Aromatherapy for Massage

The Power of Aromatherapy in Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy is much more than adding a pleasant scent to the room. It is a therapeutic modality that uses essential oils derived from plants to improve physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. When paired with massage therapy, aromatherapy amplifies the healing potential of your sessions. Essential oils can promote relaxation, alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve circulation—all goals that align perfectly with the benefits of massage.

Why Massage Therapists Need Aromatherapy Training

1. Elevate Your Client Experience

Clients seek more than just physical relief—they are looking for a holistic approach to their well-being. By incorporating aromatherapy into your treatments, you can create a multisensory experience that enhances their relaxation and therapeutic outcomes. For instance, using lavender or chamomile oils can reduce stress and anxiety, while peppermint or eucalyptus can help relieve muscle pain and inflammation.

2. Expand Your Skill Set

Continuing education is essential for massage therapists to stay competitive. Adding aromatherapy to your repertoire allows you to offer an additional service that appeals to a broader range of clients. As more people turn to natural, holistic solutions for health, having expertise in aromatherapy can make your practice more attractive.

3. Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements

This course is NCBTMB-approved and provides 20 continuing education credits. Not only will you meet your licensure requirements, but you’ll also gain practical skills that immediately translate to your practice.

4. Build Credibility and Professionalism

Offering aromatherapy demonstrates your commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care. Clients trust therapists who invest in their education, and this trust can lead to greater client retention and referrals.

What You’ll Learn in Our Aromatherapy Course

Our Aromatherapy for Massage course is designed to give you both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to confidently use essential oils in your practice. Here’s an overview of what the course includes:

1. Comprehensive Study of Essential Oils

• Learn about 32 essential oils, including their therapeutic properties, applications, and contraindications.
• Understand how to select oils for specific conditions such as stress, pain, headaches, or insomnia.

2. Safe and Effective Use of Aromatherapy

• Discover best practices for blending, diluting, and applying essential oils safely.
• Learn about contraindications and how to address client allergies or sensitivities.

3. Blending and Customization

• Master the art of creating custom blends tailored to individual client needs.
• Gain experience in developing blends for relaxation, pain relief, and energy enhancement.

4. Practical Application Techniques

• Explore how to incorporate aromatherapy into different massage modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage.
• Learn how to use aromatherapy in a variety of methods for maximum therapeutic effect.

The Benefits of Taking This Course

1. Immediate Application in Your Practice

This course is designed to be practical. You’ll walk away with actionable techniques that you can start using with clients immediately, from creating blends to applying oils during massage sessions.

2. Increased Client Satisfaction

Clients will notice the added value of aromatherapy, which enhances their experience and results. A satisfied client is more likely to return and recommend your services to others.

3. Financial Growth

Offering aromatherapy as an add-on service or including it in your treatment packages can increase your income. Clients are often willing to pay a premium for holistic, multisensory experiences.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is perfect for:

• Licensed massage therapists looking to fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Massage therapists who want to diversify their services and attract a wider client base.
• Massage practitioners passionate about holistic health and wellness.

Why Choose Our Aromatherapy Course?

• Expert Instruction. This course is developed by experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of massage therapists. It’s structured to be both educational and practical, with content that’s easy to understand and implement.
• Flexible Learning. The course is available online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace. Whether you’re balancing a busy practice or personal responsibilities, you can learn on your schedule.
• Affordable Investment in Your Career. At just $225, this course is a cost-effective way to enhance your skills and grow your practice. Plus, with the 20 CE credits you’ll earn, it’s an excellent value for the professional development it offers.
• Take Your Practice to the Next Level. The Aromatherapy for Massage course is more than just an educational opportunity—it’s a way to transform your practice and provide unparalleled care to your clients. By combining the power of essential oils with your massage therapy expertise, you’ll elevate your services and distinguish yourself in the field.

Don't miss the chance to invest in your professional growth and your clients' well-being. Enroll today and take the first step toward becoming a leader in holistic massage therapy.

About This Course  

• Massage Therapy CEs awarded: 20
• Classification of CEs: Cognitive (course materials consist of concepts related to massage therapy but do not teach a specific hands-on modality). "General" for CE Broker purposes, which means that only 5 CEs will apply to a Florida license renewal. Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states ONLY IF you have provided your license number in your online account with us.
• Approved by: Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by Florida (#MCE-326), and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for most states, as well as AMTA and ABMP. Georgia does not accept continuing education courses in aromatherapy toward license renewal requirements. Some states limit how many hours can be done online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you. 
• Testing: You can complete your test online, and immediately upon passing, print your certificate. To see how our online courses and testing work, we invite you to take our free sample course.

Get Started Today   

Tuition: $129 for online course and test.    

Approved by: Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by the NCBTMB (Provider #280672-00) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Institute of Somatic Therapy is approved by Florida (#MCE-326), and New York (#0019). Our courses are also valid for AMTA, ABMP, and most individual states. Some states limit how many hours can be done online or by home study. Please refer to our State Guidelines section for specific information about your state. Laws can and do change, and your state will hold you responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you. Georgia does not accept continuing education courses in aromatherapy toward license renewal requirements. 

CE Broker Reporting:  Institute of Somatic Therapy will automatically report your hours to CE Broker in applicable states ONLY IF you have provided your license number in your online account with us. You can verify your license information by logging on to our website, and reviewing your account information. If your license is not shown there, please select “edit” to include it. This course will apply to "General" hours, not "live" hours.

Course Description: If you want to explode your understanding of how to incorporate aromatherapy essential oils to your practice, this online massage therapy continuing education course is for you. You will learn how to use aromatherapy for a wide range of conditions you routinely encounter in your massage therapy practice, such as stress, arthritis, circulation problems, edema, headaches, inflammation, joint pain, muscle soreness, sports massage, sprains, and more. With each oil, you will study its common and Latin names, general properties, precautions, physiological and psychological applications, essential oils that can serve as possible substitutions, essential oils that blend well with it, a description of its scent, for which skin types it is appropriate, and the classification of the "note" (a measure of the rate of evaporation of the oil.)     

The 32 essential oils covered in the course are: Basil, Bergamot, Birch, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Patchouli, Pepper, Peppermint, Pine, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang.  (It is up to you to obtain the oils from the supplier of your choice.)     

Testimonials from Our Students: "I received my materials in a timely manner and would like to compliment you and your team. I was so excited to receive the materials and get started. I had researched other courses for aromatherapy but kept returning to your course offering, now that I have started the course I know why. It looks exactly what I was searching for. I have been enjoying the course and I am looking forward to practicing with my clients and completing it." Terrence Sirois, Pawtucket, RI

Frequently Asked Question

What are essential oils, and how do they work in massage therapy?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts derived from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, or other parts of plants. In massage therapy, they are used to enhance the therapeutic effects of the session. When applied to the skin or inhaled, essential oils interact with the body’s olfactory system and bloodstream, promoting relaxation, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being.

Can essential oils be used during all types of massage?
Yes, essential oils can be incorporated into various massage modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and aromatherapy massage. However, the choice of oil and its application should align with the goals of the specific massage type and the client’s preferences.

Are essential oils safe to use on all clients?
Not necessarily. While essential oils are generally safe when used correctly, it’s important to consider individual sensitivities, allergies, and medical conditions. Always conduct a client consultation to identify potential contraindications and use proper dilution ratios to prevent adverse reactions. Certain oils, like peppermint or cinnamon, can be irritating to sensitive skin and should be used with caution.

Are there any clients who should avoid essential oils?
Yes, certain clients may need to avoid or modify their use of essential oils or specific types of oils:

• Pregnant clients: Some oils, like clary sage and rosemary, can stimulate uterine contractions and should be avoided.
• Clients with asthma: Strong scents may trigger respiratory issues.
• Clients with allergies or sensitive skin: A patch test should always be conducted if there are concerns about skin irritation.

Can essential oils interact with medications?
Some essential oils can interact with medications or exacerbate medical conditions. For example, oils like grapefruit can affect liver enzymes that metabolize medications. Always ask clients about their medications and medical history before using essential oils.

What are the risks of improper use of essential oils in massage therapy?
Improper use of essential oils, such as using undiluted oils or overapplying them, can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or toxicity. Additionally, using oils contraindicated for certain medical conditions or medications can pose health risks. Proper training and adherence to safety guidelines are essential.

Can essential oils improve my business as a massage therapist?
Absolutely. Incorporating essential oils allows you to offer a premium, holistic experience that can attract more clients and increase client satisfaction. Many clients are willing to pay extra for treatments that combine physical and emotional benefits, giving you the opportunity to grow your practice and boost your income.

How can I introduce aromatherapy as a new service in my practice?
Start by educating your clients about the benefits of aromatherapy and offering it as an optional add-on to your existing massage services. Provide a small selection of essential oil blends tailored to common client needs, such as stress relief, pain management, or energy boosting. Clear communication about the benefits and costs will help clients appreciate the value of this new service.

Are there legal considerations for using essential oils in massage therapy?
Yes, it’s important to comply with local regulations regarding aromatherapy in your massage practice. Some states may require additional certification or limit the use of certain essential oils. Always verify the legal requirements in your area and maintain liability insurance to cover aromatherapy services.

If you are interested in this massage therapy CEU course, other courses that might be of interest to you are: Hot Stone Massage, Spa Techniques, Foot and Hand Reflexology.  

To contact the Institute of Somatic Therapy about this or any other massage therapy CEU course, you can email us through the "contact" link above. Thank you.