery (1862) Septimus Piesse used a new way of classifying essential oils called “Notes”. Base notes are fragrances that are heavier and tend to linger for a longer period of time. Middle notes are essential oils that are mildly heavy but are quicker to dissipate than the base notes. Top notes are the lightest essential oils and usually the first ones you notice in a blend.

     Essential oils can be combined in special combinations known as blends. Usually you would add between 5-10 drops of essential oils to 20 ml of carrier oil depending on the sensitivity of the skin. Many aromatherapy books have recipes to help you combine essential oils that work well together to address a certain problem and enhance the properties of the oils used. Typically you would combine no more than three or four oils at a time and mixing more than 5 can actually detract from their beneficial effects. ³

     One thing to keep in mind whenever using essential oils is that each has a unique and powerful effect on the body. Certain oils are contraindicated (should not be used) in specific situations. For example, you would not want to use Rosemary, Hyssop or Cedar essential oils should not be used during pregnancy. ⁴

Sources:

1. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques by Tappan and Benjamin. 4^th Edition.

2. Aromatherapy Massageby Clare Maxwell-Hudson

3. Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche by Peter and Kate Damian

4. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Len Price and Shirley Price

Institute for Aromatic Study
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy