Is Aromatherapy for you?

The use of plants for improving health and wellbeing has been commonplace for centuries. The medicinal effects of a variety of plants have been the inspiration for, or a compound of, many of the Western medicines available today. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils, extracted from plants through a distillation process, with the intention of affecting mood, health, and mental processing by inhaling the scents. The use of essential oils and plant extractions has been evident since the beginning of written history and is currently gaining popularity in multiple areas of alternative health care.

Recently, the growth of complimentary medicine has reflected how the general public is seeking ways to be healthier, naturally. With this movement, aromatherapy has made a resurgence in popularity. Many massage therapists are now offering aromatherapy options to their clients because the soothing and beneficial effects often complement therapeutic massage. The essential oils are blended with the massage lubricants used during the session, providing a light scent to the treatment room and skin. Popular oils include varieties of mint for energy and mental clarity, rosemary for improving memory, lavender and chamomile for anti-anxiety and relaxation effects and lemon or other citrus oils for energy and concentration.

At Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill our massage therapists offer a selection of individual oils, along with premade oil blends that work together to create a specific mood or physical effect. Talk with your therapist to see what is available and if aromatherapy might be appropriate for your massage goals. The medical spa also offers aromatherapy as a part of pedicure sessions, talk with your nail technician if you are interested.

In the future, the spa plans to carry a selection of high quality aromatherapy products to be used at home. If you are interested, please let us know.

Aromatherapy is a pleasant way to enhance your health and well being. It is generally very safe and a great way to add to the health benefits of your spa service.

Note: Aromatherapy is not recommended during pregnancy. Use caution if you have allergies and don’t apply concentrated oil directly to the skin; some oils can cause skin reactions when undiluted.