This interview was conducted in the Banner Therapy showroom with Maggie Weaver, the Director of Spa and Massage Sales. Maggie sees a large number of massage therapists per day coming through the showroom in Asheville.  There are several reasons for this. The most prominent is that Banner Therapy offers the best selection of massage oils in town -- at wholesale prices.  Massage therapists can count on Banner Therapy for all massage tools. Massage oils are the number one consumable in massage therapy practices.  This interview examines some of the subtle differences between the organic massage oils, natural massage oils, and aromatherapy massage oils regularly in stock at Banner Therapy, and through www.BannerTherapy.com.  

When a massage therapist visits the Banner Therapy Showroom, and insists upon organic massage therapy oils, where do you steer them?  
Currently, I send massage therapists in need of this type of oil to the new Organic Bath and Body line.  First of all:  it’s awesome massage oil. Second:  the price point is extremely good.  Massage therapists are thrifty, and are always willing to try something new.  The Organic Bath and Body line has a super organic massage oil made from all natural ingredients. 

Are there other lines of organic massage oils you would recommend?
Lotus Touch has a line of organic massage oils, lotions and creams.  This line costs between $10-20 more per gallon.  


What natural massage oils does Banner Therapy carry?
Bon Vital Naturale Massage Oil is an excellent product.  It’s a natural massage oil, lotion and cream line with an organic preservative.  Bon Vital and the Organic Bath and Body line are comparable in price and quality. The only difference is one is organic and the other is natural.    

Do some massage therapists prefer to use scentless massage therapy oil? If so, why?
Yes. Their clients may prefer this due to ‘scent issues.’ There’s really not much of a price difference on most massage oils that are unscented.  

If a massage therapist chooses to use aromatherapy massage oils, what are the most popular choices in scents?
Lavender and chamomile are the top scents in massage oils.  If it’s a sports or therapeutic massage, then it may be scented with eucalyptus, spearmint, or menthol.  These scents are especially relaxing for aching muscles.  


Does Banner Therapy also carry essential oils to add to unscented massage oils?
Yes. We have a full line of essential oils. They are priced very competitively.  We offer a bigger jar of essential oil for less than most retailers.  Most essential oils are packaged in .25 ounce and we carry them in .5 ounce jars.  

What is the best way for a massage therapist to save money on organic or natural massage oils?  
Buy them when they’re on sale.  Right now we have the Organic Bath and Body line on sale for 15% off.  The Bon Vital line is also on sale for 15% off.  Massage therapists should buy in the gallon quantity to save money. There are also some massage oils that are available in five gallons.  For the purchase of five gallon containers of massage oil, the savings is equivalent to one free gallon if five are purchased, so it’s well worth it.