As an ancient relaxation technique, aromatherapy is a time-honored stress reliever, coming to us across the eons from every continent and culture. Specific essential oils – lavender, sweet orange, petitgrain, bergamot, patchouli, and vetiver – have often been used by master blenders in combination as a botanical way to unwind. Essential oils come from various species of fruits, leaves, flowers, grasses, herbs, shrubs, and roots. They hold a chemical structure similar to the ones found in human cells, making them compatible with human proteins and allowing them to fight infection as they do for plants.
The effects of this stress-reliever are multi-layered. This particular essential oil combination works synergistically to balance emotions (lavender), center and ground energies (patchouli), lift fatigue, and brighten mood (sweet orange, bergamot, petitgrain, vetiver).
The advantage of essential oil as a stress reliever is the organic nature of the botanicals. No prescription is required and there are no side effects to purposefully breathing in the blend as part of one’s spa treatment. Studies have shown that aromatherapy contributes to increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and assists with reducing tension and stress. The essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and directly benefit the body by calming, energizing, or uplifting the client.
Aromatherapy can be implemented in the spa in multiple ways. The addition of essential oils into a pressure point massage can increase relaxation and provide additional healing benefits. Using peppermint oil on tired feet can invigorate the body and restore energy. Massaging essential oils on sinus pressure points can clear congestion through lymphatic drainage, infusing body tissues with fresh oxygen while flushing toxins.
Using essential oils during a spa treatment not only benefits the client, but the aesthetician as well. Essential oils are picked up by the body’s olfactory system, which is connected to the body’s limbic system, a highly complex series of nerves near the edge of the cortex in the brain that controls basic emotions including pleasure, fear, and anger. The calming effects of essential oils not only relax the client, but soothe and calm the aesthetician.
Essential oils can be used in and outside of the spa. Pure lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin and has many uses including curing acne, healing burns, and strains, making it a great addition to the first aid kit.
The antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory nature of essential oils makes them a wonderful and natural alternative to manufactured chemicals and the uplifting, soothing, and calming effects of aromatherapy makes it a wonderful addition to every aesthetician.