Plant Medicine : Essential Oils for Body and Home
(original publication date August 21, 2021. Last Update : August 27, 2024)
As much as technology offers, it cannot create the experience of scent. The sense of vision is highlighted in our digital age and scent although important is not something we train. For centuries perfume makers and companies have worked to entice us to buy the power of scent to evoke positive emotions. At times, a familiar smell can bring us to a negative or positive memory. However when it comes to massage, essential oils have been used for medicinal purposes as well as creating a soothing experience. Much like beautiful music, a pleasant or comforting scent has the ability to almost instantly place a person in a good mood.
The Brain Reaction
It has been shown that essential oils are absorbed into the body through the skin, but in such small quantities that any internal effect is likely to be minimal. We are now starting to understand the complexity of the skin micro biome. Skin is an organ that is fantastic at protecting us but ongoing topic application and inhalation has been known to affect our internal health. The primary benefit of using essential oils during a massage is how the scent enhances the relaxation experience. However some massage therapists aim to improve health beyond the skin. Using oils for aromatic enhancement can be significant because, while odors can evoke a strong emotional reaction, they can also have further effects. They are picked up by smell receptors (also known as olfactory) in the nostrils, which pass the information to the areas of the brain that control emotional responses and memories. The information is also sent to the hypothalamus , a small gland at the base of the brain that controls the internal body systems- and especially those involved with digestion, body temperature and the stress reaction.
Synthetic vs. Natural
Essential oils are natural, however in some massage treatments, synthetic oils may be used. There may be scents with the name baby breathe or chocolate, these ingredients are likely to be fabricated. The average massage consumer prefers a more natural approach to what is placed on their skin. If the label reads synthetic in one of the oils then the quality will be lower. This is important for those that tend to have strong allergic reactions towards synthetic fragrances. In comparison, essential oils are drawn directly from different parts of a plant. Below is a list of popular oils and although each oil has multiple benefits I will focus on what they are most known for and helpful in a massage session.
If you wish to begin requesting aromatherapy along with your massage sessions, this is a good beginner’s list. Most massage businesses and spas will carry these.
Popular Essential Oils
*Please dilute these oils in a carrier oil such as jojoba, avocado or coconut oil.
Lavender- promotes relaxation and is believed to treat anxiety.
Rosemary- utilized as a mild pain reliever used topically.
Tea Tree- boosts wound healing. For post surgery massage, a combination of scar tissue release techniques and tea tree oil is a good combination to use in your sessions. (toxic to dogs)
Neroli- reduces stress and anxiety. Also helps with anxiety-induced depression. Ideal for a massage session where to person has these symptoms.
Chamomile- Anxiety relief. Anti-inflammation and used for back pain, nerve related pain and arthritis.
Peppermint- In massage, peppermint is a brumal essential oil best used to help with muscle pain and tension headaches. Peppermint is also an excellent as a congestive when a person is face down. If they can breathe in peppermint infused steam they will find relief. (Warning: although it is safe to apply on skin be careful to avoid eye area or open wounds. Peppermint is powerful!)
Eucalyptus- eases joint and muscle pain and reduces inflammation.
Rose- mental ease of pain. Rose essential oil releases feel-good hormones in the brain allowing you to cope with physical pain much easier. Ideal for those receiving massage for chronic pain or injuries and feeling frustrated about recovery.
Clove and or Oregano – antibiotic oils. I have personally used clove oil for tooth pain. Clove oil may have a familiar scent as it has been used as a prepping solution prior to dental work.
Self Massage at Home
The people of India practice self-massage in their homes for therapeutic purposes called Abyanga. This habit is a part of a more elaborate medical system that uses herbs, diet and massage as part of a regimen to treat imbalances and stay healthy. Herbs are often left in containers of carrier oils in order for the healing properties to be infused. Then, the infused oils are used as part of the self-massage routine. Not only will you help the moisture of your skin but you can enjoy creating different oil blends. I recommend uplifting oil application such as peppermint in the morning. For bedtime, I prefer essential oils such as lavender to help you wind down after a long day. Enjoy self massage on the feet, legs, hands and arms.
Candles
Candles are part of the aromatherapy experience. If you have a phobia with fire and want to lean in on diffusers to make your home smell nice then that’s great. Candles add an essential aromatic experience with essential oils. They give the appearance of warm and invitation and are great gifts. Essential oils added into candles are a classic combination that is not going anywhere any time soon. Lovers of candles and a non-toxic environment can enjoy a wax based that is natural such as soy, coconut or a blend of both.
Safety
As I mentioned above, essential oils are packed with their substance (fruit, herb etc.) This means that they should be treated with respect and diluted. Once I made the mistake of adding cinnamon bark straight from the bottle into the palm of my hand and oh my, did that burn. Respect the intense effect essential oils can give. Citrus oils are a special case. Ever had a vitamin C peel from a facial? Your esthetician likely warned you not to be outside in sunlight due to an event called photo(light) sensitivity. The same concept with essential oils such as orange or lemon. Toxicity is the overuse of any substance even a seemingly benign one. For example the symptoms are peppermint oil toxicity include, irregular breathing, abdominal pain, blood in urine or no urine. According to cases from Toxicology International two children experience seizures after ingesting eucalyptus oil.
The Company You Use
Essential oil companies that grabbed onto the MLM business model became popular for the average person to earn a side income. Obsessive-compulsive personalities clutched onto this and for some social circles it became a but cultish, sadly. Essential oils became trendy but in 2024 the wave of popularity has died down (thankfully). In its wake, we now have a more stable approach to buying from companies such as DoTerra and YoungLiving. These companies cannot control their rep behavior and I’ve met some amazing reps and others with questionable erratic behavior. There are company that distill and source their oils at a higher level of quality. However, like many natural substances they are not regulated and so the risk applies for the consumer. Heated arguments have broken relationships over essential oil elitism. Many massage therapists have chosen to use essential oils from lesser known brands but with stronger connections with their production companies. Don’t make anyone make you feel inferior for using a certain brand.
Methods
You can apply essential oils into a diffuser which will release a scented steam into the air. Cold pressed and steam distilled.
Containers
Quality essential oils with be in blue or dark amber glass. The light will affect any see through bottles.
Price
Pricing has to do with the extraction method. Many new companies have been created stepping away from the MLM structure.
Your Pets
Tea tree oil and penny royal. Humans are also cautioned against using penny royal as it can use kidney and liver injury. Pine oil, oil of wintergreen, eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, thyme and juniper, sweet birch, clove oil, citrus oils and ylang ylang are also toxic to dogs according the team at the Upper Canada Animal Hospital. Avoid placing essential oils in your animals food or water bowl. Cats are self-cleaning, any essential oils placed on the fur may cause damage.
The Stereotype
The image of the person that uses essential oils has changed over the years. Natural medicine enthusiasts now include the clean cut preppy style vs. the boomer generation of tree huggers. Those that resonate with nature has become mainstream and acceptable in society. Media fails to see minorities represented in the essential oil and natural medicine world.
Drinking Your Oils
There is much debate about the internal use of essential oils. The majority of multi-level marketing company promote this method as an additional benefit. However, many independent users caution against it. Some critics argue that essential oils are lipo(fat)philic (loving) which means that they will not dissolve in the glass of water that consumers are encouraged to use. The oils, according to these anti-consumption advocates, may cause irritation to the membranes of the body as they are being ingested. They encourage the uses to be inhalation and topical application only. Tanya, a registered massage therapist and clinical aromatherapist warns “NEVER ingest essential oils.” She is the founder of Flo Aromatherapy (floaromatherapy.com) and she urges professionals to use essential oils as a sensory experience. She created diluted products for other professionals and clients to use safely.
Certified Aromatherapist
To ensure safety and clear guidance some massage therapists choose to invest in additional schooling. Massage therapist , Amanda Snow of The Rustic Remedy Massage and Aromatherapy says ” I attended the Aromatherapy Institute to become certified. Its a year course of 235 hours and an additional 72 hours of anatomy and physiology. She creates custom blends for her clients for relief with skin issues, respiratory aid and cognitive issues.
Resources
Fernanda Santiago, a Certified Aromatherapist published her latest book for professional use titled Holistic Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers. This book also covers balms and bathing using essential oils. You can find it at essencianaturale.com
