Aromatherapy & Massage: The Perfect Pair for Ultimate Relaxation
How Essential Oils Can Help You Let Go, Breathe Deeper, and Feel Better—Faster
Feeling Run Down? You’re Not Alone
At our clinic, we see it every day—clients walking in with tight shoulders, shallow breathing, and that familiar mix of fatigue and tension that doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep.
Maybe that’s you, too.
Not just tired, but mentally foggy. Physically worn out. And carrying more stress than you’d like to admit.
Whether you’re managing meetings downtown, working remotely from Windermere, or balancing life’s endless to-do list, the demands of modern life can leave your body and mind running on empty.
That’s where a relaxation massage—enhanced with essential oils—can make a real difference.
This isn’t just about treating sore muscles.
Aromatherapy combined with relaxation massage helps calm your nervous system, ease emotional tension, and leave you feeling more centred—often after just one session.
If your body’s been asking for a break, this is one of the most effective (and enjoyable) ways to give it what it needs.
What Is Aromatherapy Massage (And Why It Works So Well)
Aromatherapy massage is one of those services that sounds luxurious—but in reality, it’s incredibly practical.
At its core, it’s simple:
Aromatherapy massage = a traditional relaxation massage enhanced with essential oils chosen to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.
“When we use essential oils in massage, we’re supporting more than just muscle tension—we’re helping the entire nervous system regulate. Clients often feel emotionally lighter and more grounded after an aromatherapy session. The difference is immediate.”
— Tasha Montgomery, RMT, The Self Centre Massage & Wellness
If you’ve ever had a great relaxation massage, you know that feeling when your whole body says, “Yes—this is what I needed.”
Aromatherapy amplifies that experience by engaging more than just your muscles—it taps into how you feel, how you think, and how you heal.
The Science Behind Aromatherapy (It’s More Than Just a Nice Scent)
Essential oils don’t just smell good—they act on the brain in very specific, measurable ways.
When you breathe in essential oil vapours during a relaxation massage, the scent molecules enter your nose and travel through the olfactory nerve, located right behind your nasal cavity. This nerve sends immediate signals to the limbic system—a complex set of brain structures responsible for processing emotions, behaviour, memory, and hormonal regulation.
Why is that important?
Because the limbic system also includes the:
- Amygdala – triggers the fight-or-flight stress response
- Hippocampus – involved in mood, memory, and emotional regulation
- Hypothalamus – controls the release of stress and sleep-related hormones like cortisol and melatonin
What Happens When You Inhale Essential Oils?
The moment you inhale essential oils like lavender, frankincense, or bergamot, here’s what starts to shift:
- Your amygdala calms down → You feel safer, less reactive
- Your hypothalamus lowers cortisol → Your stress response slows
- Your nervous system shifts from sympathetic (fight/flight) to parasympathetic (rest/digest) → Heart rate slows, breathing deepens, blood pressure drops
- You start producing serotonin and dopamine → These “feel-good” neurotransmitters improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance relaxation
A 2017 review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that inhalation of essential oils can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
And that’s just from the scent.
Now combine that with massage, which physically releases tight muscles, improves lymphatic drainage, and reduces cortisol on its own—and you’ve got a multi-sensory approach to stress relief that works on every system in your body.
Aromatherapy + Relaxation Massage = Full-System Reset
This combination isn’t just about loosening your shoulders or softening your mood. It affects:
- The nervous system – lowers sympathetic nervous system activity
- The respiratory system – deepens breathing and oxygen uptake
- The immune system – boosts immune function by lowering systemic inflammation
- The cardiovascular system – reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- The endocrine system – helps regulate cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin
So yes—your 60-minute massage with the right essential oils is doing a lot more than just relaxing you.
It’s supporting your body in returning to a balanced, more functional state.
And in today’s world, where most of us spend our days overstimulated, over-connected, and under-rested—that’s not a luxury. That’s a necessity.
Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage
Whether you’re carrying tension in your shoulders, feeling mentally scattered, or just haven’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks—aromatherapy massage offers more than a temporary escape. It helps restore your nervous system, calm your thoughts, and reconnect you to your body in a lasting, therapeutic way.
Here’s what clients often report after just one session:
Deeper Relaxation (Faster, and With Less Effort)
The calming effect of essential oils helps your body transition into a relaxed state more quickly. Muscles soften faster. Breathing deepens naturally. You don’t have to “try” to relax—it just happens.
Improved Mood and Focus
When your nervous system feels supported, so does your mind. Certain oils—like sweet orange, bergamot, and rosemary—help boost serotonin and dopamine levels, improve mental clarity, and reduce that scattered, foggy feeling that often comes with stress.
Better Sleep (Often That Same Night)
Lavender, frankincense, and chamomile essential oils are known for their sleep-supporting properties. Many clients report falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer after an aromatherapy massage—because their body isn’t fighting to stay in “alert mode.”
Reduced Muscle Tension and Joint Stiffness
Massage already helps loosen tight areas and flush out tension—but when paired with essential oils that reduce inflammation or improve circulation (like eucalyptus, lemongrass, or peppermint), your recovery and relief are amplified.
Fewer Anxiety Symptoms and Less Nervous Energy
If you’ve ever felt keyed-up without knowing why, you’re not alone. Aromatherapy massage works on both the muscular and emotional levels, helping reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “calm” response.
A Deeper Connection to Your Body and Breath
This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about coming back into yourself. Aromatherapy massage helps you reconnect with your breath, tune into how your body feels, and notice what you’ve been ignoring or pushing through. It’s a full-system reset—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
How to Choose the Right Essential Oil
One of the things we love about aromatherapy massage is how personal it can be.
Different essential oils interact with the body in different ways. Some help you breathe deeper. Some lighten your mood. Others ground you and bring you back to the centre. That’s why we always ask:
“What are you hoping to feel today?”
Because your body knows what it needs—and scent has a direct line to the part of your brain that manages emotion, stress, and memory.
Here’s a closer look at some of our most popular essential oils—and the effects they can help you achieve:
🌿 Lavender
Best For: Deep relaxation, improved sleep, calming anxious energy
Lavender is the go-to for a reason. It soothes the nervous system, promotes stillness, and creates the kind of deep, slow breathing that helps release both emotional and muscular tension.
When to choose it: You’re feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or can’t seem to “switch off.”
🌿 Eucalyptus
Best For: Opening the lungs, mental clarity, and sinus relief
Fresh, cooling, and clean—eucalyptus isn’t just for cold season. It supports respiratory health, helps relieve headaches, and gives your brain a little more oxygen to work with.
When to choose it: You’re foggy, tired, or feeling physically heavy.
🌿 Peppermint
Best For: Tension relief, headaches, fatigue, and improved focus
Peppermint gives your system a subtle jolt—in a good way. It boosts circulation, cools down inflammation, and can even help soothe digestive discomfort.
When to choose it: You’re tired, sore, or stuck in a mental slump.
🌿 Frankincense
Best For: Emotional clarity, grounding, deep relaxation
Often called “the oil of spiritual connection,” frankincense promotes a calm, meditative state. It can be helpful during periods of transition, grief, or emotional overload.
When to choose it: You’re feeling disconnected, anxious, or emotionally unsettled.
🌿 Sweet Orange
Best For: Uplifting your mood, reducing stress, and releasing emotional heaviness
Bright and cheerful, sweet orange brings a sunny energy to any massage. It’s gentle, familiar, and ideal when you want to feel lighter—physically and emotionally.
When to choose it: You’re feeling low, sluggish, or emotionally drained.
🌿 Lemongrass
Best For: Stimulating circulation and energizing the body
Lemongrass has a citrusy, herbal scent that feels refreshing and activating. It’s great for those days when your energy feels stagnant or your body needs a little push.
When to choose it: You’re feeling puffy, sluggish, or sore after long periods of inactivity.
🌿 Rosemary
Best For: Mental focus, memory support, and fighting burnout
Rosemary is stimulating in a clear, steady way. It sharpens attention, relieves physical fatigue, and is often used to support cognitive performance.
When to choose it: You’re drained, distracted, or coming off a tough mental week.
Pro Tip:
If you find yourself instinctively taking a deep breath when you smell a certain oil—that’s your body saying “yes, this one.”
Trust it. Your nervous system often knows what it needs before your mind can catch up.
Practical Ways to Use Essential Oils at Home
Your massage session might be the highlight of the week—but the benefits of aromatherapy don’t have to stop when you walk out of the treatment room.
In fact, adding essential oils to your daily routine can help extend the effects of your relaxation massage, support your emotional well-being, and make your home feel like a more peaceful, restorative space.
Here are 4 simple ways to integrate essential oils into your everyday life:
1. Diffuse While You Work or Wind Down
Add 3–5 drops of essential oil to a diffuser and let the aroma fill the room.
Lavender calms your nervous system.
Sweet orange lifts your mood.
Eucalyptus helps open up your breathing and clear mental fog.
Whether you’re working from home or preparing for bed, diffusion can help set the tone for how you want to feel.
2. Aromatherapy Bath Soak
Turn your evening soak into a sensory reset. Combine 5–10 drops of essential oil with a cup of Epsom salts or carrier oil, then swirl into warm water.
- Lavender + frankincense = deep calm
- Lemongrass or rosemary = re-energizing after a long day
✨ Pro tip: Set the mood with dim lighting and no phone. Let the scent work on both your body and your breath.
3. Roll-On Blends for On-the-Go Support
Make your own portable stress reliever by blending essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or fractionated coconut oil) in a small roller bottle. Apply to your temples, wrists, or neck during high-stress moments—or before sleep.
- Try lavender + peppermint for tension
- Or orange + frankincense for grounding during busy days
It’s a subtle, scent-based way to anchor yourself when you feel overwhelmed or off-balance.
4. Steam Inhalation for Reset or Relief
Feeling stuffy, sluggish, or overstimulated? Add 1–2 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary oil to a bowl of steaming water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply for a few minutes.
It’s a great mini-detox when your nervous system needs to exhale—or when your sinuses just need a break.
⚠️ Safety Reminder:
Never apply essential oils directly to your skin without diluting them first. Always avoid the eyes, mouth, and sensitive areas. And if you’re pregnant or managing a medical condition, check in with your doctor or RMT before using essential oils at home.
Massage + Aromatherapy: Designed for Edmonton Life
Life moves fast in this city—whether you’re racing from meetings in the ICE District, navigating traffic on Gateway Boulevard, or just trying to make it through another jam-packed week in South Edmonton Common.
And when the pace picks up, your nervous system takes the hit.
That’s why at The Self Centre Massage & Wellness, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. We offer custom aromatherapy massage sessions tailored to what your body—and your week—need most.
- Feeling wired or overstimulated? We’ll slow things down with calming oils and slow, grounding techniques.
- Feeling heavy or emotionally stuck? We’ll use energizing blends to restore circulation and mental clarity.
- Feeling foggy, drained, or disconnected? We’ll help you come back to centre—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
We listen to your body, and we listen to you.
👉 Book your aromatherapy massage now at The Self Centre Massage & Wellness in Edmonton.
Frequently Asked Questions: Aromatherapy Massage at The Self Centre
Q: What exactly is aromatherapy massage?
A: Aromatherapy massage is a traditional relaxation massage enhanced with carefully selected essential oils. These oils are chosen based on how you’re feeling—physically, mentally, or emotionally—and work with the nervous system to create deeper relaxation and balance. It’s a full-body reset that supports both physical recovery and emotional wellbeing.
Q: How do essential oils actually work?
A: When you inhale essential oils during your massage, the scent molecules travel through your olfactory system and directly stimulate your limbic system—the part of your brain that manages emotion, stress response, memory, and hormone regulation. This helps lower cortisol, shift you into a “rest and digest” state, and boost feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Q: Can aromatherapy massage help with stress and anxiety?
A: Yes. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons our clients ask for it. Essential oils like lavender, frankincense, and sweet orange help regulate the nervous system, while massage reduces muscular tension. The result is a noticeable drop in stress levels, nervous energy, and emotional overwhelm—even after just one session.
Q: Do I have to know which oil to choose?
A: Not at all. That’s our job! Just tell us how you’re feeling, and we’ll recommend an oil (or a blend) that fits your body and mood. Want to feel grounded? Energized? Relaxed? Clear-minded? We’ve got something for that—and we always test your comfort with the scent before we begin.
Q: Are essential oils safe for everyone?
A: In most cases, yes. But we always ask about allergies, sensitivities, pregnancy, or medical conditions before applying any oils. We can adapt or omit aromatherapy as needed to keep your treatment safe and effective. If you have questions or concerns, let your RMT know—we’re happy to walk you through it.
Q: Do I have to book a special type of massage to get aromatherapy?
A: Nope! Just mention it when you book your massage, or let your therapist know during your appointment. Aromatherapy can be added to any relaxation or therapeutic massage at The Self Centre.
Q: Can I use essential oils at home, too?
A: Yes—and we encourage it! From diffusing oils while you work, to adding a few drops to an Epsom salt bath, or carrying a roll-on blend in your bag, there are plenty of ways to keep the benefits of aromatherapy going between sessions. (We even have a guide on how to use essential oils at home if you’re just getting started.)
Q: Do you sell essential oils in the clinic?
A: We do! We carry a curated selection of high-quality, ethically sourced essential oils you can use at home. Ask your therapist after your session—we’re happy to recommend the right oils based on what your body responded to during treatment.
Q: What kind of results should I expect after one session?
A: Most clients report:
- Feeling calmer and more centered
- Sleeping better the same night
- Reduced physical tension
- More focus and mental clarity
- A lighter, more emotionally balanced mood
It’s not about instant transformation—it’s about giving your nervous system the support it’s been asking for, so you can start feeling more like yourself again.
