Aromatherapy and Essential Oils in Thai Spa Business

ABSTRACT

This study collected financial information and information on essential oils used in Thai spas via questionnaires mailed to 105 spa managers or owners who operate spas certified by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. The majority of investments were less than 50 million Thai Baht (64.76%), of which hotel and resort spas dominated (44.76%). The predominant spa services given were aromatherapy massage (87.20%), followed by facial and body treatment (80.78%) and steam/sauna (74.82%). Most of the spa owners used natural essential oils (77.14%) as opposed to synthetic essential oils (22.86%). The five most popular essential oils were lavender (35.71%), lemongrass (20.54%), orange (16.07%), peppermint (15.18%) and jasmine oils (12.50%), respectively. Factors affecting essential oil selection in order of importance were organoleptic properties, therapeutic efficacies, purity, certification, price, supplier and tester.