Are Clients More Stressed than Ever? Aromatherapy Massage Might Be the Answer

Are your clients feeling more stressed and anxious than ever and seeking relief? It would not be surprising if they were. A recent “Stress in America” survey conducted by The American Psychological Association (APA) found many Americans say their stress levels have increased over the past five years, with around 75% reporting physical or emotional symptoms related to stress.  Money concerns top the list followed by work issues, health concerns and the political climate and news.[1]

 

Stressed out clients are seeking relief and massage is the answer for many. It its “2025 Massage Profession Research Report,” the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) found that 62% of individuals sought massage for health and wellness. Consumers cited relaxation and stress at 59% as the main mental health condition that led them to get a massage.[2]

 

Personalization is a priority

Stress may be driving clients to “your table” with many of them expecting the experience to be personalized. Statistics on the shift toward personalized customer experiences indicate: [3]

 

• 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from a company that provides tailored experience. (Slideshare)
• 66% of consumers expect brands to understand their individual needs (Salesforce)
• 70% of consumers say that how well a company understands their individual needs impacts their loyalty (Salesforce)

 

 

Making scents of aromatherapy

 

By providing your clients with a personalized experience, you satisfy their needs, and you also build trust and loyalty. Aromatherapy massage with its essential oils for calming can be just the “personal touch” clients seek.

 

Among your clientele and prospects, aromatherapy may be a familiar term, but they do not really understand the science behind this complementary and alternative therapy. You will want to help them understand how it works and help them decide which among the essential oils for stress and anxiety they prefer.

 

Facts about the history of aromatherapy to share:[4]

 

·         The history of aromatherapy began in Ancient Egypt over 3500 years ago with the use of aromatic plants for medicinal and ritualistic purposes, such as embalming bodies to preserve them for the afterlife.

 

·         The Greeks and Romans advanced the knowledge gained from the Egyptians. Notable figures such as Hippocrates, the Greek physician and philosopher, integrated aromatherapy into a holistic approach to health and well-being.

 

·         The Islamic Golden Age saw innovations in the distillation of and medicinal use of aromatic oils.

 

·         Modern aromatherapy was born in the 20^th century. French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term “aromatherapy” in 1928 after he discovered the healing properties of lavender oil while treating a burn. His experience led him to research essential oils for medical use.

 

Understanding the science behind essential oils for calming

 

From your own experience, you know that certain scents or smells can produce certain responses or conjure up memories. When essential oils are inhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially affect the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain.[5] The amygdala is part of a larger network in the brain called the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories.

 

Aromatherapy uses these responses to improve mental and physical well-being, such as reducing anxiety, relieving stress, increasing energy, and reducing fatigue. This is why the use of essential oils for aromatherapy massage is so promising.

 

With a wide range of aromatherapy oils for stress and anxiety, you should be able to find one that fits a client’s need for stress relief and meets their personal preference. You can even create your own ‘signature’ blend for highly individualized aromatherapy and massage treatment.

 

What research says about aromatherapy for stress relief

 

Preoperative anxiety is common in adults who are waiting for all types of surgical procedures. Anxiety can interfere with the start and completion of surgery and increase the risk of postoperative complications. A review of twenty studies comprising 1717 participants showed that aromatherapy reduced preoperative anxiety in patients awaiting procedures ranging from cardiac surgery to low-risk procedures. Lavender, citrus and rose essential oils were the most used scents in the studies. Delivery modes included inhalation, massage, and oral administration. The researchers concluded that aromatherapy is an effective intervention for reducing preoperative anxiety in adults.[6]

 

Another study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) looked at the effectiveness of chamomile and massage therapy to relieve anxiety. The study showed a greater decrease in anxiety symptoms after massages with chamomile versus massage without aromatherapy.^[7]

 

 

Introducing clients to aromatherapy massage benefits

 

During an aromatherapy massage, essential oils for calming, either inhaled or absorbed through the skin, help to reduce anxiety, uplift spirits, and encourage deeper relaxation. Aromatherapy massage provides physical and emotional relief, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a calming experience.

 

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils for aromatherapy. The essential oil has adaptogenic (natural substances to help cope with stress and anxiety), soothing properties and a delicately fresh and sweet aroma.

 

Other calming essential oils include: [8]

 

·         Bergamot: An anxiolytic (inhibits anxiety) essential oil. Studies show that Bergamot oil may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

 

·         Chamomile: The chamomile plant is known to have sedative effects.

 

·         Clary sage: It can affect cortisol, the stress hormone.

 

·         Jasmine: Has calming and uplifting properties.

 

·         Lemon: A natural mood lift and stress reducing essential oil.

 

·         Orange: Creates a relaxing state.

 

·         Rose: Rose essential oil has stress reducing properties.

 

·         Sandalwood: Has anxiolytic properties, which make it great for reducing anxiety.

 

·         Ylang ylang: Research indicates it can lower blood pressure and create a relaxing effect.

 

 

Find out client preferences

 

Get to know your client’s likes and dislikes before offering them any one of the essential oils for an aromatherapy massage. Because the sense of smell is closely tied to memory and moods; different scents will cause different responses among clients.  Someone may love the smell of lavender. Another client may associate lavender with an unpleasant experience somewhere in their past.

 

Also ask clients about any allergies they have. If a client is not sure if a scent will have an adverse reaction, let them smell the oil before you use it. Pregnancy is one contraindication of aromatherapy since there is no clear data the safety of essential oils on pregnant women.

 

Extend aromatherapy benefits

 

Continue the benefits of aromatherapy massage after the session. To enable self-care, send clients home with a small jar of the blend you used. Provide instructions for self-massage and bathing. And aromatherapy also can help boost revenue when you feature retail selections for use at home for self-massage or the bath. Essential oil candles and room sprays can be used in various rooms in the house to energize and lift mood.

 

Clients will appreciate the customized experience of the use of calming essential oils in massage provides. You have the benefit of your treatment being associated with a scent they love for its relaxing and rejuvenating benefits.