Types of Essential Oils Used in Massage Therapy

The type of essential oil that is used in massage therapy is very individual for each client’s needs. There are oils for relaxation, muscle pain, anxiety, and many other conditions that affect us on a regular basis. Most massage therapists use essential oils that promote wither relaxation or detoxification.

Essential oils for relaxation during a massage

Essential oils that are used for relaxation purposes are either the ones that relax the mind or the muscles. The ones that relax the mind are:

1. Rose essential oil fights depression and uplifts the mood.
2. Frankincense soothes anxiety.
3. Lavender can be calming, sleep inducing, and is usd to treat issues with the nervous system.
4. Bergamot suppresses pain, uplifts the mood, and treats depression.
5. Marjoram is an analgesic, hypotensive, a nervine, a sedative, and is known for soothing nervous disturbances.
6. Vetiver is a nervine, a sedative and a tonic.
7. Chamomile is a nervine, a sedative, and an antidepressant.
8. Lemon is a restorative an a tonic.
9. Geranium is a tonic.
10. Cinnamon is cooling and soothing.
11. Fennel is a tonic that stimulates systems.
12. Rosewood is an antidepressant and pan reliever.
13. Ylang Ylang is an antidepressant, a nervine, a sedative, and a mood elevator.

Essential oils to add to the ones above that are used for muscle relaxation include the following:

1. Peppermint is an analgesic, an anesthetic, an antispasmodic, and a vasoconstrictor as it induces numbness.
2. Balsam Fir reduces pain.
3. Basil can be applied to sore muscles and joints to bring relief.
4. Birch is an analgesic that encourages detoxification of the body.
5. Cypress is an antispasmodic and a vasoconstrictor that contracts muscles and clears spasms.
6. Ginger is an analgesic and an antispasmodic that has been known to alleviate pain.

Lemongrass, Silver Fir, Spanish Sage, and Wintergreen are also used to relax the muscles.