Quick answer: what is aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is a massage with plant essential oils diluted in a carrier oil or cream, so the scent is part of the experience; the strokes are those of a relaxing oil massage. At Enyo Thai Massage Athens it is our Botanical Symphony Ritual (Serenity Aromatherapy): an Aroma Thai oil massage with organic essential oils at medium pressure, performed by our Asian massage specialists, in 45, 60 or 90 minutes, from €40.50 online. For two, Better Together is our Thai aroma oil massage for couples.
What is aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage adds diluted essential oils, concentrated aromatic extracts from plants, to the massage oil or cream. The technique is usually that of a relaxing oil massage; what changes is the scent, which accompanies every stroke. It is sometimes described simply as massage with essential oils.
The word itself comes from the French aromathérapie. Not every perfumed product is aromatherapy, though: some scented oils contain synthetic fragrance rather than essential oils, and the word is also widely used in marketing.
Where does aromatherapy massage come from?
Aromatic plants were used in rituals and daily life in many ancient cultures, but modern aromatherapy is a 20th-century development. The French perfumer and chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé is credited with the term and published Aromathérapie in 1937.
The massage itself owes most to Marguerite Maury, who introduced aromatherapy massage and helped shape the British school of aromatherapy in the mid-20th century. Robert Tisserand’s 1977 book The Art of Aromatherapy spread it in the English-speaking world, and the International Federation of Aromatherapists was founded in the United Kingdom in 1985.
Which oils are used in aromatherapy massage?
Essential oils are always diluted in a carrier before they touch the skin; there is no single compulsory blend. Common choices include:
- Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, geranium, lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary.
- Carrier oils such as apricot kernel, jojoba, coconut, grapeseed and olive, or a neutral massage cream.
- Optional extras in some spas, such as a scented room, aromatic towels or a finishing mist.
The dilution and the choice of oils depend on the oils themselves and on the guest, which is why a short conversation before the massage matters.
How is an aromatherapy massage performed?
- A short conversation about scents you like or dislike, any sensitivities and the pressure you prefer.
- You lie on a padded table, covered with draping except for the area being massaged.
- Long, gliding strokes called effleurage spread the scented oil and lead into kneading, called petrissage.
- Gliding strokes return as transitions and to close the massage.
These are the classic strokes of oil massage; aromatherapy does not prescribe a fixed sequence or a fixed pressure.
Aromatherapy massage in Athens at Enyo: the Botanical Symphony Ritual
At Enyo, aromatherapy massage is our Botanical Symphony Ritual (Serenity Aromatherapy): an Aroma Thai oil massage at medium pressure with organic essential oils, performed by our Asian massage specialists on the skin with professional draping. For two guests, Better Together combines flowing Thai massage techniques with aromatic oils, side by side.
If you prefer a less scented massage, Attic Avra is our original Thai oil massage with almond oil.
| Ritual | Durations & online prices | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Symphony RitualAroma Thai oil massage · organic essential oils, medium pressure |
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Book |
| Better TogetherFor two · Thai aroma oil massage side by side (price for both guests) |
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Book |
| Attic AvraOriginal Thai oil massage with almond oil |
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Book |
Prices are online prices on Fresha (save up to 10% compared with standard prices). The 90-minute Botanical Symphony is the best value at €0.75 a minute. Every ritual is in our Thai massage price guide.
What does aromatherapy massage feel like?
Expect smooth, gliding strokes and rhythmic kneading, wrapped in the scent of the oils. Aromatherapy does not set the pressure; Botanical Symphony is a medium-pressure massage, and you can ask for lighter or firmer at any time. If a scent does not suit you, say so: that is as important as the pressure.
- Tell us about any scent you dislike or any fragrance sensitivity when you book.
- Mention allergies to oils or lotions before we begin.
- Undress only to your comfort level; you stay covered with draping throughout.
- Some essential oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so ask before heading into strong sun.
Who should check before an aromatherapy massage?
Essential oils are concentrated plant products, so published guidance asks guests to tell the spa, and check with a doctor where relevant, in these situations:
- Skin allergies, fragrance sensitivity or past reactions to massage oils.
- Sore, irritated or broken skin.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. From the 4th month, The Motherhood Nest is our dedicated prenatal ritual.
- Asthma or epilepsy, or if you take medicines or herbal products.
Massage at Enyo is for relaxation and wellbeing, not a replacement for advice from your doctor.
Aromatherapy massage myths
- “Natural oils are safe to use neat on the skin.”
- Essential oils are concentrated and are always diluted in a carrier for massage.
- “Any perfumed massage oil is aromatherapy.”
- Some scented products use synthetic fragrance rather than essential oils.
- “Aromatherapy massage is always very light.”
- Aromatherapy describes the oils, not the pressure. Botanical Symphony is medium pressure, adjustable on request.
- “It is an unchanged ancient massage system.”
- Aromatic plants are ancient, but aromatherapy massage as we know it took shape in the 20th century.
Aromatherapy, Thai oil or Balinese massage?
All three are oil massages. Choose aromatherapy for the scent, the original Thai oil massage for a classic medium-pressure flow, or Balinese massage for skin rolling and kneading with coconut oil. Every oil ritual is compared in our Thai oil massage guide, and Better Together is in our couples massage guide.
Aromatherapy massage near the Acropolis: how to find us
Enyo Thai Massage Athens is at 12 Athanasiou Diakou in Makrygianni, 2 minutes on foot from Akropoli Metro (Line 2) and 9 minutes from the Acropolis Museum, so an aromatherapy massage fits easily into a day in central Athens. We are open daily 11:30–22:00, and online booking is open 24/7.
Enyo Thai Massage Athens
12 Athanasiou Diakou, Makrygianni117 42 Athens, Greece
Αθανασίου Διάκου 12, 117 42 Αθήνα
- +30 210 922 1822 · +30 698 120 2615
- WhatsApp · Viber
- Daily 11:30–22:00
- Book online 24/7 on Fresha
Google Maps Apple Maps Directions
Plus code 8G95XP9J+87
| From | Walk | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Akropoli Metro Station (Line 2) | 2 min | 0.1 km |
| Temple of Olympian Zeus | 7 min | 0.5 km |
| Plaka | 8 min | 0.6 km |
| Theatre of Dionysus (Acropolis south slope) | 9 min | 0.6 km |
| Acropolis Museum | 9 min | 0.6 km |
| Koukaki | 13 min | 0.9 km |
| Odeon of Herodes Atticus | 13 min | 0.9 km |
| Syntagma Square | 14 min | 1.0 km |
| Monastiraki Square | 18 min | 1.3 km |
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Aromatherapy massage: FAQ
What is the difference between aromatherapy massage and a regular oil massage?
The strokes are similar; aromatherapy massage adds diluted essential oils to the massage oil, so scent becomes part of the experience.
How much is an aromatherapy massage in Athens at Enyo?
The Botanical Symphony Ritual costs €40.50 for 45 minutes, €49.50 for 60 minutes, €67.50 for 90 minutes when you book online on Fresha. For two, Better Together starts from €81 for both guests.
Which essential oils do you use at Enyo?
Botanical Symphony uses organic essential oils at medium pressure. If you are sensitive to fragrance or dislike a scent, tell us when you book; Attic Avra, with almond oil, is a less scented alternative.
Is aromatherapy massage only light pressure?
No. Aromatherapy describes the oils, not the pressure. Botanical Symphony is a medium-pressure massage, and you can ask for lighter or firmer at any time.
Can couples book an aromatherapy massage together?
Yes. Better Together is our Thai aroma oil massage for two guests side by side, in 60, 75 or 90 minutes, from €81 for both online.
Who performs the aromatherapy massage at Enyo?
Our Asian massage specialists, who agree the pressure with you and check for any scent sensitivity before they begin.
Sources
The general background in this article (history, names, technique and precautions) is based on these published sources. Everything about Enyo comes from our own menu and studio.
- EBSCO Research Starters: René-Maurice Gattefossé
- International Federation of Aromatherapists: 20th-century aromatherapy and the IFA
- AMTA journal: massage and aromatherapy
- Tisserand Institute: what is aromatherapy?
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy: what are carrier oils?
- AMTA journal: the basic massage techniques
About this guide
Prepared by the Enyo Thai Massage Athens spa team. Prices and durations come from our live Fresha menu and were last checked on ; walking times are calculated with OpenStreetMap routing. Prices are in euro, per session.