Aromatherapy in Massage Therapy: A Vital Part of Healing Touch

At our school aromatherapy is not just a side topic – it’s a central, living part of our curriculum. Every day students work hands-on with essential oils in our clinic setting, learning how to integrate the power of plant medicine into therapeutic bodywork.
As a Clinical Herbalist and Aromatherapist, I feel deeply honored to pass on the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years– wisdom from the plants, from my time practicing, and from the many teachers I have encountered along my path. Aromatherapy offers a deeply sensory and medicinal component to massage. It supports everything from pain relief, lymphatic movement, relaxing muscle tissue, increasing circulation in the tissue, soothing inflammatory skin conditions, immune system support, relieving intense emotions, and healing a broken heart.
Aromatherapy is not just a science – it is spirit, story, and sacred connection. When we engage with aromatherapy we’re stepping into a lineage that spans cultures, continents, and centuries. We connect to our ancestors, to herbal traditions, and to the earth beneath our feet. We remember that healing is not just physical – it’s emotional, spiritual, and communal. Bringing essential oils into a session creates ritual, meaning, and it deepens the client’s connection, and helps them to feel seen, held, and connected to the plants. For the practitioner it reminds us to be grounded, that healing practices are beautiful and sacred, and that the plants are always there for us – we are never alone in it.
I am excited to share the top ten essential oils used in our massage program – why we love them, how we use them, and a few fun facts to deepen your appreciation of each of them. I hope you are inspired to start combining them into your daily practices and massage practice alike.

One of our top oils is Marjoram (Origanum marjorana). It is a deeply therapeutic essential oil known for its ability to magically melt away tension in the body. Antispasmodic is the term we use that refers to a substance or action that helps relieve or prevent muscle spasms– involuntary contractions or tightening of muscles. This antispasmodic action reduces pain, improves range of motion, and supports deeper relaxation during a massage. This is my go-to oil for clients with tight, spasming muscles or chronic tension patterns. This is an excellent addition to a carrier oil like sunflower, olive, safflower, or sweet almond oil. It can be used as a spot treatment or applied to the entire body. This is a favorite oil for abdominal massage as it helps relax and soothe digestion and alleviates period pain and cramps.

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) is another essential oil on our list that is a must have. I don’t leave home without it – it goes with me when I travel. It is essential for any situation where you know you are going to be in a crowded area or near people especially during the cold and flu season. The main actions of this oil are antiviral, antibacterial, decongestant, and immune supportive. On the days we teach students about Ravintsara you will see us with tissues sticking out of one nostril (we do look a little silly!). For a general inhalation technique– one drop of Ravintsara is applied on the tip of a tissue, inserted into one nostril (with the other nostril closed), which allows you to take a deep breath of its potent immune boosting vapors. This helps therapists stay healthy and prevents airborne pathogens from settling into the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.

This can also be applied to the bottoms of the feet as the feet are very permeable. The oil goes into the bloodstream via the tiny capillaries at the surface of the skin, where they can interact with the whole cardiopulmonary system before the oil gets broken down by the liver. This makes it the perfect place to apply essential oils for a direct and strong therapeutic effect.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is one of our most treasured essential oils for its anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and calming effects on the nervous system. It’s our #1 choice for emotional grounding, making it especially powerful for clients experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression. Neroli’s gently yet uplifting scent creates a serene heart-centered environment that supports deep healing on an emotional and energetic level. In practice, we use a drop of essential oil on a tissue before or anytime during a session to help clients relax and center. I also put a drop of oil into my hands and place them near their nose, guiding them to take three deep, healing breaths to begin or end the massage. Ancient Egyptians held Neroli in high esteem, incorporating it into their rituals, scenting linens, and bathing. These traditions attest to the enduring allure of this remarkable oil.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a beautifully gentle yet powerful essential oil that is an antidepressant, nervous system relaxant, and antiviral. This is the perfect oil for therapeutic and relaxation-focused massage. It is wonderful for tension headaches applied and inhaled during neck and shoulder bodywork. It can be blended into a massage oil and used for full body massage, applied to the temples, and solar plexus to encourage emotional ease and relaxation. Historically, lemon balm was so revered for its healing effects that alchemist Paracelsus called it the “Elixir of Life”.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) is a potent essential oil known for its ability to support the immune system and stimulate the lymphatic system. It is the first oil we reach for with lymphatic massage. It is especially beneficial for clients recovering from edema (fluid retention), recovering from illness, or when a client wants to take advantage of its detoxifying effects. Rich in both medicinal and symbolic history, bay leaves were used in Ancient Greece to make victory crowns – representing protection, purification, and strength. These are qualities that the oil still embodies in practice today.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a powerful essential oil best known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially effective for healing rashes, irritated and sensitive skin, allergic reactions, and fevers. This oil is perfect for a massage therapist’s toolkit for hot and inflamed conditions. It can be applied with a cold compress, used neat (direct application to the skin without a carrier), and blended with a carrier for localized relief. One of its most remarkable features is its rich, blue color, which comes from chamazulene, a compound that is released during the distillation process that gives German Chamomile its potent anti-inflammatory property.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a beautifully versatile essential oil known for its hormone balancing, anti-microbial, and anti-aging properties. It is especially supportive of clients experiencing PMS, mood swings, or cyclic breast tenderness. Geranium is also a popular choice for its rejuvenating effects on the skin, making it an ideal addition to facial massages or full-body treatments. It can be incorporated into massage oils or inhaled for its therapeutic benefits. While it is generally safe, it is important to note that Geranium may not be suitable for individuals with estrogen dominance, pregnancy, and in breastfeeding, due to its hormonal effects. Here is a fun surprise: Despite its floral aroma, Geranium is actually distilled from the leaf, not the flower!

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) is a potent essential oil that is used for its cooling, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, making it a top choice for headaches, muscle spasms, and localized pain relief. Its intense menthol content provides a refreshing sensation that can quickly soothe areas of tension, especially when applied to the temples (watch out– don’t get peppermint too close to the eyes), neck, or any muscles that are holding extra tension. Due to its cooling ability, it is best to use Peppermint in small, targeted areas, rather than a full body massage. This was used by the Egyptians for its digestive and pain-relieving qualities, and it continues to be a staple in therapeutic massage today.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is often called an all-purpose essential oil– and for good reasons. It’s calming, balancing, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties make it the most versatile oil for a massage therapist. It can be used in a full body massage, applied to burns (this is the best oil for burns), bug bites, and with a cool compress for headaches. Lavender is soothing for the body and the mind. It was used in bathhouses by the Romans, and its name comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash”– for its cleansing and restorative nature. When in doubt reach for Lavender!

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis – syn. Chamaemelum nobile) is also called Manzanita in Spanish, which means “little apple” (named for its soft apple scent). It is the queen of all antispasmodic oils, making it ideal for muscle cramps, abdominal tension, and emotional stress. One of my favorite ways to use this oil is to apply it over the solar plexus and belly, helping clients to drop into a deep grounding and calm. While it shares its name with its cousin, German Chamomile, the two are distinctly different– Roman Chamomile is specific to relaxation of the mind and the body, where German Chamomile is used for inflammation and itchy skin conditions.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) creates deep, immediate relaxation with clients on the massage table. This oil is one of the only citrus oils that has a sedative effect due to its high ester content. I often begin massage sessions by placing a few drops of the oil on the client’s feet, which helps even the most anxious person to settle and relax. Mandarin can also be used in a carrier for full body massage or diffused into the air. This is the best bedtime oil for clients who suffer from insomnia or stress.

Rose (Rosa x damascena) is often referred to as the queen of romance and the queen of all essential oils – a title that she has earned with her heart opening, emotionally healing, and skin regenerative qualities. Rose is particularly soothing during times of grief, trauma, heartbreak, or emotional overwhelm, and creates a deeply nurturing environment during massage. Just a drop or two added to a carrier oil, or deep inhalations with rose, can shift the energy. Rose is beneficial for mature skin or sensitive skin. A fun and awe-inspiring fact: Rose oil holds the highest energetic vibration of all essential oils – this makes it as healing for the spirit as the body.

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art and when paired with touch, it becomes a transformational therapy, supporting the whole person. I feel deeply privileged to share these tools and teachings with the next generation of massage therapists. Essential oils will always hold a special place at my massage table, and I hope you’ll consider incorporating them into your own practice as well!

This article was written by our massage instructor, Kimberly Thompson. She is an Herbalist, Massage Therapist, & Aesthetician and teaches for our Denver Integrative Massage School and Herbalism Roots. Kimberly is a wise woman who understands the body & healing at an advanced level that only time, dedication, & care can create.

View Program Information

Enrollment Information