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1. Stress-reducing 
Covered above, stress is a significant issue that many of us deal with in today’s busy world. Self-care is one of the biggest reasons why so many people choose to have aromatherapy treatments. Not only is the gentle touch relaxing in itself, but the fragrances of the essential oils used during a massage are inhaled, and the scents activate our limbic system.

Essential oils largely affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which, once stimulated, release hormones into the body. So if we inhale essential oils with stimulating properties, it will trigger a response in the appropriate part of the limbic system.

The benefits have a calming effect on our minds, and by relaxing, we let go of the tension that has built up over the week. When this is paired with the power of touch, our bodies begin to release oxytocin, which is also known as the happy hormone. This reduces heightened blood pressure and cortisol levels while having anxiolytic-like effect that increases our pain threshold.

2. Relieve anxiety
With its ability to reduce stress, aromatherapy is also used to help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Essential oil molecules can affect the hypothalamus, autonomic nervous system and endocrine system, improve peripheral blood circulation, regulate blood pressure, pulse and respiration, and ultimately reduce anxiety.

Receptors in our noses are triggered by different scents, which in turn send a message to the nervous system. Overall, it has an impact on the body’s chemical reactions. Inhaling these essential oil scents can relax you enough to help offer calmness, which in turn reduces the fight-or-flight mode.


3. Decreases muscle tension and provides pain relief.
The essential oils used in aromatherapy massage are massaged into the skin, so that they penetrate through the top layers of the dermis.

Once in the bloodstream, essential oils have a range of physical actions on the body: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic and lymphatic, being some of the most helpful actions for relieving musculoskeletal pain and tension. For this purpose, they can be used to relieve tension and stand alongside classic massaging techniques to work out knots.

Recent studies into massage therapy show reduced inflammation and promote the growth of new mitochondria following strenuous exercise, which are needed for cell growth and energy. This abundance means that inflammation can be reduced and damage repaired faster.

Lavender is a very commonly used oil in aromatherapy massage. It has many benefits. It has been demonstrated in various studies that its major components, linalool and linalyl acetate, have significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sedative effects.

When diluted lavender essential oil was applied topically during one test, it provided pain relief comparable to that of the prescription medication tramadol. In the same year, another study found that bergamot oil could be used for neuropathic pain. This could not be treated with opioid alternatives.

And, in 2012, research was done into the effectiveness of essential oils in reducing the impact of menstrual pain to great benefit.

4. Relieves symptoms of depression
Research shows that essential oils trigger key mechanisms in the brain via the olfactory system. This allows signals to be sent to the limbic system and the hypothalamus to activate the production of serotonin.

Pharmaceutical antidepressant medications often rely on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. It helps to maintain high levels of the hormone in the brain. This stabilises our mood, enabling brain cells to communicate and preventing feelings like anxiety and fight-or-flight.

Aromatherapy massage provides the perfect opportunity for these scents to infuse through your senses and the benefits noted above to be felt.

5. Reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, cause the mind and body to experience extreme stress. Many cancer patients look for complementary therapy methods, such as aromatherapy, to help alleviate their pain and stress levels and also improve mental resilience, calm the mind and assist with relieving pain.
 

If undergoing treatment. If the client is currently undergoing any form of treatment for cancer, then a doctor's note must be produced before having aromatherapy treatment.

6. Helps with insomnia (Sleeping Problems)
According to the NHS,

Everyone needs different amounts of sleep.

On average:

Adults need 7 to 9 hours

Children need 9 to 13 hours

toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours

You probably do not get enough sleep if you're constantly tired during the day.
 

Some of the most common causes of insomnia are related to stress, anxiety and depression. Granted, not all insomnia is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, but in the cases where it is, aromatherapy massage is ideal for helping to treat these symptoms.

7. Ease labour pains
Hypnobirthing is becoming an increasingly popular labour route, rather than using traditional pain medication. Pregnant women are always seeking out different ways to manage their pregnancy aches and pains. Having a massage with the right essential oils can help to stimulate the production of endorphins, known as the ‘happy hormones’.

They are a natural form of painkiller and can help to ease contraction pains. The progression of labour is often dictated by mood, with muscles tensing up during times of stress. Using calming aromas released from these essential oils helps to ensure the labour environment remains calm and relaxing for both mother and baby.

Pregnancy. There are some massage contraindications relating to pregnancy, which could prevent or restrict treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional or midwife if in any doubt. It's especially risky in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

8. Helps to treat headaches and migraines
Some essential oils have been shown in studies to alleviate physical stress symptoms that are often associated with tension headaches and migraines. One Study published in 2013 found that migraine sufferers reported a reduction in pain only 15 minutes after inhaling lavender essential oil.

Further research in 2014 discovered that blending peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and ethanol could relax the muscles that tense up during headaches significantly.

9. Improved digestion
Many essential oils are known to aid with digestion and stomach problems. Some relax the body, for example, or encourage muscle contractions, making it easier for the digestive system to function properly.

The same scent receptors found in our brain, which help to calm anxiety and depression, can also send signals to the brain that tell us that food is being consumed, which signals that digestive juices need to be released. As a result, the increased digestive juices improve the quality of our digestion.

The same is considered by penetrating the skin; for example, essential oils can aid with blood circulation to further improve our digestive tract. Peppermint, ginger, fennel, lemon and oregano are some of the ones most commonly associated with treating the digestive system.

10. Decongestant
Something we've all suffered with at some point in our lives is nasal congestion. Aromas from essential oils are so powerful that certain ones are able to aid with these blockages. A study in 2006 reported that tea tree oil has many antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which may help to treat the bacteria associated with sinus congestion.

The most effective way to treat congestion symptoms is through steam inhalation (adding a few drops of essential oils to hot water and breathing it in). It can also be used in vapour rubs on the chest and onto the soles of the feet, and temples at the side of your head.
 
How to incorporate aromatherapy massage into your week
Massage is a mobile therapy that can be conducted at home, in the workplace, or at a purpose-built treatment room.