What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses the scents of essential oils to heal the body by stimulating our nasal and olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory system, and respiratory functions. Aromatherapy can be used with most any massage technique.

Who benefits

It all depends on what ails you; your therapist can guide you to specific oils used to treat certain physical conditions during massage. For example, jasmine is considered invigorating; lavender is calming and has antiseptic properties; rosemary is stimulating and is known to clear congestion. If you're suffering from headaches, digestive problems, or even PMS, there are aromatic blends that could alleviate some of your discomfort.

Certain essential oils (sage, peppermint, cedar) call have adverse effects on a fetus, so pregnant women should be careful to select a therapist with a certificate in prenatal massage. "Those who specialize in prenatal care will be fully aware of the oils that are safe and those that are not," says Anita Shah, spa manager at Carapan Urban Spas of Clarksburg, West Virginia, and New York City.

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