Aromatherapy

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Simply put, aromatherapy is a holistic practice that utilizes essential oils extracted from aromatic plants to enhance physical and emotional well-being, typically via inhalation or topical application.

Essential oils are comprised of naturally occurring chemical compounds that house therapeutic benefits and support a natural health life style.  Common uses of aromatherapy are for relaxation, stress reduction, respiratory support,  aiding quality of sleep, and soothing an aching body.

Essential oils may be found in the flower, fruit, leaves, seeds, twigs, branches, grasses, bark, wood, roots, rhizomes, gums, resins, or fruit peels of such plants.  There are several methods of extracting these oils depending on the plant part in which they are stored.  The three most common are distillation, pressing, and solvent extraction.  Pure essential oils (those that have not been compromised by added synthetic chemicals) house a wide range of potential therapeutic benefit.

Aromatherapy has gained in popularity since the term was coined in the early 20th century by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé, however, it is an ancient practice dating back thousands of years.  Early roots of the use of essential oils can be found in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China and India for example.  Evidence suggests that these early civilizations used essential oils for cosmetic purposes, religious rituals and medicinal treatments.  The practice has progressed much over these millennia as more information has been uncovered thru scientific research, advanced practice and global information exchange.  Aromatherapy education is now readily accessible and continues to be embraced as a natural alternative for therapeutic needs and enhancing everyday life.

You may be asking yourself  “Why do I need aromatherapy during my massage?”  The short answer is you don’t.   Just like you don’t need top quality ingredients to make a meal, however,  adding this extra care into your cooking can create a more nourishing and aromatic experience.  Adding pure essential oils to your massage can lead to a better quality massage.  Not only will bring a pleasant aroma, but it can also enhance your relaxation, help soothe your aching body, and even help facilitate better sleep.

At Fusion Massage Therapy, all of our proprietary massage oils are small batch, hand-crafted with pure, organic ingredients and are nut-free.   The carrier oils we select are wonderfully nourishing for the skin and the essential oils therein are carefully selected with a specific purpose in mind.

Inhalation of essential oils during your session can further enhance your experience.  Placed under your headrest, aromatherapy can elevate relaxation, lift the spirits, and help alleviate that stuffy nose so commonly acquired while face down on the table.

While aromatherapy complements massage beautifully, it is entirely optional.  If you prefer not to include it please let your therapist know ahead of time, as unscented alternatives are available.

*Please be sure to discuss any botanical allergies you may have with your therapist prior to your session.