The lexicon of scents – which oil suits which massage?
Essential oils are essential in aromatherapy and are used to increase well-being, lift mood and relieve pain. Many different forms of massage can benefit from essential oils.
In this article, we will inform you about the exact effects of the most popular fragrance oils and show you which plant is suitable for which application. Our lexicon is accompanied by tips and tricks from aromatherapist Heike Klein. She explains how she chooses the right fragrance and what to look out for when working with essential oils.
We answer the following questions in this article:
- Which oils relax?
- Which oils relieve pain?
- Which oils lift the mood?
- How are essential oils dosed?
- What should be taken into account when storing?
1. Which oils relax?
For many, massages are primarily relaxing and allow their customers to switch off, forget and let go for a moment. Massages are a wonderful way to relax physically and mentally. Pressure and stroking movements release tension, so that your customer leaves your studio feeling strengthened and rested.
If your customer primarily wants relaxation and regeneration, you can choose one of the following plants.
a. Lavender
Lavender is native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean and captivates with its scent and vibrant colors.
As early as the 11th century, the plant found its way into the monastery gardens of Benedictine monks and its scent provided mental clarity, soothed restlessness, nervousness and fears, and resolved confusion.
With a gentle massage, the essential oils of lavender reveal the charm of Provence. According to scientists, the effect of lavender can be attributed to the ingredient linalool, which is also found in other essential plant oils such as thyme and lemon balm. This activates certain receptors in the brain that promote relaxation.
Expert tip from Heike Klein: “Instead of an essential oil, you can also put lavender sprigs down. I also recommend that customers who complain of sleeping problems put a lavender bag on their pillow. These are easy to make and the scent helps you fall asleep.”
b. Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus plant that has been cultivated in Italy since the mid-17th century. The climate here is ideal for the trees to grow. Bergamot oil was used as early as 1714 in the oldest perfumery in the world, Johann Maria Farina, to produce her famous Eau de Cologne.
The scent of bergamot has a relaxing and calming effect on the mind. A 2015 study showed that a massage with bergamot oil has a greater effect on physical relaxation than a massage without oil.
Bergamot oil is believed to have a calming and relaxing effect due to its content of bioactive compounds such as limonene and linalool. By inhaling the scent of bergamot oil, these compounds can act in the brain via the limbic system, producing a calming effect on the body and mind.
c. Chamomile
It's no surprise that chamomile has a calming effect. Who hasn't resorted to chamomile tea when they have a particularly annoying cold? But if you're not a fan of the brew, you can still benefit from the plant.
Chamomile oil is believed to have calming and anti-inflammatory effects due to its high content of chamazulene and bisabolol. Using chamomile oil in massage can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote deeper relaxation.
Expert tip from Heike Klein: “Chamomile oil is ideal for pregnancy massages. Some essential oils are potentially harmful, but diluted chamomile is a good choice for mother and child. As long as you make sure to use small amounts, you can give expectant mothers a wonderfully soothing break. The oil relieves tension, anxiety and back pain.”
d. jasmine
Jasmine is native to the Himalayas , southwest China and the Indian region of Kashmir. The Asian plant is often grown as an ornamental shrub and rounds off many perfumes. But the positive effects of jasmine oil have also been known for centuries.
The calming properties of jasmine oil, similar to lavender, are believed to be due to the chemical compounds found in the plant, particularly linalool. Linalool has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Jasmine has an intense, honey-like, floral scent. The beguiling sweetness brings the lightness of summer to every massage studio.
2. Which oils relieve pain?
As you can see, finding the right essential oil for a relaxing massage is not difficult. But which plant helps when you feel achy and pulling? With the right oil, you can relieve muscle tension, relieve back pain and promote blood circulation.
e. Peppermint
Teas, ice cream, candy, dishwashing liquid and toothpaste. Peppermint is a true all-rounder that has smuggled itself into every area of our lives over the centuries. So why not into massage practices too?
Peppermint oil can help relieve pain when used in a massage. It contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and thus reduces inflammation and pain. When peppermint oil is applied to the skin, it increases circulation and reduces muscle tension. There is also some evidence that peppermint oil can be helpful for headaches and migraines.
Expert tip from Heike Klein: “Some people are allergic to peppermint oil, even in diluted form. Make sure you rule out this risk before you start the massage.”
f. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus comes from the subtropics of Australia and eastern Indonesia. As trees they form forests, as shrubs they resemble the European heath. Today the plant is known primarily as the main food of koalas and is also a popular ingredient in cough drops and cold baths.
Eucalyptus oil can help relieve pain when used in massages. It contains compounds like eucalyptol that have anti-inflammatory effects. When applied to the skin, eucalyptus oil can help increase circulation and reduce muscle tension. Eucalyptus oil also has a cooling effect, similar to peppermint oil, which can help with pain.
Eucalyptus oil is often used for colds and respiratory illnesses because it loosens mucus and congestion in the airways. So when used in a massage, eucalyptus oil can also help to ease breathing and relax the body.
Caution: Similar to peppermint, some people are allergic to eucalyptus oil.
g. rosemary
This shrub doesn't just go well with potatoes. Even in ancient times, rosemary was considered a medicinal herb and was associated with the goddess Aphrodite. How does rosemary oil help with massages?
Rosemary oil contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can therefore help relieve pain. The oil promotes blood circulation, reduces muscle tension and has a refreshing effect on the entire body.
Rosemary oil is also often used for digestive problems and to relieve headaches and migraines.
Expert tip from Heike Klein: "There are different types of rosemary oil. To relax the muscles, I recommend Spanish rosemary. If you are lacking motivation or have poor circulation, North African rosemary is better. It has a higher cineole content. It also helps with colds and infections."
3. Which scents lift the mood?
If you're feeling depressed, sad or tense, a massage might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the right aromas can be helpful here too. Invigorating scents and dynamic massage techniques increase energy and thus general well-being.
h. Citrus scents
Citrus scents such as orange, lemon and grapefruit contain essential oils that can have a stimulating effect on the mind. These oils help reduce mental fatigue, improve concentration and increase mental clarity.
In addition, citrus scents can evoke positive memories and associations. The fresh, tangy aromas are reminiscent of summer in Italy, warm days in Turkey and holidays in India.
i. Ylang Ylang
The plant, which comes from Indonesia, is known for its sweet-smelling flowers. Ylang Ylang is traditionally used to treat asthma, stomach aches and high blood pressure, and for good reason. The essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
The mood-enhancing effect can be attributed to the main ingredients linalool, germacrene-D and benzyl acetate. The sweet, floral scent calms the mind and energizes the soul.
j. Patchouli
The essential oil is extracted from the dried leaves of the plant. It has a woody, bitter, balsamic scent. Mixed with massage oil, patchouli can strengthen the nerves and relieve exhaustion.
These positive effects can be attributed to several of the components: The patchouli alkaloids are compounds that have a mood-enhancing effect. Alpha-bulnesene, on the other hand, has a relaxing effect.
Expert tip from Heike Klein: “If customers complain about neurodermatitis, acne or enzymes, I recommend skin care products that contain patchouli oil. It not only counteracts inflammation, but also promotes wound healing. “Patchouli is definitely one of my favorite insider tips!”
k. Sandalwood
The scent of sandalwood reminds us of cold winter days in front of the fireplace and hot tea in our favorite café. We humans have valued sandalwood for two thousand years. In India it is even considered vegetable gold; every sandalwood tree is automatically the property of the state, no matter where it grows.
Mix a massage cream with sandalwood oil for a relaxing, calming effect. The alpha-santalol and beta-santalol reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a positive, light mood. The oil also relieves cramps and has an antibacterial effect.
4. How are essential oils dosed?
As good as they smell, essential oils must still be handled with care to avoid skin irritation and other negative reactions
Please follow these guidelines when dosing essential oils
Carrier oil: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond, jojoba or avocado oil. A safe dosage is usually about 1-2 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Strength of the essential oil: Some essential oils are stronger than others and therefore require a lower dosage.
Age and physical condition of the person: In children, the elderly or people with sensitive skin, essential oils should be used with caution and, if necessary, further diluted.
Type of massage: A gentle relaxation massage may use higher doses of essential oils than a deeper, more intense massage.
Safety Guidelines: When using essential oils, recommended safety guidelines should always be followed. For example, some oils should be avoided during pregnancy or if you have certain medical conditions.
We recommend conducting comprehensive research on the topic to avoid health risks.
5. What should be taken into account when storing?
To maintain their effectiveness and shelf life, essential oils must be stored specially.
Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Essential oils should be stored in tightly sealed, light-tight containers to protect them from air and moisture.
Essential oils should be stored separately from other materials such as food, medicines or chemicals to avoid contamination.
Essential oils can lose potency over time, so it's important to check their expiration dates and dispose of them accordingly if they're expired.
This is how Heike Klein stores her essential oils:
“Glass bottles are best for storing essential oils. I put my oils in a dark cupboard and sort them by expiration date and area of application. I also label the bottles myself to have an even better overview.”