Creating an aromatherapy massage oil.

Topical application of aromatic essential oils is one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways to administer aromatherapy. The effects of aromatherapy massage oils range from the emotional to the physical. Everyone from professional body workers to health-conscious individuals can blend and administer aromatherapy massage oils.

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils extracted from plants to affect one's health and well being in a positive manner. Blending essential oils into a base (or "carrier") oil introduces aromatherapy to the body through two primary ways. The volatile nature and tiny molecular structure of essential oils allow them to evaporate and enter the air easily. Warm massage rooms and body temperatures contribute greatly to this, and so inhalation becomes one of the ways essential oils enter our bodies. The other way is by absorption, since you are massaging the oils onto the skin. Sniffing glue and wearing nicotine patches work from the same principle (though with quite different effects).

Applying aromatherapy massage oil is an ideal way to enhance a massage. The most common mistake made when blending massage oils is using too much of the essential oils. This is both wasteful and overwhelming in the sense that the aroma becomes too strong. A good rule of measurement is fifteen drops total of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil. I've offered a simple recipe that follows this rule: Autumn/ Winter Transition massage oil is designed to help us transition from the activity and abundance of summer to the slower paced, cozy qualities of Winter.

If you're anything like me, you've spent your long lovely days of spring and summer with extra play, extra work in gardens and extra sun, extra travel and less rest (who wants to go to bed when it gets dark at 9:30?). Our adrenals are getting tired and our brains begin to long for the dreaminess that comes with darker days.

This is a great oil to keep on hand for personal use, or to add to the stock in your massage practice. Professional massage therapists may begin to sense a need for this oil among their clients as the seasons change. Clients may share that they are feeling their energy wane, or that they are expecting themselves to be as productive and active as they were all summer. Others may mention feeling depressed that the warmer and milder days are over. Reaching for sugary foods and drinks to either maintain waning energy or soothe depression is another indicator that someone may need help with this particular seasonal transition. This spicy Autumn/Winter Transition oil will assist in soothing those who are feeling "spent" as well as those dreading the longer nights of Winter.

Sandalwood and Bergamot are the primary oils of this blend. Sandalwood is a soothing, meditative oil that eases us toward spending moments in self reflection. Bergamot is a wonderful complement to contemplative Sandalwood. Bergamot (found in Earl Grey tea) is a joyful, sunny oil that cheers the soul and uplifts the heart, soothing feelings of exhaustion. Dreamy Clary Sage and warming Cinnamon are the supporting oils in this blend. This blend offers a deep, complex scent that will hopefully prove to be a refreshing departure from the more common Lavender and Peppermint-based massage oils.

How to Make Autumn/Winter
Transition Massage Oil

1 ounce of carrier oil ( I like to blend refined Apricot Kernel,
unrefined Hazelnut and Wheatgerm oils)
4 drops Sandalwood (Santalum album)
2 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
8 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) *
1 drop Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylancium)

Fill a sterilized blue or amber glass jar with the carrier oil of your
choice. Make sure that the jar has a tight fitting lid; eye dropper
lids are inappropriate as they air will seep into the oil through the
permeable rubber. Once all of the oils have been added, seal the
lid tightly and shake or roll the bottle between your palms for a
minute or so. Store your aromatic massage oil in a cool, dark place.

* Please be aware that direct exposure to sun after applying Bergamot
can result in photosensitivity.

Katie Keyes is a NC licensed and nationally certified massage therapist and a certified aromatherapist. She is the lead Swedish massage instructor at the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga, a guest instructor at the Mountain Spirit School of Herbalism, and offers aromatic massage therapy and facials in West Asheville.