Aromatherapy Vs Deep Tissue Massage | Totally Different?

You could ask anybody whether they want a massage, and every single one of them would say yes. The reason for this is that a massage has a calming effect on both our physical and mental states.

But if you ask them whether they prefer a deep tissue massage or an aromatherapy massage, they will be confused.

For most of us, a massage is only a massage, but each kind of massage has its purposes and benefits. Thus, there is no universal style that is suitable for all of us.

Here’s all the info you need to know about the two most common types, aromatherapy, and deep tissue massages.

Difference Between Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massage

1. The Concept of Aroma Vs Deep Tissue

It is a common belief that the olfactory nerves are important to our mental health because they allow us to recall past experiences via olfactory stimuli.

If you have an aromatherapy massage, many essential oils will be employed in the process. The goal of an Aromatherapy massage is to reduce tension and promote relaxation by stimulating the sense of smell before proceeding with the massage itself.

For deep tissue massage, the physical advantages are prioritized above the psychological.

Scar tissue forms in the human body after an accident or sprain, and this may cause chronic pain for years after the initial damage.

It is the goal of a deep tissue massage to work on and break down these scar tissues, releasing the built-up tension in the process. Even if you haven’t developed any scar tissue, deep tissue massage may still speed healing and lessen inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

2. Technique

Before beginning an aromatherapy treatment, your therapist will inquire about your health and the smells you like most. The therapist will use this information to blend essential oils that you will then be asked to inhale to calm down.

According to your needs, you may apply either gentle or heavy pressure. A soft touch may be appropriate if you’re having trouble calming and falling asleep, while a firmer touch may alleviate muscular tension and pains.

If you’re getting a deep tissue massage, the therapist will likely inquire where the pain is. If you do, the therapist will likely have you remove as much clothing as you feel safe doing and lay face down or on your back, depending on which position is most comfortable for you.

Unfortunately, the therapist cannot treat a region that is covered up. The therapist will then begin with gentler strokes as a warm-up. After a brief period of light massage to loosen you up, the therapist will use firm strokes and kneads to begin breaking down the scar tissue deep inside your body.

To get the most out of your aromatherapy or deep tissue massage, though, it’s important to discuss the right amount of pressure with your therapist beforehand.

Moreover, you are free to elaborate on the nature and location of your muscular discomfort by describing it to the therapist in detail. Furthermore, if there are any injuries or sensitive places that the therapist should avoid, be sure to mention them.

3. Benefits

Aromatherapy has been shown to improve mood, lessen feelings of despair and anxiety, and lessen physical discomfort. As a bonus, the cooling effect of the essential oils may help reduce inflammation, soreness, and muscular tension.

Deep tissue massage has been demonstrated to benefit in the treatment of a broad range of ailments, including chronic low back pain, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and tennis elbow, by reducing post-injury inflammation and scar tissue, easing muscle spasm, and accelerating recovery.

4. Contraindications

While practically anybody may benefit from an aromatherapy massage, pregnant women, those with asthma, and anyone with known allergies to certain essential oils shouldn’t get an aromatherapy massage.

If you have a history of blood clotting or bleeding disorders, cancer or are having cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation), osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before beginning any therapy that includes manipulating joints and muscles, including deep tissue massage.

Deep Tissue Vs Aromatherapy Massage [Summary]

Benefits to your body and mind may be gained from both aromatherapy and deep tissue massage, but these two types of massage use different approaches and have different goals.

Here is a table outlining the key distinctions between the two options so that the next time you’re asked which one you prefer, you can confidently respond “yes” to either one, depending on your specific requirements.

Deep tissue massage	Aromatherapy
Apply intense pressure.	Depending on your symptoms, the therapist may apply mild pressure to help you relax and sleep, or firm pressure to alleviate muscular tension and pains.
Focuses on the whole body or just a specific affected point.	Focuses on the entire body.
More concerned with the physical benefits than the psychological ones.	More concerned with the psychological advantages than the physiological ones.
Don’t use essential oils	Uses essential oils.
Beneficial for those suffering from fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tennis elbow, and persistent low back pain.	Useful as a mood booster, for relaxation, and reduces pain and inflammation.
Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as those with osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, blood problems, on blood-thinning drugs, or who are pregnant, are not good candidates.	Avoid if you’re pregnant, have asthma, or are sensitive to essential oils.
You should undress the area being worked on.	It involves whole the body so whole the body should be undressed.