3 Essential Oils Used In Hot Stone Massage Therapy

The use of essential oils in massage therapy plays an important role in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness that comes from incorporating aromatherapy into massages. Aromatherapy has been used for ages to enhance the physical wellbeing of a person and has also been used in spiritual rituals. The effect of smell on the mind and the emotions has medical and scientific basis.

Hot stone massage has also been practiced for centuries although it was revived in its present form by Arizona massage therapist, Mary Nelson who trademarked the LaStone therapy. Several versions of hot stone massage are practiced in different spas and the use of essential oils for aromatherapy is a favorite choice among massage therapists.

Some essential oils can be used alone and others need to be mixed, either with lighter essential oils or with massage oil to make it gentler on the skin. Essential oils are as varied as there are herbs and plants in the world. A few are beneficial and easy to use.

1. Basil Essential Oil is extracted from the basil herb, which has medicine properties. It has been used in Europe and Asia for centuries. It is used in ancient Ayurveda practices in India. Basil oil has lots of benefits to the skin. It is used in massage to enhance the luster of the skin, working on dull looking skin to make it more healthy looking and lustrous.

The benefits of Basil essential oil are numerous and include pain relief for conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, sprains and headaches. It is also improves blood circulation and has a calming soothing effect that works to cure stress and stress related disorders.

Because of its’ properties, it’s one of hot stone therapist favorites to use.

2. Chamomile Essential Oil: this is another favorite among hot stone massage therapists and is widely popular in use during aromatherapy. Chamomile oil has calming and sedative properties and is used to calm the mind and soothe anxiety. It is also used to relieve pain tied to the nerves and for headaches. If used in massages, it should be diluted.

3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Eucalyptus oil is an extract of the eucalyptus tree which is found primarily in Australia. Essential oils is still fairly new and is growing in popularity. Eucalyptus oil offers relief from pain in the muscles and joints and is usually recommended for people suffering from rheumatism, sprains and aches.

Eucalyptus is stimulating and rejuvenates your senses. It is also one of those essential oils that require a carrier oil because direct application of eucalyptus oil to the skin could cause irritation.

It should however be used with care especially when used on clients with high blood pressure and epilepsy. This is because eucalyptus essential oil has cooling properties and is usually used to bring down raging fevers. The sharp scent of the essential oil could also pose as a trigger asthma therefore people with asthmas should use it with care.

There are several essential oils that can be used for hot stone massages, which incorporate the use of aromatherapy. Each one has healing and soothing benefits and are highly recommended.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry products such as  massage stone, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.