How-to aromatic massage guide and recipes

Our sense of smell not only helps to protect us, it is also one of the ways we communicate. Therefore, blending smell with touch massage can create a very romantic and intimate experience.

To create a sensual atmosphere:
1. Create a private space.
2. Fill your space with your favorite colors and fabrics, including pillows and/or blankets.
3. Minimize outside noise.
4. Details: relaxing music, aromatherapy candles, and fresh flowers.

To enhance aromatic massage:
1. Diffuse the essential oil of your choice into the room (essential oils can also be added directly into massage oils and bath water; see the recipes below).
2. Focus on comfort and intent.
3. Communicate through all of your senses; don’t focus on conversation only.
4. Play. Laugh. Enjoy yourself.

Aromatic Massage Recipes

For massage, essential oils are best added into a base oil like jojoba, almond, or avocado.

1. Basic Massage Oil
Sweet almond oil: 4-oz
Rose Rosa damascena oil: 1-2-drops
Jasmine Jasmine grandiflorum: 1-2-drops

2. Rose Water Ointment
Sweet almond oil: 1-oz
Beeswax: ½-oz
Rose water: 7-oz
Rose Rosa damascena: 8-drops

Melt the beeswax and almond oil over a water bath. Remove from heat and cool until lukewarm. Beat in the rose water until the ointment emulsifies, and then add the 8-drops of rose essential oil.

Once relaxed head to toe, follow your sensuous massage with another sensory indulgence:

Chocolate, best shared by two.

1. Liquid Chocolate (makes four servings)*
3-T unsweetened cocoa powder
Stevia: 10-drops
Pinch of salt
3-cups 1% milk
½-t vanilla extract
Ice cubes

Instructions: Slowly warm the milk on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scalding. In a medium bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, Stevia, and salt. Slowly pour in 1-cup of the milk and whisk until smooth. Whisk in remaining 2-cups of the milk and vanilla. Fill four 8-oz mugs with Liquid Chocolate and serve warm.

For a taste of the exotic (and increased libido), add cinnamon to flavor, or add a few drops of rose essential oil.

CLICK HERE to download a free aromatherapy ambiance blend recipe.

*Recipe provided by ACHS graduate Maureen Jeanson, author of Squeaky Gourmet.

an Aromatherapist's inspiration

Aromatherapy is a powerful healer. How do I know? Well… put a scent in your burner, relax, and I’ll tell you a story.

Years ago my life was at a stressful high. As a result I developed dreadful insomnia. It would take hours to fall asleep and I would wake up often during the night. I tried the suggestions from my doctor and the health food store clerks. Nothing really worked.

As luck would have it, I received a gift that included a lavender massage oil. Curious, I went to the store it came from to learn more. I skimmed an aromatherapy book and later, based on an idea in the book, put the massage oil on a cotton ball and placed it in my pillowcase. That night I fell asleep in five minutes for the first time in six weeks.

This turn of events impressed me so much that I was inspired to study essential oils further. I developed a blend that did wonders at keeping insomnia at bay. That blend has seen little change over time and has become my best selling item. People have brought friends to me so they can try it. It works.

That brief introduction to essential oils started me on the path to where I am now… helping myself and others find relief from stress and common ailments. If you have a minor health problem, want to pamper yourself, or just want your room to smell nice, aromatherapy can help. No matter where it takes you, it is sure to be a wonderfully aromatic journey.