By Ian Chow, Certified Massage Therapist / Infant Massage Instructor / Oncology Massage Trainer
Length: 3 mins read (648 words)
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Being a massage therapist, I can’t really run away from knowing a little bit of essential oils and its benefit (to get the right oil to use). For me, special thanks to Ms Jesamine Andreana Soo and Ms Mei Ng (both an accomplished certified massage therapist themselves) for their teaching and knowledge on this field.
As for me, I use both doTERRA and Young Living essential oil; no preference from one than the other. And there are many other essential oil brands out there too which I am not going into the debate of which is better. However, I do offer the doTERRA AromaTouch Technique in which I solely use doTERRA essential oil for this.
If you are interested, there are many in depth articles that you can find online with regards to the benefit of essential oils for your further reading. And for therapist, you may also check out the recommendation by Jenna Lee on 15 best essential oils for chronic inflammation and 7 best essential oils for arthritis and joint inflammation.
As a quick reference, this is my compilation on the benefit of each essential oil (by no mean that this list is complete).
Bergamot: reduce stress, improve skin conditions like eczema and improve digestive system
Cedarwood: calming, improve circulatory system, clear airway and help with altitude sickness
Chamomile: improve mood and relaxation
Cinnamon: stimulate circulation, reduces stress, aid digestion and good as insect repellant
Clove: pain reliever for toothache, relieve respiratory conditions and antimicrobial
Copaiba: antioxidant and soothe nervous system
Cypress: treating cough, soothe hemorrhoids, antimicrobial and antibacterial
Eucalyptus: treat cold, cough and congestion
Frankincense: treat dry skin, aged spots, scars, stretch marks, promote healthy joint (my 2nd wish list of oil to have)
Geranium: mood calming, promote healthy skin and hair
Helichrysum: reduce inflammation, promote healing of wound and burn, boost immunity, soothe body and mind, improve nervous and cardiovascular system (my 1st wish list of oil to have)
Jasmine: help with depression, childbirth and increase libido
Lavender: reduce anxiety, promote sleep, soothe sun-burned skin (I use this mostly mixed with rosemary for my massage therapy session)
Lemon: aid digestion, mood and headaches
Lemongrass: promote mental clarity, ease anxiety, headache and stomach upset. Also act as insect repellant
Lime: support healthy immune system, energizing and mood uplifting, rejuvenate the skin
Marjoram: help to promote blood circulation, support healthy respiratory system and muscle related issues, a nerve tonic
Patchouli: promote relaxation, improve sleep and assist in skincare
Peppermint: boost energy, aid digestion (ease irritable bowel syndrome symptoms) and pain relieving
Rose: improve mood, reduce anxiety and help in reducing menstrual cramp (this is possibly the most expensive among all the other oils)
Rosemary: reduce water retention and muscle ache, improving memory and cognition (I use this mostly mixed with lavender for my massage therapy session)
Sandalwood: calm nerves, help with focus, fight bacteria and support wound healing
Spearmint: Aid upset stomach, emotional invigorating, antiseptic property. Also can be a good insect repellant
Tea Tree: fight infections, boost immunity and good for burn treatment
Thyme: assist in reducing snoring, aid digestion, eases menstruation pain
Vetiver: help with insomnia, decreasing mental fatigue, has antioxidant property
Wild orange: Uplift mood and energy level, support healthy immune system function, anti inflammatory, reduce pain
Wintergreen: help with muscle and joint discomfort, reduces skin blemishes, refreshing and able to cover up powerful odors
Ylang-Ylang: increase libido, use to treat headaches, nausea and skin conditions
Lastly, according to the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, these essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy: Aniseed, Camphor, Clove, Cinnamon, Cumin, Fennel, Hyssop, Oregano, Sage, Sweet Birch, Thyme, Wintergreen. Or perhaps, best to always consult your doctor if you are unsure cos every pregnancy has its own unique symptoms and risk factors.
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Ian Chow Massage Therapy 