Best Essential Oils for an Aromatherapy Massage

If you want to incorporate the physical and emotional benefits of aromatherapy into a massage session, you may wonder where to begin.

The top essential oils are not necessarily the best oils to have on hand in a massage practice. You may want to buy every essential oil, but a serious investment in essential oils is not cheap!

I narrowed this list to ten and changed my mind several times. Here is my pick of ten of the best essential oils for massage, and just a few reasons you should consider keeping them by your massage table.

1. Lavender.

I cannot imagine the flack I would receive if I left lavender off the list. I imagine myself being blacklisted from the aromatherapy massage community. I almost left it off intentionally, just for fun. However, it is too valuable to even joke around about; it is that good.

Lavender is an adaptogenic / balancing oil; it does what the body needs it to do. It is very effective for pain relief, insomnia (that is how I dropped chamomile from the list), and stress.

Most clients have a “take or leave it” attitude about lavender, so it is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Make sure you buy true lavender and not spike lavender, lavandin, or lavender fragrance (Not even in the same ballpark!).

2. Mandarin.

Honestly, I can say mandarin is one of my favorite essential oils. It has a subtle floral aroma for a citrus oil (less sweet than tangerine). It is extremely gentle and very reasonably priced. It is not as therapeutic as neroli or petitgrain, but a great substitute considering the price of neroli.

Mandarin may useful for scar tissue, anxiety, or insomnia. It is gentle enough to use with children, or just for adding a light, citrus aroma to a blend.

3. Frankincense.

Frankincense is considered a precious essential oil for a reason. It is often used for grounding, to deepen breathing, soothe coughs, aid in meditation, and just for relaxing. It has anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties.

Frankincense makes a good base for blends and smells great on its own. For and easy blend, try it with a drop of lavender.

4. Bergamot.

Bergamot is a versatile essential oil with a pleasant, spicy citrus aroma. It is often used to relieve feelings of depression, improve mood, or aid in fighting addictions (including food).

Bergamot is photosensitizing, meaning your clients should be instructed not go out in the sun or tan after use. Sun-safe or BF-free bergamot is available.

5. Geranium.

Geranium makes a wonderful middle note to hide in blends. Why hide it? It is not that fantastic on it own in my opinion, but it has great therapeutic benefits.

If your massage clientele is mostly female, then geranium is an oil you should have on hand. It can be helpful with menstrual-female issues, including menopause. Like lavender, it is an adaptogenic (balancing) oil. It is frequently included in skincare products because it is a great tonic for the skin.

6. Sandalwood.

You may be surprised at the number of clients that will really enjoy the warm, sweet, wood-like scent of sandalwood. It is a good base for blends, but again works well as a single note. Traditionally it is said to be helpful with coughs, anxiety, depression, or stomach/digestive complaints.

7. Eucalyptus.

During cough and cold season, it is a must to have eucalyptus on hand. Not only does it help ward off germs, it eases chest and sinus congestion.

There are many, many types of eucalyptus (E. smithii, E. globulus, E. citriodora), so investigate the type you are buying and review the benefits and contraindications.

8. Peppermint.

Peppermint is a treat for tired feet, cooling for athletes or hot flashes, and stimulating for the mind. Additionally, many find it helpful for breathing and focusing.

The scent is intense; a little goes a long way.

It is not as gentle as many think it is. Use sparingly with adults and never use with children.