Massage would rank among the top selections if you are looking at relaxing and relieving activities. However, with thousands of types available, identifying which one is right is rather confusing. Two rather popular types are aromatherapy massage v/s back massage. While each offers unique advantages, the choice between one of them depends on why you are looking to utilize a particular type. Here, we shall break it down for you between the two: the difference, what’s beneficial to you and what you’ll be expected with each; therefore you can decide on one that works best for you.

What is an Aromatherapy Massage?

An aromatherapy massage combines soothing touch with oils from the plants, flowers, herbs, which most believe has a healing component in making the mood or reducing tension and stress among other medical benefits.

In aromatherapy massage, a variety of oils are used for effect, one from the other. While lavender tends to soothe the senses, eucalyptus has its advantage on clearing the respiratory pathway. These oils mixed with common massage oils will then be applied on the client’s body to perfume the environment. While this occurs, the oils during the massage will begin working, relieving the body from the tenseness of being alive while still calming the thoughts within. 

Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage

• Stress Relief: The scent of the essential oils combined with the massage has a very soothing effect.
• Improves Mood: Some oils such as lavender, peppermint, and jasmine lift your mood.
• Reduces Anxiety and Depression: Aromatherapy works to reduce anxiety. In mild cases of depression also, it may help.
• Better Sleep: For people who cannot sleep at night due to disturbance, oils like chamomile and lavender are effective as they are very soothing.

What is a Back Massage?

A back massage focuses its actions specifically on the back muscles by helping relieve tension and even pain in that specific section. If you suffer from long, extended sitting, heavy lifting, or other heavy workout that may strain the lower back, this will come in handy.

During a back massage, pressure is placed on the muscles that lie parallel to the spine and lower back. This technique will help ease tight muscles in the back and loosen these areas, increase blood flow, and get rid of muscle stiffness.

Benefits of a Back Massage:

• Relieves Pain: If you are suffering from pain in your back, a back massage can relieve pain and let you move about more freely.
• Squeezing Muscles: Relax muscle by muscles-the knots tend to build in tension day in and out.
• Re-adjustment: Bad posturing back and shoulder, as there has to be much less of them.
• Decreased anxiety level: Because aromatherapy may be a very de-stress treatment.

Knowing the basic purpose of what every type of massage offers now, let us explore the actual differences that help decide:

1. Purpose On Aromatherapy Massage v/s Back Massage

Holistic is an Aromatherapy Massage. You will find yourself more relieved by its influences on the mood, state of being, and minor health problems such as headaches or disturbed sleep.

The Back Massage is more pinpointed. Then it would really be recommended if you need to see relief in back aching that comes upon sitting for extended hours, performing weight lifting exercises, and simple physical aches around the day’s routine.

2. General Objective

Aromatherapy Massage helps in an improved state of overall well-being using essential oils and soft techniques of massage.

Back Massage deals with pressure applied deeply in areas involving techniques like kneading for loosening the knots of tension in the back part of the muscles.

3. Physical or Mental Effect

Aromatherapy Massage may affect your mood and decrease your anxiety as it tends to make one feel relaxed. It’s ideal if you feel stressed mentally or drained emotionally.

Back Massage is physically therapeutic and helps alleviate muscle-related issues in the back. This is ideal if you have specific areas of physical discomfort.

4. Duration of Benefits

Aromatherapy Massage can leave you mentally refreshed and calm, with effects lasting a few days.

The famous back massage can provide more effective relief from muscle tension, especially if you have chronic back pain or stress.

If you’re still unsure, here is a quick guide to help you decide:

Select Aromatherapy Massage if:

• You want to unplug and de-stress your head.
• You love the medicinal odor of essential oils.
• You want help managing stress or boosting your mood, as well as improving your sleeping habits.

Select Back Massage if:

• You feel strain or tension in your muscles across your back.
• You have pain in your upper back, neck, or across your shoulders.
• You’re seeking concentrated relief from muscular pain.
• You will be taken to a silent and dimly lit room with a selection of different essential oils. The therapist will mix the oil in a carrier oil to gently massage you. 
• You should anticipate that the pressure would be light to medium as the therapist seeks to make you feel relaxed and uplifted.

Back Massage Session:

A back massage is mainly concentrated on your upper, mid, and lower back. Your therapist might use kneading, circular motions, and deep pressure on knots and tight muscles. Depending on the treatment, some back massages may include techniques like hot stone therapy to enhance relaxation.

Conclusion On Aromatherapy Massage v/s Back Massage

What one requires the most is between these two types of massages. Both offer the best benefits, and therefore, it all depends upon the requirements. Aromatherapy massage is very good when the mind is to be cooled down, and the mood has to be lifted up.