Essential oils used in aromatherapy target the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain connected to smell. As the molecules from the essential oils reach the brain, they stimulate the limbic system, which is linked to the emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress, and hormone balance. By producing a calming effect on the limbic system, essential oils can have a subtle, yet holistic healing effect on the body.
History of Aromatherapy
The use of aromatherapy for therapeutic, hygienic and spiritual purposes dates back to ancient civilizations from all over the world, including China, India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Since ancient times, the healing powers of plants have been used to treat a wide variety of ailments. The distillation process leading to essential oils was invented in the 11th century, and the modern use of essential oils for aromatherapy began in the early 20th century when Rene Maurice Gattefosse revealed that he had healed severe burns with lavender oil. This discovery led to the successful application of essential oils to help heal wounds of soldiers during World War II. Since this time, the healing properties of essential oils have utilized to kill bacteria and fungus, reduce inflammation, stimulate relaxation, combat depression and much more.
Healing Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy provides significant health benefits beyond its entrancing scents. Aromatherapy is known to induce relaxation, increase energy and short-term memory, reduce the effects of stress, decrease pain, stimulate cognitive function, elevate mood and restore an internal sense of balance, as well as to treat eczema and stimulate hair growth.
Certain essential oils create specific effects. For instance, lavender acts as a calming agent, and peppermint as a mood lifter. Scents can also be blended for elevated aromatic and therapeutic effects. For stress relief: chamomile, lavender, lemon, and ylang-ylang are commonly blended scents. To reduce anxiety: bergamot, cedarwood, frankincense, rose, and sandalwood. Energize the body with a blend of basil, grapefruit, jasmine, ginger, and clary sage. Boost your memory with a combination of cypress, lemon, and rosemary.
Enhance Your Massage With Aromatherapy
Enhance any massage service at Colorado Body Wisdom (CBW) by choosing the aromatherapy add-on service. We use only high-quality essential oils and offer scents like fresh jasmine, relaxing lavender, meditative sandalwood, and myrrh, or invigorating citrus and eucalyptus to deepen your relaxation during your massage. Select the scent you love most or consult with your massage therapist to explore something new. We offer a wide variety of oils that can be blended or used alone, and oils can be added to our sweet almond massage oil or diffused throughout the room during your session, depending on your preference.
Who We Are
Colorado Body Wisdom is a healing arts and massage studio located in Boulder, Colorado. We are committed to providing the highest quality treatments delivered with compassion by only the most skilled therapists in the field. Our mission is to spread health and relieve suffering through the compassionate, skillful, and joyful practice of massage therapy, healing arts, and wellness education.
We strive to assist clients in living satisfied and authentic lives by: delivering the highest quality massage and therapeutic treatments; receiving clients with deep compassion while creating a safe space for emotional release and personal discovery; and orienting our treatments towards each client’s innate health–not their illness or pain.
At Colorado Body Wisdom, the well-being of our therapists is just as important as that of our clients. CBW owner, Rachel Scott, founded the company with the intention of creating a mutually supportive, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment for women in the healing arts. CBW is committed to providing a safe space for female practitioners to develop their skills and build a career in a profession they love.
We invite you to come in and experience the multitude of benefits of massage therapy for yourself!
