What is aromatherapy massage?

Aromatherapy massage is a practice in which scented oils are inhaled through the nose and rubbed on the body during a massage.

Research in cancer patients has shown that aromatherapy may help relieve:

anxiety
depression
nausea
high blood pressure
The oils used in aromatherapy, called "essential oils," are the highly concentrated extracts of flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, bark, resin, or fruit rinds. Essential oils can be purchased in most health food stores.

Because of their high concentration level, essential oils must be diluted before they are rubbed onto the skin. Oils are usually diluted with a "base" or "carrier" oil, which is a vegetable oil processed from nuts, seeds, or trees that helps spread the essential oil over a larger area and protects the skin from a reaction.

What to expect in a typical aromatherapy session
An aromatherapy session often begins with an interview during which you will be asked questions about your personality, your interests, your general health, and your particular symptoms. Your responses will help the therapist decide what type of fragrance would best suit your needs.
After this discussion, the aromatherapist selects a blend of oils that he or she feels is suitable for you.
The aromatherapist will then apply the oils to your body, usually by massaging them into your skin.
Appointments may last up to 90 minutes.
You will probably be told not to shower for several hours afterwards, to allow more time for the oils to sink into your skin.
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy reports that commonly used oils can have the following benefits:

Headache relief: Peppermint
Immune system stimulation: Eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree
Muscle tension relief: Chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, peppermint, ylang ylang
Indigestion relief: Peppermint
Relaxation: Ylang ylang, geranium, lavender, lemon, clary sage, and chamomile
Respiratory problem relief: Eucalyptus
Other ways to use aromatherapy:

Place a few drops of essential oil in a small oil burner to allow a soothing fragrance to fill the room.
Sprinkle 5-10 drops of oil in your bath.
Sprinkle 2-4 drops of oil on a tissue or a handkerchief, and hold it up to your nose. Keeping your eyes closed to avoid irritation, take 2-3 deep breaths through the nose.
Place 10-15 drops of oil in a 4-ounce spray-bottle of water. Shake the bottle and then spray fragrance around a room.