Massage Therapist Essential Oils For Massage Therapy 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which essential oil has strong antifungal properties and is commonly used to address fungal skin conditions?
- Lavender
- Tea tree (Melaleuca) (Correct answer)
- Sandalwood
- Bergamot
Correct answer: Tea tree (Melaleuca)
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which has documented antifungal and antimicrobial activity and is commonly used for fungal infections.
Question 2: The Gattefossé method of using lavender oil on burns in the early 20th century is historically significant because it:
- Introduced the first synthetic essential oil blend
- Helped establish the modern field of aromatherapy (Correct answer)
- Proved that citrus oils cure skin diseases
- Developed the steam distillation technique
Correct answer: Helped establish the modern field of aromatherapy
René-Maurice Gattefossé's accidental discovery of lavender's healing properties on his burn wound is credited with founding modern aromatherapy.
Question 3: Which dilution percentage is most appropriate when applying essential oils to a client's face?
- 3–5%
- 0.5–1% (Correct answer)
- 10%
- 15%
Correct answer: 0.5–1%
Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, so a dilution of 0.5–1% is recommended to minimize the risk of irritation.
Question 4: Frankincense essential oil is primarily obtained from which part of the Boswellia tree?
- Seeds
- Flowers
- Resin (sap) (Correct answer)
- Bark
Correct answer: Resin (sap)
Frankincense is extracted by steam distilling the resin (oleogum resin) that seeps from the bark of Boswellia trees.
Question 5: A client undergoing chemotherapy asks about using essential oils. What is the most appropriate therapist response?
- Recommend high doses of stimulating oils to boost energy
- Refer to their oncologist and use only gentle, low-dilution oils with medical clearance (Correct answer)
- Avoid the session entirely — aromatherapy is always contraindicated with cancer treatment
- Apply undiluted lavender as it is always safe
Correct answer: Refer to their oncologist and use only gentle, low-dilution oils with medical clearance
Clients undergoing chemotherapy require medical clearance, and therapists should use gentle, low-dilution blends while coordinating with the healthcare team.
Question 6: Which essential oil is recognized for its warming, rubefacient properties and is frequently included in sports massage blends?
- Chamomile
- Black pepper (Correct answer)
- Ylang ylang
- Neroli
Correct answer: Black pepper
Black pepper essential oil has rubefacient properties that increase local circulation and warmth, making it a popular addition to sports massage blends.
Question 7: What does the term 'adulteration' mean in the context of essential oils?
- A natural aging process that improves oil quality
- The addition of synthetic chemicals or cheaper oils to reduce cost or alter scent (Correct answer)
- The correct blending of top, middle, and base notes
- The recommended dilution for adult clients versus children
Correct answer: The addition of synthetic chemicals or cheaper oils to reduce cost or alter scent
Adulteration refers to the fraudulent addition of synthetic compounds, cheaper oils, or solvents to an essential oil, compromising its purity and therapeutic value.
Massage Therapist Essential Oils For Massage Therapy 5
Which essential oil has strong antifungal properties and is commonly used to address fungal skin conditions?