If you’ve ever wished your massage could do more than just ease tight muscles, aromatherapy may be the missing piece.


Imagine sinking into a comfortable massage table while a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) releases tension in your body. At the same time, a gentle, soothing scent fills the room, helping your nervous system shift out of “fight or flight” and into deep rest. Your muscles soften, your breathing slows, and your mind finally lets go.


At Body Co Health & Wellness in Toronto’s Junction, we combine Registered Massage Therapy with aromatherapy using essential oils to create a powerful, research-backed treatment that supports both your physical and emotional health.


1. What aromatherapy is and how it works with massage therapy


Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils extracted from plants to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When combined with Registered Massage Therapy, aromatherapy can:


  • Reduce pain and muscle tension
  • Lower stress and anxiety
  • Improve mood and sleep quality
  • Enhance the overall relaxation and effectiveness of your massage


This isn’t just a “spa extra.” It’s rooted in biology.


When you inhale essential oils, scent molecules travel through your nose to the limbic system in your brain — the area that regulates emotions, memories, and the stress response. This can:


  • Decrease stress hormones
  • Promote relaxation
  • Support better emotional regulation


At the same time, when essential oils are safely diluted and applied to the skin during massage, they can support circulation, reduce inflammation, and complement the hands-on work of your RMT.


2. Evidence-Based Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage


Research is increasingly supporting what many clients already feel on the table: aromatherapy can enhance the benefits of massage therapy. Peer-reviewed studies have found that aromatherapy massage can:


  • Reduce pain when used alongside conventional treatments such as massage, especially for conditions like chronic low back pain and arthritis
  • Lower anxiety and depression in older adults when essential oils like lavender are used in massage
  • Decrease fatigue and perceived stress in people living with multiple sclerosis
  • Provide immediate relief of self-reported anxiety, helping clients feel calmer right after a session
  • Improve sleep quality and support relaxation, especially with calming oils such as lavender


Comprehensive reviews of essential oils in clinical and therapeutic settings also highlight their role in managing:


  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances


At Body Co, we see this every day. Clients often report:


  • Less pain and muscle tension
  • A deeper sense of calm and emotional reset
  • Feeling more grounded, rested, and clear-headed after their appointment


Aromatherapy turns a standard RMT session into a holistic treatment for both body and mind.


3. Our Aromatherapy Options at Body Co: Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint


To keep things safe, effective, and easy to personalize, we offer three high-quality essential oils during Registered Massage Therapy sessions at Body Co:


  • Lavender
  • Eucalyptus
  • Peppermint


Each essential oil has specific, research-supported benefits and can be selected based on your goals for the treatment.


Lavender: The Relaxation and Sleep Support Oil


If stress, anxiety, or difficulty winding down are your main concerns, lavender essential oil is an excellent choice. Benefits of lavender in aromatherapy massage include:


  • Promotes deep relaxation and calm
  • Supports better sleep quality and restfulness
  • Helps reduce anxiety and stress
  • May ease headaches and tension
  • Can enhance pain relief during massage


Research on Swedish-style massage with lavender has shown improvements in subacute lower back pain, helping clients move more comfortably and experience longer-lasting relief.


Choose lavender if you want your RMT session to feel like a full nervous system reset — ideal for busy professionals, parents, and anyone dealing with chronic stress.


Eucalyptus: The Muscle and Breathing Revitalizer


If you’re dealing with muscle soreness, stiffness, or seasonal congestion, eucalyptus essential oil can be especially helpful. Benefits of eucalyptus in massage therapy:


  • Anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore or overworked muscles
  • A refreshing, clearing scent that can support easier breathing
  • Helpful during cold and flu season or after intense workouts
  • May support pain management when used topically with massage


Studies have found eucalyptus effective in reducing pain in various conditions when used on the skin. Many clients describe feeling refreshed, more open-chested, and energized after a session with eucalyptus.


Choose eucalyptus if you’re recovering from a tough workout, feeling run-down, or want a more invigorating massage experience.


Peppermint: The Cooling, Energizing Tension Reliever


When you need both relief and a gentle “wake-up,” peppermint essential oil is a great option. Benefits of peppermint in aromatherapy massage:


  • Cooling sensation that can ease muscle aches and tension
  • May help with tension headaches
  • Can support digestive comfort
  • Stimulates the nervous system, increasing alertness and focus
  • Helps combat fatigue while still allowing the body to relax


Research suggests peppermint has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and can enhance circulation, making it especially useful for athletes, active individuals, or anyone feeling mentally and physically drained.


Choose peppermint if you want to leave your massage feeling both relaxed and refreshed — like a natural, calming version of a caffeine boost.


4. How We Safely Use Essential Oils in RMT Sessions at Body Co


Safety and comfort are always our top priorities.


During your Registered Massage Therapy session at Body Co:


  • Your RMT will review your health history, goals, and preferences.
  • You’ll be able to choose from Lavender, Eucalyptus, or Peppermint essential oils (or opt out if you prefer an unscented treatment).
  • We dilute essential oils appropriately and blend them with our massage gel for safe use on the skin.
  • We may also use an aromatherapy diffuser in the room to gently enhance the sensory experience without overwhelming your senses.


Aromatherapy is always optional and customizable. If you’re pregnant, have asthma, allergies, migraines, or sensitivities to scent, your RMT will adjust your treatment plan accordingly.


Who Can Benefit from Aromatherapy Massage?


Aromatherapy combined with Registered Massage Therapy can be particularly helpful if you:


  • Live with chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout
  • Experience chronic pain, muscle tension, or headaches
  • Have trouble sleeping or winding down at night
  • Are recovering from intense training or regular workouts
  • Want a more holistic, mind–body approach to your wellness
  • Prefer natural, non-pharmaceutical options to support relaxation and pain management
  • If you’re unsure which essential oil is right for you, your RMT can make a recommendation based on your symptoms and goals.


5. How to Add Aromatherapy to Your Registered Massage Therapy Appointment at Body Co


Adding aromatherapy to your next massage at Body Co Health & Wellness in Toronto is simple.


When you book your Registered Massage Therapy appointment simply select the Aromatherapy option when scheduling online, or mention that you’d like to add aromatherapy when booking by phone or in person.


At your appointment, your RMT will:


  • Review any health considerations
  • Help you choose between Lavender, Eucalyptus, or Peppermint
  • Integrate aromatherapy into your massage for a personalized, multi-sensory treatment


Ready to Experience Aromatherapy Massage in Toronto?


Aromatherapy in Registered Massage Therapy is more than just a pleasant scent. It’s a research-supported, natural way to enhance pain relief, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and support your overall well-being.


At Body Co Health & Wellness, our RMTs use aromatherapy as part of a holistic, evidence-informed approach to care. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, looking to manage stress, or simply wanting a deeper sense of calm, aromatherapy massage can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine.


Book your Registered Massage Therapy appointment with aromatherapy today and experience the difference for yourself. Your body — and your mind — will thank you.

Meet Roger

Roger’s client-centered approach incorporates traditional Swedish massage techniques including deep tissue work to reduce your pain, increase your mobility and help you relax.


Roger loves working with a wide variety of clients. He is an expert at alleviating aches and pains associated with poor ergonomics, often due to working from home, and can offer helpful tips to improve your postural awareness.


He also enjoys working with athletes of all levels, from aspiring Olympians to weekend warriors. Roger can help optimize your workout recovery to ensure you achieve your maximum potential.


Roger is experienced treating pre- and post-natal clients, as well as those with sport-related injuries, postural imbalances, post-concussion syndrome, tendonitis, scoliosis, TMJ disorders and headaches.


When he is not helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, Roger enjoys photography, exploring nature, playing tennis and competitive Scrabble.