Aromatherapy massage combines hands-on soft tissue work with therapeutic-grade essential oils. The oils work in two ways: your skin absorbs them, and you breathe them in throughout the session. As one of the top-rated massage services in American Fork, Body Balance Massage and Float uses REVIVE therapeutic-grade essential oils, added to your chosen massage modality as a premium upgrade.
Aromatherapy massage is not a standalone massage type the way deep tissue or Swedish is. It is an upgrade layered onto a base session. The therapist incorporates a therapeutic-grade essential oil blend into the massage medium and works it into the skin using the same techniques as the chosen modality.
The oils are not decorative. Therapeutic-grade essential oils contain active plant compounds that interact with the nervous system, skin, and respiratory system during the session. The combination of physical massage and scent creates a dual-input effect that a session without oils does not replicate.
Aromatherapy massage works through two distinct pathways that engage the body at the same time.
The first pathway is topical absorption. When essential oils are applied to the skin during massage, the heat and friction of the therapist's hands help the active compounds absorb through the skin barrier into the underlying tissue. The effect depends on the oil used: certain blends support circulation, reduce localized inflammation, or produce warming or cooling sensations in the muscle tissue.
The second pathway is olfactory. As you breathe during the session, aromatic compounds travel through the nasal passage to the olfactory system, which connects directly to the limbic system. The limbic system governs mood, memory, and the body's stress response. This pathway is fast. Certain scents produce measurable shifts in the autonomic nervous system within seconds of inhalation.
Both pathways working simultaneously is what gives aromatherapy massage a systemic effect that goes beyond what the hands alone can accomplish.
Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies massage therapy as a practice with documented effects on anxiety, pain, and stress. Essential oil application adds a complementary mechanism to those same outcomes through the olfactory and topical pathways.
Clients who add aromatherapy to a session commonly report deeper muscle relaxation during the appointment, reduced residual tension in the hours after, and improved sleep quality on the night of the session. The specific benefits depend on the oil blend, the base modality, and your individual response to the treatment.
We use REVIVE therapeutic-grade essential oils, formulated for clinical application in massage and bodywork. The blend used in your session is selected based on your goals and any sensitivities you note during the intake conversation.
Common applications include lavender-based blends for calming and sleep support, mint or eucalyptus blends for circulation and alertness, and frankincense or citrus blends for tissue recovery. If you have known sensitivities to plant compounds or a skin condition that may react to topical oils, let us know before the session begins.
This service suits clients dealing with stress, sleep difficulty, anxiety, or general muscular tension that does not require aggressive structural work. It is also a strong choice for clients who already receive regular therapeutic or Swedish massage and want to add a recovery layer without changing the base modality.
For clients who need structural work on chronic adhesions or post-injury tissue, deep tissue or trigger point therapy is more direct. Aromatherapy can still be added to those sessions as a supplemental upgrade when the goal includes nervous system calming alongside the physical work.
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to complete an intake form. Let the therapist know your goals for the session, any oil sensitivities, and your preferred pressure level. The session proceeds like a standard massage, with the oil blend worked into the skin throughout.
Most aromatherapy sessions run 50 or 80 minutes. The scent will be present throughout but should not feel overwhelming. If the intensity is too much at any point, let your therapist know and they will adjust right away.
After the session, the scent may linger on your skin for a few hours. This is normal. A shower will clear it completely.
The physical techniques are the same. What changes is the addition of the oil blend, which means the session engages the nervous system through both touch and scent at the same time. Most clients find aromatherapy sessions produce deeper relaxation during the appointment and a more pronounced carry-over into the rest of the day.
For clients who already receive regular therapeutic massage and want to extend the recovery benefit without changing the base modality, aromatherapy is one of the most direct upgrades available.
Yes. Many clients book an aromatherapy massage followed by a float therapy session on the same visit. The massage relaxes soft tissue and engages the nervous system through scent. The float extends nervous system recovery in a gravity-free, low-sensory environment. Both services are available under our $10 monthly membership with no contract.
Can aromatherapy massage help with anxiety? Many clients report reduced anxiety during and after sessions that include essential oil application. The olfactory pathway connects directly to the brain's stress-regulation system, and therapeutic-grade oils can contribute a calming effect that goes beyond what touch alone produces.
Is aromatherapy massage safe during pregnancy? Some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, let us know when booking so the blend can be adjusted appropriately. We offer prenatal massage with full modifications and will confirm all oil use with you before the session begins.
How much does aromatherapy massage cost? Aromatherapy is a $15 upgrade added to your base session. A 50-minute massage starts at $120 standard, or $72 for members. Our $10 monthly membership has no contract. First-time clients receive 35% off their first massage.
Do I need to bring anything special? No. The oils are provided. Wear clothing you are comfortable changing out of before the session begins.
How often should I book aromatherapy sessions? Clients managing chronic stress or sleep difficulty often find monthly sessions with aromatherapy maintain the benefit steadily. Those using massage for physical recovery may rotate aromatherapy in alongside deeper modality work depending on where they are in their recovery cycle.
Can I request a different oil if I do not like the scent? Yes. Let your therapist know during intake. If you find the scent too strong during the session, let them know immediately and they will switch to an unscented medium.
Ready to experience deep relaxation and healing? Reach out to Body Balance Massage and Float today.
Phone Number: (801) 855-5834
Email Address: Clinic@BodyBalanceAF.com
Physical Address: 366 S 500 E Suite B, American Fork, UT 84003
Hours:
DIRECTIONS: We are located just 30 seconds off the freeway in Suite B on the north side of the building. We have a dedicated parking lot, so feel free to park wherever you like and use the front entrance on 500 East. originate within
Related Topics: