Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the time honoured practice of using essential oils to promote healing and restore body, mind and spirit to a state of balance and wellbeing.

The word aromatherapy may be misleading because it suggests that it is a form of healing which works exclusively through our sense of smell and on the emotions. However, apart from the essential oils' scent, each one has a unique combination of constituents which interact with the body's chemistry and in turn affect certain organs or systems as a whole.

Aromatherapy can be effectively used to treat many different problems ranging from stress and tension headaches to eczema and arthritis.

How does Aromatherapy Work?

Through the sense of smell, the deepest human instincts and memories are influenced. We respond to aromas in less than three seconds, and because the oil molecules are so small they pass through the cell membrane quickly and diffuse the blood stream. Essential oils oxygenate the blood stream and stimulate the immune system.

There are many ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine, perhaps the most pleasant, relaxing and therapeutic ways is through a traditional aromatherapy massage. Massage benefits the body by stimulation of touch receptors and regulation of energy flow via pathways known as meridians. The combination of massage and essential oils can achieve excellent results, which is why I offer essential oils for your individual needs in all of my offered treatments.

I can create an individual blend of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cream or gel for you to use between treatments. A blend of essential oils could be created to use in the bath, via inhalation, using compresses or in an oils burner around the house to create an atmosphere of your choice.

What does Aromatherapy treatment involve?

Essential oils can be applied in a variety of ways but most commonly, directly to the skin in a carrier oil by massage. A specific area of the body causing concern can be treated, or if preferred, the whole body could be treated.

Essential and carrier oils are blended for each client's individual needs, depending on the nature of the problem. They can be combined to treat several conditions at the same time. If, following a detailed medical history, it is decided that massage would be the most beneficial way of applying the essential oils, you will be asked to undress to your underwear or to remove only the clothing you feel comfortable to do so, while the therapist leaves the room. Once undressed you will lie on the treatment couch, usually face down to begin with, and cover yourself with the towels. The therapist will only re-enter the room once you have finished undressing and are covered up. An aromatherapy massage will usually begin with the back and backs of the legs. The towels will be moved to access the areas being worked on at that time and then re-covered. After turning your body over, the front of both legs, the feet, arms and hands are then massaged.

If you do not wish a certain area of the body to be treated, for example the legs, these would be avoided at your request and more time would be spent on the other areas of your body that you are comfortable with being treated.

Is Aromatherapy Safe?

Aromatherapy is usually safe when conducted by a qualified professional. However, whilst oils are freely available and can be bought from a variety shops, please take great care. Essential oils should not be used neat on the skin or ingested. If in doubt, don't take the risk. Contact me and I will be able to give you advice.

What conditions can Aromatherapy be used for?

Aromatherapy has been reported to be beneficial for the following conditions:

		Stress Related Disorders			Headaches / Migranes and tension
		Muscular Aches and Pains			Insomnia
		Eczema			Arthritis
		Skin conditions including acne			Fatigue
		Depression			Anxieties
		Sinusitis			Digestive problems
		Blood pressure			Bring about a general feeling of calmness, wellbeing and relaxation

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