The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Perimenopause & Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, but they can bring a wide range of physical and emotional changes. Hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety are all common experiences during this transitional time due to hormone fluctuations as well as other major life changes and stressors that tend to occur at this stage also. Despite common symptoms, every woman’s journey is unique, and many may turn to holistic approaches for relief. One of the most supportive and gentle tools available is aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy uses highly concentrated plant extracts (a/k/a essential oils) to support balance and well being. Through inhalation, topical application, or diffusing, these oils interact with the body’s nervous system, endocrine system, and emotions in powerful ways. At Fusion Massage Therapy in Seminole, FL, we incorporate inhalation and topical application of essential oils to enhance your massage experience and benefits.

How Aromatherapy Supports Perimenopause and Menopause

1. Eases Stress and Anxiety

Hormonal changes can heighten feelings of worry or restlessness. Many essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and frankincense are known for their calming properties. Inhaling oils such as these exposes the limbic system (the brain’s emotional center) to the calming chemistry residing within these extracts, thereby helping to lower cortisol, ease anxious thoughts, and promote relaxation. At Fusion Massage Therapy, we have signature aromatic & therapeutic massage oil blends (organic and nut-free) created with this in mind.

2. Promotes Better Sleep

Insomnia and night waking are common disruptive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, leading to lowered motivation, greater exhaustion and potential immune disruption. Essential oils like lavender, Roman chamomile, and sandalwood help signal the body to relax and prepare for rest. Diffusing or inhaling them before bedtime or adding a few drops to a pillow spray can improve sleep quality over time. At Fusion Massage Therapy in Seminole, FL, our massage therapist is also a certified aromatherapist. Ask about customized diffuser and/or inhalation blends to purchase for home use.

3. Supports Hormonal Balance

While aromatherapy does not replace medical treatment, certain essential oils are thought to support the body during hormonal transitions. Clary sage, geranium, and fennel, for example, are often used to ease mood swings, hot flashes, and fatigue by encouraging a sense of balance and stability. A cooling peppermint or light citrus (like orange) hydrosol spray can be refreshing during hot flashes or milder feelings of increased internal temperature. There are many possibilities for aromatherapeutic support during this transitional stage of life. Ask our therapist for more information or for custom blends to purchase for home use.

4. Reduces Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Cooling oils like peppermint or spearmint or a light citrus like orange can be refreshing during sudden temperature surges. Using a hydrosol spray of one or a combination of these oils can be a a quick refreshing aid. Topical application (diluted with a carrier oil or unscented lotion) or inhaled through a personal diffuser, may help provide some relief as well. Ask our therapist for more information about custom blends to purchase for home use.

5. Lifts Mood and Boosts Energy

Menopause can sometimes feel depleting physically, mentally and/or emotionally. Bright, uplifting oils such as citrus (orange, grapefruit, bergamot or lemon), the calming sweet scent of rose, or more invigorating oils such as rosemary can help improve energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and lift the spirit. Some of these oils would not be recommended for evening hours, but can be a nice morning ritual or afternoon recharge. Keeping a personal roll-on, hydrosol spray, or inhaler handy for those necessary boosts is a great way to ensure you have an easily accessible relief aid at the ready! Ask our therapist about custom blends for purchase!

6. Encourages Self-Care and Mindfulness

Aromatherapy not only provides physical benefits, it enhances intentional moments of pause and self care. Incorporating oils into a bath, massage, or meditation practice deepens the connection to body and mind, making these moments even more relaxing and self reflective. However, you don’t need to wait for a more time intensive ritual to incorporate the benefits of aromatherapy into your self care routine. Taking a short break at any point in your day to topically apply, spray or inhale a calming or uplifting aromatherapeutic product can be a small action with big results!

Simple Ways to Use Aromatherapy

• Diffusing: Add a few drops of essential oil (8-15 total drops) to a diffuser to fill your space with therapeutic aroma. Diffusers come in many shapes and sizes and can be a functional and aesthetic addition to any room. Placing one next to your bed can provide gentle support during your slumber or they can be strategically placed throughout your home wherever you may spend quality time.

• Topical Application: Blend essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or grape seed oil) or unscented lotion and massage into the back of the neck, chest, belly, arms, legs or the soles of the feet. The amount of essential oils recommended for such a blend would depend on the amount of carrier oil being used and the health of the person the blend is being created for. It is also important that you select high-quality essential oils and are aware of any botanical allergies you may have. Consult our certified aromatherapist for more information.

• Bath Ritual: Add 2-4 drops of diluted essential oil into warm bath water for relaxation. Be careful when exiting the tub as the added carrier oils can create a slippery surface. Oil left on the body after a bath can be wiped with a towel or massaged into the skin.

• Personal Inhaler or Rollerball: Portable options to access calming or energizing blends throughout the day. Inhalers can be made using a small, disposable inhaler tube with a cotton or microfiber wick. For healthy adults, 15 drops of any essential oil or combination of oils makes for an effective product and will lasts about a month or longer depending on the quality of the oils and frequency of use. Rollerballs can be made in 10ml rollerball tubes adding 10-20 drops of essential oils to a carrier oil, such as jojoba. Be mindful that a little essential oil goes a long way! These are highly concentrated extracts so we recommend starting on the lower end (around 10 drops) and adding more if needed. This will be a higher ratio than recommended for other topical applications, such as body oils or lotions, as the rollerball application is for a smaller targeted region such as the wrists or neck.

Keep in Mind

The journey to menopause marks a powerful chapter in life and, though it may last quite some time, does not need to be an experience to dread. Although there are certainly some unpleasant events associated with this “change”, it is also marks a period of transition, wisdom, and self discovery. While the symptoms can be challenging, aromatherapy offers a gentle, natural way to ease discomfort, uplift the spirit, and bring balance to the body and mind.

By incorporating aromatherapy into daily routines, you can create small but meaningful rituals of support, deeper self care and renewal. At Fusion Massage Therapy in Seminole, FL, we understand what you are going through and are here to help support your experience. Call today or use our online booking system to schedule your Aromatherapy Enhanced Massage and learn more about the therapeutic power and potential of essential oils!