Aromatherapy Use in The Spa Environment

Boost Your Bottom Line!

 

Why Use Essential Oils in Your Spa?

I gave recently gave a talk at the National Aesthetic Spa Network event in Florida where I shared with them some tips to boost their bottom line in our current recession economy. According to the Global Spa Report here are the top 5 reasons people visit a spa:

1. 88%  – Relaxation / Stress Management
2. 59% – Hair / Nails / Waxing Maintenance
3. 47%  – Improve Appearance
4. 37% – Skin Care
5. 22% – Pain Management

It is very important to note that Relaxation and Stress Management still remain the primary reason consumers visit spas.

What Does Aromatherapy have to do with this?

Aromatherapy may not be what draws a customer to your spa, but it may very well be what keeps them coming back! One of the best noticeable results of Aromatherapy is in the areas of Relaxation and Stress Management.

First, what is Aromatherapy?  The term aroma + therapy, leads us to think that Aromatherapy is the therapy of aromas and if that were true, then Aromatherapy would be therapy using anything that smells good, which is not the case. Aromatherapy is a Holistic Therapy that uses plant’s Essential Oils to balance the mind, body and emotions. Maybe a more appropriate term should be Essential Oil Therapy.

I love Gabriel Mojay’s, definition of Aromatherapy: “Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of Essential Oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing”. His definition sums up all the benefits of Aromatherapy and addresses the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs that draw people to a spa.

Remember: People recall smells with a 65% accuracy after a year, while the visual recall of photos sinks to about 50% after only three months. What do you think your guests are going to remember a year after they have visited your spa?

The Benefits of Aromatherapy that Address the Top Reasons People Visit Spas!

 

1. Essential oils such as Lavender, Marjoram, Mandarin and Palo Santo have relaxing properties; they can help people who suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
   
   
2. You can add anti fungal essential oils like Niaouli and Tea Tree to your manicure and pedicure treatments to prevent fungus and to make nails stronger.
   
   
3. People not only want to improve their appearance but want to feel good about themselves.  Essential oils with a floral scent such as Geranium, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Rose and Jasmine are said to boost your self-esteem and help you feel better about your body image.
   
   
4. Did you know that Essential Oils can improve the texture of your skin?  When you do a facial massage you can add 1 drop of Frankincense + 1 Lavender + 1 drop Helychrisum to your facial oil or lotion as a great way to restore tissue, prevent damage, scavenge free radicals and improve the general texture of the skin.
   
   
5. Peppermint,  Ginger and Palo Santo Essential Oils can improve circulation and relieve symptoms of acute and chronic pain, because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 2 drops of each with a teaspoon carrier oil and massage sore areas.

How You can Implement Aromatherapy in Your Spa Use Aromatherapy burners, I like to use electric burners because they are easier to handle, you don’t have to be concerned about the flame of the candle and you can have one in each treatment room, and a couple of them on the reception area. The advantages of having an aromatherapy burner are many, among them:

• Essential Oils are antiseptic, and this is very important especially in the cold and flu season – useful oils for this purpose are eucalyptus, rosemary, ravensara and bergamot.
  
• You want your therapists and your front desk staff to be focused and alert, Essential Oils of cardamom, peppermint,  and rosemary provide a beautiful welcoming scent to your guests and at the same time helps your staff feel energized and ready to work.
  
  
• Makes everybody smile – This will always be the case with all the essential oils, but if it’s a rainy or a winter day, you  may want to use citrus Essential Oils as they nourish the heart and release feelings of euphoria.

Call Aromandina at (678) 897-4869 or go to www.aromandina.com to order your Essential Oils today and start using them in your spa! In Part II we will provide some great ideas to implement the use of Essential Oils in every treatment.

© 2012, Cristina Proano-Carrion, Aromandina LLC This information is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this article may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.