Allergic?

When receiving a massage, the client may come in contact with various allergens.  In an aromatherapy massage, there is an infusion of essential oils (therapeutic aromatic oils such as lavender, citrus) and base oils (massage lubricant eg. almond, grape seed, safflower oils).  This infusion is used to create aromatic healing for the client.  Chamomile and lavender induces sleep, citrus helps wake you up, eucalyptus is used to clean the air of sickness or can be applied to areas of muscular distress.  These can be very beneficial to the client but, if the client is prone to allergic reactions, the therapist should be notified.  Clients with allergic reactions to nuts shouldn't be massaged with almond oil and clients with contact dermatitis should have a skin test patch on a small area overnight to make sure they won't have an allergic reaction to the specific oil.  Making sure that your therapist is well informed on your allergies and health conditions will help you when receiving a massage.