As summer days release their steam and fragrant blooms begin to fade, fall welcomes the cool breeze of change—but as the wind sets free a blend of ragweed and pollen, millions of people who suffer from fall allergies face sinus pressure, headaches and irritable emotions.
Fall is a perfect time to switch up your essential oil apothecary so you can better serve clients who suffer from seasonal allergies. Rather than having a client reach for nasal misters or antihistamines that may have negative side effects, as a massage therapist you can take a healthier, holistic approach by including certified organic essential oils during a relaxing therapeutic massage. (However, recommending that clients choose essential oils over any medication they are already taking is outside a massage therapist’s scope of practice.)
Create a custom essential oil blend
When a client presents with allergies, have a custom essential oil blend ready to use on the face, head, neck and base of skull during a trigger-point therapy session. The synergy of using trigger-point therapy and the essential oil blend below will help clear sinuses, relax neck muscles, relieve headaches, nourish skin and sooth emotions.
Fall Custom Blend Recipe
4 ounces jojoba carrier massage oil
40 drops lavender essential oil
20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
Jojoba oil contains lipids that are very similar to those in the oils produced by our own skin. Therefore, when clients are massaged with a blend of essential oils and jojoba, the jojoba oil may carry the essential oils deep into pores, below the dermal layer of skin, according to a 2007 Die Pharmazie study. The study’s author called jojoba oil one of several “potential dermal permeation enhancers.”
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils; its soft, floral aroma will bring balance to any essential oil blend. It is known for its ability to support respiratory, muscular and circulatory health. It can help ease a stress headache; sooth the emotions; promote sleep; and relieve tension, aches and pains. Lavender’s many therapeutic properties have been supported by the results of several studies, including “Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients” (Nursing in Critical Care, 2015).
Eucalyptus relieves muscle aches and pains, and boosts the immune system, as suggested by research, including a study in BMC Immunology (2008). It also supports respiratory health and is mildly cooling to the body. In addition to using it in the recipe above, put five drops of eucalyptus oil per ounce of water in a spray bottle, shake well, then mist in your session room to clear negative energy before and after each client.
Frankincense will warm the body while boosting the immune system. It also has the ability to soothe dry, irritated skin after a long summer full of sun, as suggested by research, including the results of a 2010 study in Dermatologic Therapy. It can help clients relax into a meditative state during massage sessions.
About the Author
Rose Heart is the founder of Organic Infusions, a harmony-inspired certified organic aromatherapy oils company. A certified master aromatherapist and herbalist, she has educated and created signature blends for thousands of massage therapists, spas and luxury resorts around the world.